While checking my Prothonotary nest boxes this evening (in Perry
County), I found a pair of  Prothonotary warblers checking out a natural
nest cavity.  Why they would pass over my Windfall Cherry nest boxes for a
ratty old dead tree stump is beyond me, but I'm really glad they are here.
We saw a single male two days ago, and were quite encouraged by that, but
this is really encouraging.  This could be the beginning of something really
great.

     The real credit goes to the local beavers, who have dramatically
altered the habitat, flooding about 3 acres with up to a foot of water.
Areas that I used to mow are now impassable without waders.  I put up a
dozen boxes before last spring, in what is now perfect Prothonotary habitat
and hoped for the best.  A nesting Prothonotary would definitely be the
best.

     Will Continue to check the nest boxes and the ratty old tree, and keep
you "posted"

     Other nesting news.

     Have located both Red tailed and Red Shouldered nests nearby.  In my
garden I have Carolina wrens in the chicken's mailbox (yes, my chickens have
a mailbox), Chiping sparrows in the Asparagus, Bluebirds in the Bluebird
nest box and House trailer wrens in all the gourds.

    Joe in the woods
     Somerset, Ohio
       Perry County

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