Bluebird Update

For the past week I've been allowing the bluebirds nesting in a distant field their privacy. Yesterday I did an inspection and found the nest empty. I don't know if the young fledged or if they were taken by a predator. By the state of the nest, I'm leaning more towards the 'fledged' theory.

Surprise!! This morning a bluebird couple is constructing a nest in one of the boxes quite close by in my garden. Not for the first time, I've had a desire to interview another species.

The male keeping security watch while his missus furnishes their house.

She surveys the human with the camera before her next move.

She's found some pine twigs which are here in abundance.

Leaning out to position them end-wise through the entrance.

About to take off for another load of bedding.

Their chosen box is very close to my vegetable patch.

I wonder if they'll mind me weeding so close to their nest? Perhaps a perfect excuse for slacking off -- not that I really need one.