DEAR JOAN: We thought you might get a kick out of what’s transpiring on our front porch.

We have a hummingbird mobile hanging not 5 feet from our front door, and to our amazement, a hummingbird has made a nest on the mobile! She’s been working on it for several days, and today seems to be sitting in it for extended periods of time, so we think it might not be long before a baby hummingbird emerges from the mobile nest.

We’re doing our best to avoid going onto the porch and disturbing the bird, and have blocked off our walkway. Fingers crossed for mama hummer.

Eric and Kate, Fremont

DEAR ERIC AND KATE: Hummingbirds seem to make some unusual and perhaps unwise real estate choices, but there may be a method behind this madness.

Hummingbirds are shy and skittish, but they often come nearer to humans than other birds do. Some birds, including hummers, will occasionally use that natural fear to their advantage, building nests close to houses in the hopes our presence will help keep predator birds away.

That doesn’t mean they welcome interaction with us, so you’re right in trying to minimize contact with the hummer.

I’d love to know what develops with the nest, and readers, if you have pictures of unusual hummingbird nests, send them to me at jmorris@bayareanewsgroup.com. Remember to keep your distance when taking pictures. I’ll collect them into a slideshow for later this spring.

DEAR JOAN: I wonder if you could help me understand why this sad little bird has decided to sleep on a wire facing the house.

A small bird turns its face to the wall and settles in to sleep at a San Jose house. (Courtesy of Megan Lovelace) 

I can see why he might want to sleep on the wire — it’s under the eaves and somewhat protected — but why face the wall?

He appears every night, always faces the wall and is gone in the morning.

Megan Lovelace, San Jose

DEAR MEGAN: Although it seems like your bird is putting itself into timeout every night, sleeping facing the wall or corner is common bird behavior.

It’s somewhat akin to building a blanket fort over the furniture and crawling inside. It’s warmer than facing the open air, and it gives them a sense of security.

When birds sleep, they really sleep, snoozing to the point of near unconsciousness. They also fluff up their feathers to create even more insulation around them. Except when birds are sitting on the eggs, most of them don’t sleep in their nests and instead find protective roosts where they spend the night. It would seem this bird has taken a strong liking to your corner.

DEAR JOAN: We went for a hike the other day. It was early in the morning and quite cold, but when I came home, I noticed a tick on my ankle. Are ticks active in the winter?

Elaine G., Sunnyvale

DEAR ELAINE: Ticks in Northern California are the most active in May, June and July when nymphs are looking for blood to push them to their adult stage. However, ticks are out in all seasons, and hikers should keep an eye out for them after hiking. Don’t forget about checking pets for them, too.

Have a question for Joan?

Use this form to submit questions. Photos should be mailed separately to jmorris@bayareanewsgroup.com.