Kestrels, Culverts and Pretty Blue Visitors

There are now five nestboxes occupied by kestrels; two of the nests were found occupied only within the last couple of weeks.  One of the "routes" or areas where a cluster of nestboxes was installed is going to be decommissioned for the year.  Dino is visiting today to put plugs on the entrance holes to this particular group of boxes - none of which were chosen by kestrels this year.  The concern is related to fire danger, with the grass in that area having grown tall but now rapidly drying out, it seems better be safe than sorry when it comes to driving the ATV to check the boxes. 

In addition to checking the kestrel boxes put up with the Yosemite Area Audubon Society members, Dino is also working with a master bander, helping to check large groups of nestboxes - including wood duck and barn owl boxes in addition to the kestrel boxes.  He's also learning how to band the kestrels.

On the home front, Dino added a big piece of pipe to a culvert that got dug out on the road last week.  Here's the nifty new spot:

Saturday morning, as I was sitting in my easy chair drinking my first cuppa, I heard a really weird cry, which certainly brought me quickly to my feet. Turned out to be this beautiful blue boy, accompanied by his drab brown wife.  They spent some time under our bird feeders, scavenging, and seemed to join up later with one of the turkey groups that have been coming around for the same reason.