Birdbrains

My lantana is doing so well this year. It's one of my favorite plants. Unfortunately, it's also the preferred nesting location for a pair of Carolina wrens. I've been battling their nest-building attempts all season. They almost won last week, but I managed to thwart their strongest attempt yet.

It's not that I don't like baby birds. I think anyone who's seen my blog knows that. I willingly sacrificed a beautiful hanging basket to them last year. I ended up losing the plant (I didn't water it, because I didn't want to hurt the babies).

That's not the main issue, though; the main issue would be snakes. We had a few snakes climbing up the porch rails to get to the nest. Snakes are good, and we don't mind them - as long as they don't come to the porch. That's where we draw the line.

One of the Carolina wrens, very angry with me for not letting them use my hanging basket. However, since they like the location so much, I decided to swap another basket in its place; one that is about done for the season. This way, if they beat me one more time, I won't have to sacrifice a healthy plant.

Female cardinal. I've been seeing a lot of females and immature males lately. Although the males are so bright in color, I think I actually like the females better. Their faces look sweeter and less harsh than the males. Of course, I love them all.

Ruby-throated hummingbird helping himself to some nectar. They love the lantana, as do the bees.

Probably the same bird, helping himself to some sugar water. I had just cleaned and refilled the feeder, and he was pretty impatient. He actually buzzed me while I was refilling it. Their humming is pretty loud when they go right by your ear!

The white thing knotted at the top of the feeder is a fabric softener sheet. Last year I had a problem with wasps trying to get the sugar water. Earlier this year, I read that a fabric softener sheet attached to the feeder will keep wasps away. I figured it couldn't hurt to try, and surprisingly enough, it seems to have worked. I haven't had a single problem with wasps this year.

Very young titmouse.