All,

I think Monroe's shot of the Horned Lark with his head cocked to one side
while looking straight at the camera is a classic. I would suggest it to the
"editors" of the Atlas, but I don't want to start any more arguments about
that. So let's let it slide.

The eagle shots are nice, too.

I just came from a walk around our silly little lake and spooked two Green
Herons out of a Cedar. I looked up in there and could see what appears to be
the start of a nest in it. These are the 1st two Greens I've had here this
year and they seem to be already under construction. If so I will try to
report on progress without bothering them too much. I've never monitored a
Green Heron nest before.

As for the continuation of my pontification on bluebirding: I checked one of
the boxes tonight and mama bluebird just sat there and looked up at me. I
have no idea what she's sitting on because the last time I checked, the nest
looked complete but was empty. My guess would be about 3 eggs since then.

Now comes the very careful decision I have to make - I know the other box in
my yard is currently under the possession of those English Things. I've
already tossed one nest out, but they've rebuilt. If I disturb them again, I
run the risk of them moving over and taking out their frustrations on the
bluebirds. They may decide they're better off in the other box, evict my
little blue friends and rebuild there. My principle hope is to catch the
male in the box (yes I've done that before) and "dispose" of him. For my
method of disposal, you can check out an earlier post by Rick Sussman on the
subject. I think he said some woman used it. However I may let the sparrows
go until their young 'uns hatch, then at some point I will have to dispose
of the whole brood. Hopefully by then, the bluebirds will be close to
fledging and I can take the risk. Timing is everything.
    Wish me luck.

Jerry Tarbell
Adventutous bluebirder in Carroll County