20 Comments
Aug 1Liked by Mary Swander

Mary, pray tell, what were the birds whenthe eggs hatched and why one white egg? I do miss Bluebirds. See an occassional one in Maine nd did see a beauty in Colirado Springs in April. No cardinals in CO.

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More information coming on the next installment. With luck, you'll see bluebirds and cardinals when you are here in Sept.

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Aug 2Liked by Mary Swander

Mary, when you let down the front wall to see inside, were you worried that you might be disturbing the nesting process? Just wondering. Also, is the front wall attached at the bottom, or does it lift off? Thank you for an enlightening post!

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I was worried at first about disturbing the process. But Joel told me to check on the box once a week to make certain there weren't other critters in the nest. I approached it carefully. I could see through the slot and didn't go near it when the female was on the nest. I also made sure I didn't touch the nestlings.

The front wall is attached at the bottom. All very secure. I will go into more detail on the next installment. Glad you enjoyed this one.

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Thanks for this post, Mary. We put up bluebird boxes a few years ago. Tree swallows won out in one box for a couple of years. Now they are all in a state of disrepair. I think we need to start over with these more knowledgeable instructions! Thanks for the great story that goes with the happy return of the bluebirds. Just ordered the book!

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Thanks, Elizabeth. Same thing happened to me. The book is really good. Troyer has a lifetime of experience. with birds. Now to get the bluebirds to eat out of my hand.

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Aug 1Liked by Mary Swander

Now I want to know where that shop is, so I can buy the book.

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The books are on order. I will get a copy for you and let you know when it's in. You can get it from me in my shop downtown Kalona.

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That sounds great. Thank you!

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Aug 1Liked by Mary Swander

Another great read, as always. Your stories transform everyday events into wondrous tales of discovery and excitement. Bluebirds are the state bird here in Missouri, as well as for New York.

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founding
Aug 1Liked by Mary Swander

Love this report ... another instance of being pleased to learn of something that, only in another life, I would like to think of doing myself... it's enough to know of your success. No envy! Just great interest! Thanks for sharing it.

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Glad you enjoyed this, Deba.

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How beautiful! Thank you, Mary! This story made my day!

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So glad to hear that.

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Love the careful instructions - especially that you can buy caulk at the hardware store!

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Wasn't that caulk line great? The instructions were one of the most priceless parts of this experience.

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I am inspired to put up boxes!

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Do it! And maybe an accompanying poem?

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Deal!

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I love the colorful bluebird boxes crafted by Joel Yoder. They truly fit in with your yard art menagerie, especially the “Amish-made bird feeders fashioned in the shape of a cardinal, bluejay, oriole, and goldfinch.”

Thank you, Mary, for this delightful story. Finding four tiny eggs in the nest is like discovering a treasure! I’m looking forward to the next installment.

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