Here we go again...

The female bluebird in the west box laid her first egg yesterday. A normal clutch for bluebirds is five eggs. If this couple is 'normal' she will lay the last egg on Friday and start incubating immediately. Typical incubation is 12 - 14 days and they will fledge 16 -22 days after hatching. I will monitor the nest box daily until the fledglings are about 13 days old. Checking the box after that may encourage early fledging. As before, I will try to take pictures for you.

My gratitude for the bluebirds inspired this card. I do keep a daily record to report to the Illinois Bluebird Society and I do thank them for the beautiful flash of blue and the lovely muted song of the male. They add immeasurably to my garden and can brighten up even the most depressing day.

Paper: Stash; Stamps: Magnolia Tilda's Diary, Stampin' Up; Distress Ink: Walnut; Copics: [Skin E11, R20, E00][Dress E34, E33, E31, E30, E50][Book E42, B32][Feather T3, T1][Hair YR23, Y21, YR31][Chair E57, E59]