MY FLYCATCHERS

Eastern Phoebes have nested in my over turned canoe under my carport for at least four years straight.

Their presents in my yard is much appreciated, specifically for the removal of the dreaded deer flies. These attractive little birds comb the air for any flying insects. Before they arrived the deer flies would be biting me unmercifully on the hot humid summer days. With them here I can go through a whole season with no bites.

They usually have two batches of babies but they had a late start this year and may only have one. The canoe never moves. Was thinking of closing off one end for a wood shed but thought better if it affected my Flycatchers.

Adult Phoebes pictures from .... duckduckgo.com

Comments below from "All About Birds" ... https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/
Eastern_Phoebe/overview#

Cool Facts

• In 1804, the Eastern Phoebe became the first banded bird in North America. John James Audubon attached silvered thread to an Eastern Phoebe's leg to track its return in successive years.

• The use of buildings and bridges for nest sites has allowed the Eastern Phoebe to tolerate the landscape changes made by humans and even expand its range. However, it still uses natural nest sites when they are available.

• Unlike most birds, Eastern Phoebes often reuse nests in subsequent years—and sometimes Barn Swallows use them in between. In turn, Eastern Phoebes may renovate and use old American Robin or Barn Swallow nests themselves.

• The Eastern Phoebe is a loner, rarely coming in contact with other phoebes. Even members of a mated pair do not spend much time together. They may roost together early in pair formation, but even during egg laying the female frequently chases the male away from her.

• The oldest known Eastern Phoebe was at least 10 years, 4 months old. It had been banded in Iowa in 1979 and was found in 1989 in Alberta.