Further on chickadee nest cavities

Excavator Bird was at it again this afternoon, looking silly with the tail-feathers poking out of the hole and wagging. From notes on past chickadee-years, this is likely to be a dud nest. They'll start a hole this early, work at it for a few days, and lose interest. Then, mid to late April, they'll get serious about a real nest hole.

I don't know if the section of dead trunk they've chosen is thick enough for a real nest, anyway. But I left those dead tree bits there for just such a purpose, either chickadees or the downy woodpeckers, so it warms my heart to be appreciated.

More sunshine and melting today. Colder predicted for the end of the week, with possible rain or snow.