Mariton - Four Nests; Four Eggs

The nest in the yard had 4 new eggs this week when I monitored it.  Bluebirds built four new nests in the boxes in the meadows.  It is very common to see them while walking there.  I will be honest.  I don't think that two of the new nests will get used, as they are very close to each other.   It does however indicate that we have at least three pairs of bluebirds nesting.  Next week more eggs should be laid and we will be able to see which nests are active. 

As I was walking, a red-tailed hawk flew across the Turnpike Trail in front of me.  I put up the binoculars and saw a squirrel tail hanging limply from its body.  The hawk perched on a branch and continued eating its meal.  As agile as squirrels are, I am always amazed that they are regularly caught in the wild.  I, of course, realize that the predators have evolved to take advantage of the high numbers of squirrels available.  I find squirrel hair in fox scat, as well as other signs that they have become some creature's meal.  But squirrels have likewise evolved to avoid being eaten, and have lighting reflexes.  It is an amazing dance - "sometimes you're the windshield; sometimes you're the bug."