Location! Location! Location!

Well, I know that spring has arrived when the birds begin looking at real estate around the farm. The Chickadees, Wrens, Tree Swallows and Bluebirds all flit about checking out the bird houses trying to be the first to land a purchase and sales agreement on their favorite. The Phoebes however are another story, nice birds but not too bright in the house location department. My first indication that they were in the market for some real estate was when I found them in the garage checking out some shelves, I quickly showed them out and closed the door behind them. They managed to get even with me the next day when I opened the hay barn door and a large clump of mud fell on my head. I looked up and saw the remains of a mud nest they were attempting to build on the top of the sliding door. I removed the nest hoping they would take the hint and find a better spot...........they didn't, 3 days in a row I took a direct hit to the top of my head with a mud nest. I'm happy to report we have compromised and a cease-fire now exists. I built them a nesting shelf and located it 12 inches to the left of my door, then moved some of the mud nest onto it, as of this morning they are busily remodeling the new location. I guess they are pretty smart, they tricked me into building them a nesting shelf!!