Comments for Exploring Nature by Sheila Newenham

Comment on A Western Flycatcher Nest by Sheila Newenham

Sheila Newenham — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 23:50:44 +0000

Hi Pam,
I love that a pair of flycatchers has chosen your deck! Mine are back this year, but have chosen a new nest site. I’m not sure where, but I see them swooping down to catch insects now and then.
I wouldn’t worry about your fledglings. In my experience, whenever I second guess nature, it turns out She always knows what She’s doing. Even though the fledglings can’t fly when they leave the nest, somehow I never see them.
Enjoy your little piece of nature!
Sheila

Comment on A Western Flycatcher Nest by Pam M in Golden Colorado

Pam M in Golden Colorado — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 17:17:37 +0000

Hi Sheila, I’ve got a pair of western flycatchers nesting under my 2nd story deck this year. The nest is in an odd position, facing the house, so I’m worried that when the chicks leave the nest they won’t have much choice in flying to a safe spot. There’s a couple of Ponderosa pines close by but the chicks would basically have to do a U-turn to get to them Well, we shall see. In the meantime I’m checking the paved area below the nest each morning when I come out, in hopes of seeing…nothing 🙂

Since I can’t see my nest very well, I loved your photo essay!

Comment on American Toads by Sheila Newenham

Sheila Newenham — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 17:29:41 +0000

In reply to Emma Claire. Thank you! I now live in a place without toads and every spring, I miss them.

Comment on American Toads by Emma Claire

Emma Claire — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 17:17:31 +0000

Very cool. Love these pictures

Comment on Tidepooling Surprises on San Juan Island by Sheila Newenham

Sheila Newenham — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 19:32:21 +0000

In reply to Darcy Berg. Aw shucks! Thank you so much, Darcy. I appreciate your enthusiasm. I always learn something new, too and I love to share my newfound knowledge!

Comment on Tidepooling Surprises on San Juan Island by Sheila Newenham

Sheila Newenham — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 19:30:03 +0000

In reply to Chrissa Stuart Osborn. Thanks so much, Chrissa! I’m glad you enjoyed it.

Comment on Tidepooling Surprises on San Juan Island by Chrissa Stuart Osborn

Chrissa Stuart Osborn — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 01:34:41 +0000

Awesome Sheila . What an amazing journey !!!

Comment on Tidepooling Surprises on San Juan Island by Darcy Berg

Darcy Berg — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:45:35 +0000

Love, love, love your posts. I always learn something new. Thank you!

Comment on A Western Flycatcher Nest by Sheila Newenham

Sheila Newenham — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:54:05 +0000

In reply to Teresa. Thank you for your comments, Teresa. I’m thrilled to help you learn about your wildlife! I’m always honored when animals choose to nest and rear their young nearby. “My” western flycatcher pair is just back in the last week or so and seem to be nesting in a new spot that I’ve yet to stumble upon. Enjoy the nature show on your back porch!

Comment on A Western Flycatcher Nest by Teresa

Teresa — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:18:03 +0000

Thank you for all the details about the Western Flycatcher nesting habits and rearing of their young. We have a nest under the eaves by our back door and I had a lot of questions about what/how they feed their young, about the fecal sac, gestation etc. , and your detailed posts with pictures answered them all! Most info. I found provided a brief summary which was not as helpful. Thanks for being so specific and descriptive.