We’re having a rainy morning here in Vermont. Looks like momma bluebird took a rain delay before getting to work. Since she got started, she’s been coming into the box every few minutes. She’s adjusting the grass in the nest and pressing her belly down to form the cup for her eggs.

We’re watching eastern bluebirds build their nest in a camera-equipped nesting box. We can watch without disturbing the birds.

Momma bluebird has been hard at work again this morning. She’s been hauling in more grass and getting things squared away.

There’s a spider in the box, you can see a piece of grass caught in her web on the left side of the video. The question is, how did the spider get in the box? Just chance? A couple years ago, we had wrens in this box. Mrs. Wren brought a spider into the box but didn’t eat it. A quick web search suggests this is common behavior for wrens, apparently the spiders prey on mites, fleas and ticks that annoy the birds. Let’s see if Mrs. Bluebird cohabitates with this spider, or if it becomes a snack.

Have critters showing up regularly? I’m always looking for critters to photograph. I’m always on the lookout for mammals bigger than a squirrel, especially with a family. For birds, I’m looking for owl and woodpecker nests this year. It usually takes me several trips and many hours sitting and waiting to get the photos I want. If you’ve got critters someplace I can come and go without bothering them or you, I’d love to know.

We’re watching eastern bluebirds in a nesting box that I built with a camera mounted inside so we can watch without disturbing the birds.