Art Wolfe was kind enough to send me a swallow nesting box a couple of years
ago for "winning" the yard bird competition for my neighborhood (and alas, I
have not matched that count from two years ago since!). But since I put it
up, we've had two chances for it to be used, and it's sat empty both years.
Until THIS year, when it was finally found, and used - by black-capped
chickadees. Oh well, they're cute, and it's fun to watch them swooping in,
and eyeballing all round before ducking inside. I think it'll work pretty
well: its location makes it proof against crows, rats, and raccoons, but the
lack of cover may render them vulnerable to bird hawks. Time will tell.



At any rate, thanks, Art!



-Josh Hayes, in beautiful Licton Springs