Swapping Huckleberries
Himalayan Honeysuckle ( Vaccinium glauco album) Himalayan Honeysuckle ( Vaccinium glauco album) has been an attractive feature along our north-facing foundation since I planted it in 2016. You will have to take my word for it since I cannot locate a photo although I know one exists somewhere in the realm of the Internet or floating on a cloud somewhere. I did locate a photo of how it looked when it was first planted - It took a few years to fill out but it did so nicely to an attractive mound about 2 feet high by 3 feet wide. Last year, it started to look bad. I cut it back but it had not improved and this is how it looked a few weeks ago - I decided to rip it out and plant another huckleberry - this time Vaccinium ovatum , more commonly known as the "Evergreen Huckleberry". This is a plant that I've wanted for ages and kept putting off getting one because I could not find a good place for it. By most accounts, this is an amazing plant, a native one and excellent for
Wrens will nest in many odd places! They have nested in a pot of ivy on our porch. In the motor transom of our pontoon boat. In hanging flower pots on our porch. Thy build a neat domed shape nest. They also tolerate us being near them although, we try to not bother them... oh, I almost forgot about the one that nested in a towel drapped over our boat! We once removed a nest of eggs from the boat and carefully placed it on a nearby hanging ladder in hopes mommy would find it while we went to the lake. Mommy found the nest and I was lucky enough to peek into the nest as one baby was hatching!
ReplyDeleteWrens will nest in many odd places! They have nested in a pot of ivy on our porch. In the motor transom of our pontoon boat. In hanging flower pots on our porch. Thy build a neat domed shape nest. They also tolerate us being near them although, we try to not bother them... oh, I almost forgot about the one that nested in a towel drapped over our boat! We once removed a nest of eggs from the boat and carefully placed it on a nearby hanging ladder in hopes mommy would find it while we went to the lake. Mommy found the nest and I was lucky enough to peek into the nest as one baby was hatching!
ReplyDeleteAnd they build quickly. I have to be careful to close the big garage door during spring and summer. Otherwise, they will build in there before I know what they are up to. Clothes pin bags, caps, etc. are all quickly claimed.
ReplyDeleteI hope your wren appreciates the house and the quiet spot you've found for it...Now I must check out ebay! gail
ReplyDeleteGail, let me know if you need the seller info and I'll send you his link.
ReplyDeletePhillip you wasted your money. I've had one up for years, and another at my old home. They'll pick out the weirdest places to nest, I have one that likes fertilizer and peat moss bags right under the bird house. Give them a hanging basket and they'll probably use that. I had one that kept coming through the dog door on the back garage and building a pot in my little lawn trailer. I thought I had discouraged it after 3 times of throwing the nest away until I found the remains of hatched egg shells on the floor. She had gone up higher and built in a pot up on the shelf. In the 100+ temps we had and inside a closed up garage, they didn't make it.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great wren home to me! Even if not a wren, I am sure some sort of bird will love it.
ReplyDeleteI have found their nests in odd places too. Its true about leaving the garage door open-they will have a nest built in hours! They are fun little birds. Enjoy! Carol
ReplyDeleteWonderful!!! Good luck!
ReplyDeletethe state employees credit union in my area sells birdhouses, maybe that will be the case for your town as well... Also, wrens around here nest literally in the stupidest places imaginable. They are not very smart nest builders, hopefully they will see your place and jump in! Last year they made a nest in one of the pots I had on the ground under the porch. Not a great place to avoid predators, wrens! Maybe next time try a tree!!
ReplyDeleteI love how sassy wrens are. Last year they moved into the bluebird house after the bluebirds moved out and retrofit their nest to their standards. They used the original nest to lay their eggs but added sticks to function as a ladder in and out of the nest. It was pretty awesome. I'm sure your house will be full soon. :o)
ReplyDeleteJen, I tried finding someone local without any success. I used to see people selling them at flea markets but I don't think we even have a flea market anymore.
ReplyDeleteMary, the house is also supposed to be good for chickadees. If the wrens don't use it, surely another bird will.
Ours like to nest in hanging baskets or the mail basket.
ReplyDeletehttp://peekaboo.smugmug.com/Animals/Carolina-wren-fledgling/8145376_CP78G3#!i=531405289&k=mLJPDjh
Very nice addition to the garden. Hope your wren makes it a permanent home:)
ReplyDeleteYes, let's hope that this becomes a permanent home and not just a temporary wrental! Wrens are wonderful birds although we don't hve Carolina Wrens here we do have others. Beautiful bird house!
ReplyDeleteI hope you will have success with wrens moving into your new home. I used to have bluebird boxes but never had any luck. Carolina wrens used to nest in my wreaths on the door...or in a potted hanging plants!
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