For the birds...

It's hard to imagine it is already the fourth of July - Independence Day in America.  Summer has finally come to Western New York with 80 degree days and 60 degree nights.  What excites me is that the Northern bluebirds I have been courting for years have finally decided that my yard is worthy to play and dine in.  I'm not sure where they are living and raising their babies since they are not using the houses I have readied for them for the past ten seasons, but that's okay.  What a thrill it is to watch them dive off of the high maple branches and scoop up insects --- brilliant blue colors bouncing off their wings and backs.  They have plenty of company in my front yard.  The gold and purple finches, tree sparrows, chickadees, and nuthatches obligingly drop seeds under the caged-in feeders so they get plenty to eat by gleaning through the blades of grass beneath them.  I tried buying them their own feeder, filling it with the dog food pellet looking food that they are advertised to like, to no avail.  Finally I just let nature take her course and they appeared.  They enjoy perching on the shepherd's hooks that hold the hummingbird and thistle feeders so it's a double treat when all parties are in attendance.  Wish you could see them, but I'll be happy to keep you in the loop with their antics.    Speaking of antics, probably one of the funniest things I've seen at the feeders was a very determined indigo bunting who finally got tired of waiting for his turn at the feeder and started pulling at the tail feathers of a bright yellow goldfinch who firmly placed himself on one of the perches and wouldn't give it up.  The tug-o-war continued for a few moments with a lot of backward pecking at the pesky bird.  But, he hung in there and the goldfinch finally let him have his way.  The contest made my day!