Bluebirds! Season 5. Episode 1.

Charles River, Charles River Peninsula, Needham, MA

Bluebirds and tree swallows have been around for a week or two but have just started defending particular boxes. So nest box checking starts now!

Eastern Bluebird couple, Box 5

I think it's fair to say we have evidence of bluebird nesting behavior at box 5.

Eastern Bluebird female, Box 5

When I checked the box earlier in the week it appeared as if they were building on top of a tree swallow nest. We'll see if the tree swallows (or house sparrows) let them keep it. (This has been a contentious box in the past).

Tree Swallow, Box 8

Tree swallows are on all the remaining boxes

Tree Swallows, Box 14

including the house sparrow favorite, box 14 (though the swallows successfully claimed it last year).

Tree Swallows, Box 15

and even "extra hole" box 15, which I had basically written off this year. I wonder if and when they will notice its unsuitability?

Pine Warbler, Charles River Peninsula, Needham, MA

And warbler migration season has officially commenced. Lots of yellow-rumped warblers, ruby-crowned kinglets, and pine warblers singing from the canopy today.