Abandoned Boxes (by Humans)
Also see postings under Starting a New Bluebird Trail
Date: Fri, 2 Nov 2001 10:08:29 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: BB boxes
To: Adthomas10"at"cs.com, BLUEBIRD-L BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
As a Bluebirder, in my travels I'm always looking for bluebird boxes, type of boxes, how they are mounted, etc. In the last year I was in Delaware, Ohio, saw many boxes, also visited our daughter in
Weyerhaeuser Wisconsin, also noticed many boxes. Last week we were in Sarasota Florida, for a week and I didn't see a SINGLE BB box
Dan Thomas
New Providence PA
And John Schuster wrote:
It's my opinion that the east coast is miles ahead of the west coast when it
come to nest boxes.
More is not necessarily better! As I travel through south central PA there are
many nest boxes. If you watch them you'll find many more "sparrow trails" than
"bluebird trails". I feel that the majority of the boxes I see are more counter
productive rather than being a benefit. When I found "My" trail it was a dozen
poorly placed boxes in a state park. It was erected as a scout project and then
neglected. I had no intentions of becoming a blue birder, but walking through
the park in the fall of 1999 I found only boxes used by house wrens, sparrows,
wasps, mice and snakes. The park always had bluebirds and tree swallows but how
successful they were in nesting is anyones guess.
Jim Elliot
East Prospect, York County, PA ...
From: "Bruce Burdett"
blueburd"at"srnet.com
Subject: Malignant Neglect.
Date: Fri, 2 Nov 2001 14:06:06 -0500
To: Jim Elliott, et al,
I would have to echo Jim Elliott's observation that most of the people who
put up Bluebird houses - except for the few who have done their homework on the
subject - neglect monitoring completely, and end up with nothing but House
Wrens, House Sparrows, squirrels, Starlings, wasps, mice, and the occasional bat
or Flying Squirrel. Most of these houses, which I gather are put up chiefly for
decoration, are not even cleaned out from year to year. Maybe these are the
LEAST harmful, since they get so packed with trash that NOTHING will use them,
and at least they do little actual harm. Eventually they rot and fall apart.
Elwell, in SW NH
From: "Maynard Sumner"
msumner6"at"home.com
Subject: Re: BB boxes
Date: Fri, 2 Nov 2001 15:06:45 -0500
I see a lot of boxes along I-75 and I 69 in Michigan. I do not think anyone
is checking them. I put notes in some of the boxes asking for someone to call me
about the boxes. I would like to get them into Michigan Bluebird Society if I
could. Some are in bad loc. and some are falling. It looks bad for us Michigan
Bluebirders when out of state birders see this. I would work on some of them,
but do not went to make someone mad.
Maynard Sumner
Flint, MI...
From: "Pauline Tom"
bluebirds"at"austin.rr.com
Subject: Abandoned (by humans) Nestboxes
Date: Sat, 3 Nov 2001 07:28:01 -0600
Branching off on the thread of discussion on unmonitored nest boxes that have
fallen into disrepair, what are ideas on how to prevent this from happening? We
know what the problem is? What can we do to "fix" it?
At least one North American Bluebird Society (NABS) affiliate has an agreement
that goes with each of their nest boxes. The box does not go up until someone
has signed the agreement which stipulates the box must be monitored. Does anyone
have a copy of such an agreement? I'd like to see the wording.
Texas had a similar situation to the nest boxes with abandoned trot lines. Years
ago it became illegal to put a trot line out without a tag identifying who put
the line out and the last date it was checked. I wonder if NABS affiliates might
launch a similar plan? But what could be used that would hold up in weather for
at least a nesting season?
Maybe the answer would be the distribution of a metal tag imprinted with words
"Owner requests that this box be removed if it falls into disrepair".
Bluebirders might insist that such a tag (with wording refined) go on boxes they
put up and those installed by Boy Scouts.
Boy Scout-installed boxes seem to be a major problem. It seems that we who care
must find some way to get word to Scout Masters that nest boxes should not be
installed unless someone or some group commits to monitor boxes for at least
several years. Any Eagle Scout nest box project should include plans for ongoing
monitoring and maintenance and a plan to have the boxes removed after 3 (?)
years if abandoned.
If I remember correctly, the Scout projects Darlene Sillick (in Ohio) has
overseen have a group of adults as monitors.
I spoke with a Scout Master at Texas Parks and Wildlife Expo whose troop takes
responsibility for any trail installed as Eagle Scout project.
Perhaps we can encourage some Eagle Scout projects to remove / repair abandoned
trails...rather than building more.
This is bluebirders off season. Perhaps in a brainstorm we can come up with some
ideas some of us can implement.
Pauline Tom
Mountain City (no mountains) Texas
...
From: "Dusty Bleher"
dusty"at"fsinc.com
Subject: Re: Abandoned (by humans) Nestboxes
Date: Sat, 3 Nov 2001 08:06:01 -0800
While I agree that for optimal use, a nest box should be monitored; I don't
think that we need to go overboard with agreements, signed affidavits and so
on... After all, who cleans out the natural hollow in a tree?
An untended nest box will probably not be as effective over a period of time as
one that is carefully monitored and tended...but it's better than nothing...
Best regards all,
Dusty Bleher
San Jose, Ca.
From: "Pauline Tom"
bluebirds"at"austin.rr.com
Subject: Re: Abandoned (by humans) Nestboxes
Date: Sat, 3 Nov 2001 14:08:47 -0600
For clarification, I would not support government regulation or enforcing an
agreement a purchaser makes to monitor a box.
A box with signage "Take me down if I'm dilapidated" would give Maynard (who
started this thread) permission to remove a box. He saw abandoned, unmonitored
nest boxes along roadsides. He put unread notes in boxes. Since he cannot locate
"owner", he cannot remove them.
Education is key, rather than regulation. If a box is purchased with a signed
agreement "This box will be monitored", the purchaser will be educated regarding
the importance of tending to the box.
Before I got into bluebirding, when I bought boxes (bird houses) I thought my
only responsibility was to install the box. No way would I open the box during
nesting and cause the birds to desert the nest :-) I simply did not know. No one
taught me.
Dusty, in many cases abandoned, unmonitored boxes are not better than nothing.
Boxes become House Sparrow factories. In other cases, with multiple layers of
nests, nestlings of native birds are too close to hole and they are taken by
predators. Isn't a purpose of a nest box to provide a safe place for native
birds to multiply - with an even better chance of survival than was available in
natural cavities? PTom
From: Adthomas10"at"cs.com
Date: Sat, 3 Nov 2001 19:39:40 EST
Subject: Abandoned boxes
I think we need to "simplify" the way we open our BB boxes. To those of us
who work full time, and monitor boxes, we don't have a lot of time to check
them. I simply nail a 6 penny galvanized finish nail, bent 90 degrees, and nail
it into the wood next to the door. By moving the nail one-quarter of a turn, you
can open the door. . . . . I used to use the "hole drilled at an angle" where
you would remove the nail and then open the door. Many times I wood drop the
nail in the grass, or have trouble aligning the nail in the hole.
I know many folks have trouble with vandalism and its necessary to screw the
boxes shut. . . . . Then you have to use a screw driver or cordless drill which
takes extra time. We all live in a "fast track" get things done quick, society.
. . . Would we have fewer abandoned boxes if we had easier access to monitor
them???
Dan Thomas
New Providence PA
From: "Dusty Bleher"
dusty"at"fsinc.com
Subject: Re: Abandoned (by humans) Nestboxes
Date: Sat, 3 Nov 2001 16:51:56 -0800
...
We continue to agree that boxes should be monitored. Although I'm sure that
we both monitor faithfully, we don't agree on the continuing commitment to
monitoring. I contend that boxes should be monitored. But I further contend that
an unmonitored box is/was better than nothing. After all, NOBODY monitors
natural tree cavities. And that is, after all, what we're attempting to augment.
A properly monitored box could produce 3 fledgings in a year. An unmonitored
box, one, maybe two, or in an exceptional moment maybe even three... But NO box
yields NO fledgings...
Our feathered friends have been taking care of themselves for millenia. I'm
fairly sure they can continue that trend long after we're both returned to
finely powdered dust...
I'm less concerned about someone who puts up a box and then for any number of
reasons (including lack of knowledge) either doesn't follow up on monitoring,
than I am that a potential next box provider that simply won't put one up
because of the real or imagined workload monitoring might cause. If they put up
a box and don't monitor it, they should expect to get at least one brood out of
it. If they don't put up any boxes, they won't get anything. At least, if they
put one up, and decide that it's too much work, they could always hand if off to
someone. No box no possibility of a hand off...
I say that we should do everything we can to get folks into the action and
spirit of providing nest boxes. If they only buy a few and then quit, it's still
better than if they buy none. At least if they get started, they have the option
of "finding their own joy" in doing it, or one of us with experience could help
them over those startup hurdles...
L8r all,
Dusty
From: "Pauline Tom"
bluebirds"at"austin.rr.com
Subject: Fw: Dean Sheldon on Abandoned (by humans) Nestboxes
Date: Sat, 3 Nov 2001 20:48:59 -0600
List, With Dean Sheldon's permission I am forwarding the response he sent to
me earlier today. Thanks Dean, Pauline
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dean Sheldon Jr."
seedbed"at"accnorwalk.com
Sent: Saturday, November 03, 2001 8:37 AM
Subject: Re: Abandoned (by humans) Nestboxes
At 07:28 AM 11/03/2001 -0600, you wrote:
[HI: YOU MAKE MANY GOOD POINTS...BUT I GET CONCERNED...really
concerned....ABOUT MAKING SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS BLUEBIRDING FAR MORE COMPLEX
THAN IT NEEDS TO BE. WHO'S GOING TO ADMINISTER ALL OF THIS? WHO'S GOING TO DO
THE REGULATING? WHO WILL PROFFER THE RULES AND THEN ENFORCE THEM?
I AGREE THAT WORKING WITH THE BSA WOULD BE A GOOD THING...BUT THE BEST WE COULD
DO THERE IS HOPE FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE BIRD STUDY MERIT BADGE BOOK RELATING TO
TRAIL MANAGEMENT/THE NECESSITY FOR MONITORING...EVEN THEN IT WOULD BE UP TO A
MERIT BADGE COUNSELOR SOMEWHERE TO FOLLOW THROUGH.
NO QUESTION...THERE ARE FEW THINGS THAT UPSET ME MORE THAN DILAPIDATED NESTBOXES
(ESP. BB/MARTINS)...BUT THAT DOESN'T DO MUCH FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM.
SUGGESTION: WHY NOT ASK THE TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF NABS TO TAKE A
LOOK AT THE PROBLEMS WHICH YOU POSE WITH AN EYE TOWARD POSSIBLE REMEDIES OF A
NON-REGULATORY NATURE. THE CHAIRMAN OF THAT COMMITTEE IS MYRNA PEARMAN AT ELLIS
BIRD FARM IN ALBERTA, CANADA mpearman"at"rttinc.com.
OUR BEST HOPE LIES IN INCREASED EDUCATION AND IN ENCOURAGING AFFILIATES TO
PROMOTE BEST PRACTICES IN TRAIL MANAGEMENT. IN MY OPINION, WE WILL GET NO WHERE
IN TRYING TO REGULATE OR ENFORCE ANYTHING....we have too much of that in our
lives now.
THANKS FOR EXPRESSING YOUR THOUGHTS AND FOR YOUR INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT... WARM
REGARDS...........dean
Date: Sat, 03 Nov 2001 20:40:48 -0800
From: Linda Violett
lviolett"at"earthlink.net
Subject: Re: Abandoned (by humans) Nestboxes, Linda Violett - Yorba Linda, Calif.
Pauline, you asked which materials could be used to make weatherproof nestbox
ownership tags--an excellent idea, by the way. Nestbox ID tags can be made
similar to luggage tags. A business card-size NABS blurb could be completely
sealed in plastic for attachment to boxes with instructions for the owner of the
box to write his name and contact information on the reverse side using a
fine-tipped permanent marker and screw it onto the box.
In my crowded suburban area of So. Calif. we don't have abandoned nestboxes but
we do have vandals. So I write a short note of why the box is hung in the park
on the backs of old business cards, then I borrow a luggage tag sealing machine
and make several dozen tags. These are screwed to the inside backs of my boxes
and are completely waterproof for after-fledge scrub-downs.
Thanks, Pauline for pursuing the "abandonment" topic toward possible solutions.
From: "Dusty Bleher"
dusty"at"fsinc.com
Subject: Re: Abandoned (by humans) Nestboxes
Date: Mon, 5 Nov 2001 08:08:58 -0800
This has been an interesting thread. I'm sure the debate amongst caring
individuals about this matter will probably go on without fixed resolution.
Permit me, on that note, to submit to you all what *I* do. You're welcome to
take or reject of it what you will...
As I'd mentioned elsewhere, I do monitor and care for my nest boxes. But, as
seems to have occurred to some of you, I too have come across uncared for nest
boxes. Here's what *I* do:
1) I observe them for a period. With even infrequent visits, one can pretty well
figure out if the boxes are being monitored.
2) If they are obviously NOT being cared for, I step up and provide at least
some prophylactic care. If they need to be cleaned out, I do it. I can't imagine
any box owner, upon finding his box cleaned out and repaired, would vociferously
object.
3) If the owner appears or contacts me, we can talk. If they object, I stop
(hasn't happened yet). If they appear surprised or mortified at what they did
(or didn't do), we discuss how monitoring is supposed to be done, and I work
with them to get them up to speed. This has been the outcome in all but 2 such
events for me. And in those 2, I've never found/contacted the owner, and have
simply assumed the care of the boxes.
Now look! You have to apply just a modicum of common sense here. You can't
clamber into someone's back yard to care for a neglected box. But you can ring
their door bell. I've never yet found someone who took offense at these kinds of
intrusions. If they didn't know better (know that they should be monitoring--and
what to do) they were effusively grateful. If they'd "fallen off the wagon" in
caring, they got back up and [re]took charge. If they didn't want to do it
anymore, they were more than grateful for the care--and invited me to continue.
100% of the boxes I find are in either very remote or semi-public places. My
trail is in and along a county park (a semi-public place). I've found neglected
boxes in other parks (a well known local wildlife refuge, for Pete's sake!), and
along our many remote back country roads along ranch lands. Yes, that land--and
well even those boxes--are on "private land". You don't really have any right to
be there. But contrary to popular opinion, they can't shoot you for being there.
At most, they can demand that you leave. Should that be the case, do so--and
don't come back! OTOH; somebody stepping onto another's ranch to monitor a box
isn't exactly the same as killing or rustling their stock! If nothing else,
country folks are very caring. In all cases in which I've participated, they
were both thankful and grateful. One went far as to give me the combination to
his gate locks, and the locations of his hidden keys, so that I could better
drive across his ranch and better take care of the boxes.
Later all,
Dusty Bleher
San Jose, Ca.
From: "Pauline Tom"
bluebirds"at"austin.rr.com
Subject: Re: Abandoned (by humans) Nestboxes
Date: Mon, 5 Nov 2001 13:13:51 -0600
I received another suggestion (off list) that I share:
In areas where there are just a few boxes, I would suggest leaving a note
inside the box. If the owner doesn't pick up the note (ie monitor the box), or
it gets taken over by HOSP, I would simply render the box unusable (tip up the
floor, seal the hole etc.). If, in another season, the box is still not checked,
I'd quietly remove it.
From: "Jim McLochlin"
bluebirdbox"at"cox.net
Subject: Re: Abandoned Boxes
Date: Mon, 5 Nov 2001 21:48:11 -0600
I get a lot of emails and phone calls from Mothers, Fathers, Scoutmasters,
and Scouts about how to set up trails for Scout Projects. In my past I have also
been involved very heavily with Scouts and understand and respect their desire
to fulfill their projects.
However, many of these Scouts have a limited time commitment to these projects,
as they are willing to accomplish great things to attain their current goal. But
once that goal is attained they usually move onto another goal. This is great as
a method of challenging them. But, it can be not as great for bluebirds and
other native cavity nesters.
Locally, we had a great number of boxes set out as part of local Scout projects
at certain flood control Dam Site (actually very similar to the site that I have
for my bluebird trail). To my knowledge the boxes were never monitored and
turned into a haven for house wrens and house sparrows. The placement of the
boxes was less than ideal, but I have seen much worse. I think the big failure
was the lack of an on going monitoring function. Many local bluebirders were
involved in the removal of the worst placed boxes and eventually all the boxes
had to be removed because the house sparrows and house wrens had total control
of the area.
My recommendation to those who call or email? I try to tell them of the
commitment they must make. Maybe not themselves, but of someone within their
group. If they are unwilling to make that commitment then I suggest that this
project may not be suitable. I also tell them that if they initially feel they
can make that commitment and then find they cannot meet that commitment that
they should remove the boxes they placed and have offered my assistance in
removing or locating someone who can monitor these boxes. I also offer to let
the local Scouts (or for that matter anyone who is interested in setting up a
trail) to go on my trail as I monitor to see what is involved.
The sad part is that I seem to discourage more than what I have encouraged. I
have never had a Scout take me up on an offer to go with me on a trail. I have
had a number of others who have gone on my trail and either take over my trail
(allowing me to take on a trail that is need of monitoring) or set up a trail of
their own. I must say that for the most part if they go on the trail with you to
see how it is done and what the commitments are, they usually will turn into a
dedicated bluebirder. They may only set out one or two boxes, but the boxes they
set out are well maintained and monitored.
Jim McLochlin
Omaha, NE ...
From: "Pauline Tom"
bluebirds"at"austin.rr.com
Subject: Re: Abandoned (by humans) Nestboxes / PMCA's "Project Demolition"
Date: Tue, 6 Nov 2001 14:35:40 -0600
Dusty Bleher's Message that mentioned talking with owner of boxes that have
been neither monitored nor cared for reminded me of an idea a bluebirder or
group of bluebirders might adapt.
Purple Martin Conservation Association sponsors "Project Demolition" and
provides a letter (
http://www.purplemartin.org/main/projdemo.html ) that is designed to be
signed and distributed by a caring person who notices a "martin-less house" that
has been taken over by sparrows or starlings.
For those who do not have ready access to the Web, I have pasted PMCA's "Project
Demolition" letter below my signature. Pauline Tom Mountain City (no mountains)
TX
PROJECT DEMOLITION LETTER FROM PMCA:
Dear Property Owner,
We notice you have a Purple Martin birdhouse in your yard, and we applaud your
good intentions in attempting to provide martins a place to nest. However, did
you realize that by allowing your martin house to stand unmanaged, you are
indirectly harming the very birds this house was meant to benefit? You are
providing a breeding place for the martin's worst enemies - the European
Starling and the House Sparrow.
Sadly, the once-common Purple Martin has undergone a dramatic decline during
this past century. A major cause of this decline was the introduction of two
destructive non-native, cavity-nesting birds in the late 1800's - the European
Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) and the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus). These two
aggressive "pest" species, the avian equivalent of Gypsy Moths, Norway Rats, and
Crabgrass, increased rapidly in number and gradually spread across the
continent, wreaking havoc on the Purple Martin. Starlings and House Sparrows are
often referred to as "the vermin of the air," and are harmful to many native
birds.
These two species are so aggressive and destructive that it is no longer
possible to start a colony of martins simply by erecting a martin house and
waiting for the martins to move in. Why? Because starlings and House Sparrows
will move in first. Once established, their territorial aggression will repel
all investigating Purple Martins. Unless you live in an area where martins are
super-abundant (and such areas are rare), your chances of attracting martins to
your box without continuously evicting starlings and House Sparrows are slim to
none.
More persistent and aggressive than martins, starlings and House Sparrows will
not only prevent martins from nesting in your martin house, but they will also
breed in the house themselves (producing more of their own kind) and will kill
or chase away any martins that attempt to investigate or nest in the house. The
large number of neglected, starling-infested and House Sparrow-infested martin
houses that can be found in backyards everywhere are a sad testimonial to a once
robust population of martins. Most people who have a martin house in their yard
would not be able to recognize a Purple Martin if it landed on it. That is
unfortunate because martins are a beautiful, graceful bird, now very scarce or
absent from large expanses of their former range. Again, an unmanaged and
neglected martin house actually hurts rather than helps the Purple Martin.
Please help Purple Martins by taking steps to keep starlings and House Sparrows
from breeding in your "martin-less" house. If you are not willing to
continuously evict starlings and House Sparrows (by trapping, shooting, or nest
removal) please consider taking it down altogether. If you want to leave the
martin house up as a decoration, but don't have time to control starlings and
House Sparrows, please plug the entrance holes.
We hope this information sheet has not served to offend you. That was not its
intention, and apologies are offered if it has. If you would like more
information on how to attract Purple Martins, please contact the Purple Martin
Conservation Association, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA
16412, or visit our web page at http://www.purplemartin.org. Our e-mail address
is pmca"at"edinboro.edu. Thanks! :)
This page, written by PMCA staffer Ken Kostka, is designed to be photocopied and
distributed to homeowners with "martin-less" houses acting as breeding sites for
starlings and House Sparrows. The PMCA suggests its members sign copies of this
document and add their own address/telephone #, but it can also be presented
anonymously. Perhaps you might also offer to help the homeowner dismantle their
housing and give them a tour of your own (or a nearby) healthy colony. Show them
how to do it. You might make a friend!
From: "Keith & Sandy Kridler"
kridler"at"1starnet.com
Subject: house sparrows and abandoned nestboxes
Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2001 06:04:24 -0600
Keith Kridler Mt. Pleasant, Texas
I have different views of house sparrows than most bluebird trail monitors. I
have observed them close up though the cross hairs of a rifle scope for almost
40 years now.. I have just as many on my property now as I ever did:-)
Someone mentioned the other day about not seeing ANY bluebird boxes in
Florida recently. The last time I was in Florida I saw MILLIONS of house
sparrows. The same goes for when I have been in Mexico! I have never been to
Miami but I bet there are some sparrows there! In west Texas & New Mexico I have
counted around a hundred nesting pairs of house sparrows in a single tree! These
are weaver finches and they do not need a nestbox but will use one.
At the NABS convention in Galena the convention was held at a ski resort. They
did not have a single nestbox on the lodge grounds. Shawn and I walked one
morning and located 36 house sparrow nests. They were mostly in the Larch and
Fir trees with their nests crammed in the branches. They were piled up on old
barn swallow nests under the eaves of the buildings. They were nesting in holes
in the walls and soffit of the buildings. If we counted 36 nests there were
probably 136 that we missed!
Now there was one pair of bluebirds hanging around the lodge. I never located
a cavity or a nestbox on the grounds but they seemed to be flying off with
insects towards another piece of property that might have had a suitable cavity.
I will bet that if we start a movement to burn every nestbox and martin house
in America for the next ten years that house sparrow and starling populations
will not change more than 5%. What would this do to purple martins and
bluebirds?
I was doing research on flickers for a lady and in A.C. Bent writings he
mentions finding five different native cavity nesters using one single snag and
all nesting within 10 feet of each other. The bluebird film by Berlet shows
three different cavity nesters in one snag within about 5 feet of each other. IF
we forced everyone in the US to install at least five nestboxes on EVERY tree,
pole or post what would happen to the populations of all cavity nesters?
Population of birds is based on year around food supplies. Disease limits flock
sizes and density of birds in an area. Otherwise every letter at Wal-Mart or
Bank of America buildings would have a sparrow nest behind them and every rafter
of every barn would be covered with sparrows.
TRILLIONS of excellent cavities, ledges ETC. for house sparrows go unused
each year! On this list this past spring over 50% of those writing mentioned the
stiff competition between the native cavity nesters on their trails for cavities
even to the point where bluebirds were killing and destroying chickadee and
titmice nests....
I would much rather see a million cub or girl scouts install a nestbox and get a
chance to see the miracle of birds building a nest and observing the life cycle
of ANY bird for ONE single year than to encourage them to not install a box if
they are not going to be PERFECT monitors! Make it FUN make it SIMPLE but MAKE
them build and install the nestbox! KK
From: "Jim McLochlin"
bluebirdbox"at"cox.net
Subject: Re: house sparrows and abandoned nestboxes
Date: Thu, 8 Nov 2001 10:54:37 -0600
To some on the list and maybe even to Keith my Message about discouraging
would be bluebirders to not set up a trail if they are not going to monitor it
and Keith's Message below may seem from opposite ends of this discussion.
However I don't see it that way. I do think we may have a different approach and
overall philosophy. However, I too want to instill that spark in the would be
bluebirders, I just want to do it on my trail or another bluebirders (for those
who contact me from out of state/area) and not at the expense of setting up what
would be become unmonitored boxes. That is why I invite anyone who has an
interest in bluebirding to tag along with me on my trail as I monitor to see
what needs to be done and what the overall commitment is. It seems when they
make that first step, they never look back and they become committed
bluebirders. On the other hand when I discuss by email, phone or snail mail
these same topics I never hear from these individuals again. I assume they are
no longer interested because of the required commitment. Either way I feel I
have done what is right for the bluebirds and other native cavity nesting birds.
Jim McLochlin
Omaha, NE 00
...
From: "ke4fej1" ke4fej1"at"email.msn.com
Subject: Visit to Venice, FL Sarasota County
Date: Thu, 6 Jun 2002 21:13:42 -0400
Hi Everyone, Today I traveled down to Venice, FL and to the Carlton Preserve
or Reserve...not sure what it's name is. I had heard there were 14 Bluebird
boxes on their lands. This is also located in Sarasota County Sarasota, FL.
I found the Carlton lands to be a beautiful representation of Florida. I also
found it does not have anyone watching anything. I was the only one in the area.
I started to walk the brick layed trail. Very beautiful, but I decided that I
should not do this alone. Also the land was not at all an open area land but a
lot of palmetto palms bushes and trees.
Back in my car, and thinking I would go down the Service Road Only, I saw the
first Bluebird box. Now feeling a bit experienced in checking a box I went to
see the condition of the first box. They had nice boxes and professionally made
predator guard. But inside the box was the biggest frog and a large wasp nest
with 2'' size wasps inside.
I then went down the Service Road and found 3 more boxes. All containing
frogs. No birds, or nests.
I am now trying to talk to the people who put these boxes up and see who
maintains them and what this Trail has produced in the past.
Still no word on if I can use the Private Lands in North Sarasota. Today I
also talked with another county and they want me to help with a Trail they are
planning to put up. Also to help with a Boy Scout Group who was building boxes.
Then he said he had someone who wanted to give away 43 newly built Bluebird
boxes!!!!! This would help me and this other county!
I also tried to contact and wanted to stop and visit Joe Huber...Joe I did
not see you in the Book and did not have your number with me...another time.
Keeping ya posted... Christy Sarasota County, FL
From: "carol fitzpatrick" gdfitzmich"at"msn.com
Subject: removing unmonitored nest boxes
Date: Tue, 16 Jul 2002 20:46:30 -0400
Bob,
Many people aren't as responsible as you are about unmonitored nest boxes. Once
those boxes are up, they stay up until they disintegrate and go to sparrows,
which we know only hurts bluebirds in the long run. For example, Independence
Oaks County Park, an 1100 acre park in Oakland County, Michigan had only an
occasional sparrow problem along the perimeter from the outlying subdivision
until about a year or so ago when the trail monitor who I know lives 30 miles
away, had to quit. She turned over the responsibility to the park who apparently
didn't have enough staff to monitor the boxes properly. We found out about the
condition of the trail when we bought a park pass and happened to be riding our
bikes through the park and were astonished to find HOSP in 20 out of the 26
boxes we checked. There are another 26 which we didn't check that are off the
road so we don't know what's going on there. We volunteered to try to reduce the
sparrows by setting trapsand cleaning out nest boxes in the front 26 boxes but
it is amazing that
all this mayhem could occur in only a couple of breeding seasons.
A similar thing happened to me 4 years ago at the Charles Bowers School Farm
in Troy, Michigan. This 50 acre farm in the middle of the city and next to the
freeway had 2 dozen wooden nest boxes left by some trail monitor who apparently
lost interest. There were sparrows in every box except a couple that were tipped
over and falling down. Bluebirds and tree swallows were of course still
attracted to the huge open, rolling meadows and tried to nest in these less
desirable boxes 3 feet off the ground on wood posts but were unsuccessful due to
predation by cats and who knows what other predators. I wanted to help but I
knew the trail was unmanageable as it was, so I took down every wooden box and
replaced them with 8 PVC boxes with stove pipe predator guards not higher that
5' off the ground. I knew that the 1/4 mile-plus distance to the barn and other
buildings didn't bother the HOSP, because they were nesting in the farthest
parts of the farm in the wooden boxes. I tried to place the PVC's far away from
the buildings but the first year, but the sparrows killed 4 bluebird babies. I
took that box down. Needless to say, it was a learning experience. I now have
only 7 PVC boxes there as far away as I can get them from the buildings and
haven't had a bluebird killed by sparrows in 2 years--knock on wood (no pun
intended). The sparrow population has been reduced at the barn some what by
Farmer Brad removing nests but there are still many. They seem to stay closer to
the buildings now. I'll keep trying to help them as long as I can keep the
sparrows at bay. This one's labor intensive but a couple of pairs of blues and
tree swallows keep coming here every year so I try to give them a place of safe
harbor where they can raise their families. If at some point I can't monitor
them, I will remove the boxes as you are doing or will find someone who can
remove them. Bob, your post is an important one because everyone should know
the proper thing to do with unmonitored nest boxes. It will safeguard the future
welfare of the bluebirds and other native cavity nesters. Having less nest boxes
is 100 times better than having nest boxes filled with sparrows. Thanks, Carol
Fitz
From: "Lawrence Herbert" lherbert"at"4state.com
Subject: abandoned trail
Date: Thu, 5 Sep 2002 08:16:13 -0500
There is an Eastern Bluebird trail that has been abandoned for the last
couple of seasons. It is in Crawford County, extreme se Kansas. It has 8 to 12
boxes. I rarely get over that way, but was there in early June. At that time one
box had a House Sparrow nest on top of a bluebird nest with a dead male bluebird
in it. Six others had House sparrows in them. Cleaned them all out. Last
Tuesday, Sept. 3, I was in the area again. Six had House Sparrow nests, one had
a large paper wasp nest in it and one was infested with ants.
The moral of the story is that if you become unable to care for your trail,
or if you become too busy or are no longer interested, then pass it along to
someone who will monitor frequently or take them down. Otherwise, in most
places, they will become House Sparrow and wasp nest boxes.
Good birding, Larry H. Joplin MO.
Date: Wed, 04 Dec 2002 18:10:08 -0800
From: Linda Violett lviolett"at"earthlink.net
Subject: Re: getting ready?
Linda Violett - Yorba Linda, Calif.
Carole wrote:
We seem to have lots of female House Sparrows here also, even saw one bringing sticks into one of the boxes last week. ...
We ended up with 9 boxes on our property and controlled the HOSP by trapping them when they claimed a box.
...
My problem now is that it looks like we will probably be moving within the next year or two I am worried that we will be unable to monitor the boxes properly once we begin making these changes, or possibly our house could sell while nesting is still going on,
...
if we are not here or able to monitor them and fight off the HOSP, I know the bluebirds will be in big trouble.
I'm also worried about the birds who have come to depend on us for the seed we put out... I am hoping I'll be able to convince whoever buys our home that it is really wonderful to watch all the activity in the front yard near the feeders and hopefully they will continue to supply their
seed.
Greeneville, TN
***
Carol, I didn't see any on-list response to your question on whether to
remove boxes in anticipation of selling your home. Good question . . . complex
variables.
If there is a good chance you will be moving, I suggest you quickly find
nearby bluebird-friendly yard(s) to relocate your box(es). From your
description, you are feeding a lot of seed and bringing in a lot of house
sparrows. Since most homeowners will not trap house sparrows, make sure you are
placing any boxes with people who do not attract house sparrows--yards with no
millet seed and no extra boxes. Let them know that you are *temporarily*
relocating boxes in anticipation of a possible move. This will prevent
disruption to nesting birds and you can still remove the box at any time.
Help the neighbors monitor the box(es) during the transition and get them
familiar with Bluebird-L and log sheets. If they seem responsible, you can leave
the boxes with peace of mind. If it doesn't work out, remove the boxes before
you leave. In your absence, you should still assume responsibility for the
outcome of the boxes. Ask for yearly log sheets to include with your annual
reports and remove the boxes if house sparrows are allowed to nest.
And, if you can't find nearby alternate locations for your boxes, I recommend
you give your yard back to native birds by taking down excess boxes and seed
which is attracting house sparrows. Try offering only thistle/Niger seed,
safflower seed, hummer feeders and one bluebird sized box per 2-acre forage area
along with other boxes house sparrows can't use.
Since you mentioned your concern about not being able properly monitor the
boxes when/if the changes start taking place, could you give us an estimate of
the time it takes to trap house sparrows in your yard per nesting season. Are
all 9 of your boxes bluebird size? On how many acres?
From: "Zimmerman, Bet"
To: "Bluebird Listserv" bluebird-l"at"cornell.edu
Subject: Frustrated by people who don't monitor nestboxes
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2003 14:29:09 -0400
I was at a friend's house in Scotland, CT--14 acres of meadows, ideal habitat
for EABL. She had several boxes on her property. I asked her if she had
bluebirds nesting, and she said "I don't know--I see them around some times." I
checked one of her boxes and it must have had 10 nests (EABL, TRES, HOWR) piled
up, one on top of another, jammed into the box all the way up to the roof - I
could barely get the door open! She obviously never checks/cleans the boxes.
(It's all I can do to keep myself from checking boxes in my yard every day!)
When I tried to talk to her about it, she was spectacularly uninterested, even
though she really likes birds. It's frustrating. I have noticed that a lot of
people never look in their boxes (including my own mother--I let her have it!),
because they are worried about disturbing something, and they never clean them
out. And don't get me started on people who have their boxes mounted on trees
even though they could put up poles.... Sigh....
Bet from CT
From: "Bruce Burdett" blueburd"at"tds.net
Subject: Negative thinking.
Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2003 09:06:50 -0400
To the Constituencies,
When I'm feeling especially cranky and negative for some reason, I find
myself mulling over hard lessons like the following, which I have learned from
12 years or so of pretty serious bluebirding:
1.) Many people simply WILL NOT monitor or clean out houses. They put them up
and never touch them again until they rot or fall down.
2.) Many people ignore, completely or in part, the bluebirding advice that folks
like you and me try to give them.
3.) Many people believe steadfastly than one must never open a box or inspect a
nesting or disturb nesting Bluebirds in any way whatever.
4.) Many people believe that if you touch a nestling it will be abandoned by its
parents and quickly starve.
5.) Many people build or buy houses that are impossible to open without
disassembling them.
6.) Many people persist in putting houses on trees and buildings where they are
easy targets for all sorts of things.
7.) Many people try to attract Bluebirds by putting commercial birdseed in or on
or near their houses.
8.) Many people absolutely refuse to keep their cats indoors. They insist that
it's cruel to the cats.
9.) Many people routinely locate Bluebird houses in prime House Wren habitat,
then wonder why the wrens destroy Bluebird eggs and chicks and wreck the nests.
10.) Many people would not dream of putting Bluebird houses anywhere but in
their own yards. (Not one of my 72 houses is in our yard.)
11.) Many people would not dream of interfering with House Sparrows or
Starlings, much less eliminating them.
12.) Many people think that all birdhouses should have perch dowels and paint.
13.) Almost no one uses any kind of anti-predator device.
14.) Most of my host landowners are happy to have me put up houses on their
property and monitor them regularly myself, but I only know of one man, this
year anyway, who actually is willing to do the monitoring himself. I hear: "It's
too much trouble." "It's too icky." "I don't have the time." "I can't be
bothered." etc. etc.
Some of you, I'm sure, have learned hard lessons of your own.
Now I feel better, and I can get back to work.
Bruce Burdett, NH Bluebird Conspiracy,
Sunapee NH
From: Keith & Sandy Kridler [mailto:txbluebirder"at"sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Tuesday, October 19, 2004 8:49 AM
Subject: Placing and leaving nestboxes Keith Kridler Mt. Pleasant, Texas
I spent yesterday working for a man just south of Shreveport LA. to help him improve his 70 acre "estate". Last year when we worked with him I put up three bluebird nestboxes because he has perfect habitat. We left him bluebird information and a copy of The Bluebird Monitor's Guide. I checked the nestboxes yesterday and all three of the nestboxes had multiple old nests of bluebirds. We watched bluebirds on and around the nestboxes all day. Bluebirds were calling all day as they flew high overhead above the property. Winds were gusting out of the south at 25>35 MPH. Temperatures reached the low 90*s for a high and are now at a muggy 76* for a LOW overnight temperature. I fully expected to see flying squirrels in some of these nestboxes but the habitat lacks food for them. This farm, about 28 miles south of downtown Shreveport "failed" in the 40's when the soil eroded to the point that cotton could no longer be harvested for a profit. In the 50's pine trees were planted in the old cotton furrows and Bermuda grass was seeded over the poor soil. Today Bahia grass is taking over as pine bark beetles are decimating the mature pines. There are now more stumps than living trees. This was originally a hardwood forest when the white man arrived and the only virgin tree on the property was an oak that was five feet in diameter. It blew down in a storm this spring. Across the road from this property mature oaks are being bulldozed for a massive "gated community". Catty corner to the property this owner sold his families original farm to the "country club" for a new 18 hole golf course. 1/2 mile away Shreveport is just about to complete their new section of the "third" loop around south of the town. Developers are in a buying frenzy near the new city expansion zone. As the trees come down and lawns and sprinklers are installed thousands more acres of forest will become good nesting habitat for more bluebirds. Should I take down the nestboxes or consider these "natural" cavities that probably won't be monitored correctly? KK
From: Kathy [mailto:howbizr"at"gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2005 12:07 AM
Subject: Advice wanted for adopting an unmonitored trail
So... here's the deal. I went to this middle school when I was a kid.
Apparently since then, a large bluebird trail was set up on the edge
of the property. This should give anyone who ever wondered if
monitoring was important JUST how important it really is. Anyways,
here's my report from my investigation a few days ago. Please
read/skim my report, but do check out the end - I need advice on some
details.
* Approximately 30 boxes, very beautiful location. Boxes appear to
have been well placed - the area is teaming with birds and bugs.
Repair issues:
* 1 box with only a pole
* Two boxes knocked over but in good condition, broken poles.
* One box with a good pole, half rotted box from being on the ground too long.
* One box with hole enlarged by a wood pecker.
* Several boxes that couldn't be opened or were missing a screw so
couldn't be closed. (to be continued..)
* Several boxes with tops that were coming undone (as in, an 1" gap
between the siding and the top panel, potential rain problems)
Contents:
* Two or three old wren nests, one of which is still infested with
wasps (I left that one be and cleaned the others out. Will have to
take care of it at a later date).
* One box with really old and large wasp nests in it. (again, have to
remove later)
* About 4 or 5 old mouse nests. All removed, no mice (thank heavens)
but need a little more cleaning to get out the 0.5" layer of old grit
at the bottom.
* HOSP nests in every usable box, but all but one appear to have been
unused (couldn't find feces or whitewash). Do feces decompose to the
point of disappearing after several years?? (It is unknown exactly how
long this trail hasn't been monitored, but at LEAST one winter)
* Believe it or not, one complete EABL nest with 5 eggs. When we came
around, no male in the direct area, but we saw a male about 0.5 mi
away, so that might be him. Eggs were warmer than ambient temperature,
female was in the area but very leary and eventually flew away.
Placement and box types:
* Two boxes deep INSIDE the woods next to some benches and
daffodils... (which makes me wonder... a lot...)
* One box in tall bushes - appears the bushes may have grown taller
than when the box was first placed.
* Some boxes had one external panel painted dark brown or light tan -
any ideas why? (I may need to bring a compase to see if they are
consistantly painted to account for summer heat)
* Two non-bluebird boxes. Help identifying their purpose?? The holes
were placed about 7-8' in the air, the boxes cannot be opened, the
hole is about 1.5"-2" wide, and the entire box is huge in comparison
to typical EABL boxes I've seen before - approx. 6"x6"x14".
* One bat house with a crooked pole about 15' tall - yay :)
I need some advice on the following points (this is obviously after I
get permission to monitor the trail):
* Should I move the boxes in the woods and the one that has been
overgrown? (I assume yes)
* Anything special I should know about the mouse nest boxes, as far as
sufficiently cleaning them for bird use (the bottom is quite gross...
possibly 1/8" rotted)?
* How do I handle the tick problem? Both Scott and I had several ticks
on us after being back there for 2-3 hours total, which is kind of a
lot in my opinion. Should we use deet? B vitamins? garlic? Is long &
thick hair better down or wrapped in cloth (so as to get fewer ticks)?
How common are tick diseases in the midwest? Do ticks get worse or
better as the summer progresses?
* In regards to the old HOWR nest/wasp infestation - how should I
proceed? I was thinking a cold night if possible, flashlight, and some
contact bug killer (have to look up what was supposed to be safe for
birds). Is there a better way to do this? The nest is really packed in
tight, so reaching in and pulling hard is the only way to remove it,
which seems very dangerous with the wasps.
* What do I do with the non-bluebird boxes with the large holes that
can't be opened (that also cannot be easily reached)?
Thanks guys, and I hope you enjoyed the story. I'll keep you posted.
Kathy Haines
Central Ohio
From: Keith & Sandy Kridler [mailto:txbluebirder"at"sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2005 8:33 AM
Subject: Re:Advice wanted for adopting an unmonitored trail
Keith Kridler Mt. Pleasant, Texas
Mouse nests: Two common species of white footed mice can have Hanta Virus in
the old dropping in their nests. In this case I would carry a spray bottle
of chlorine bleach diluted with water for cleaning purposes and wet down
both mouse nests and the worst of the bird nests. Protect your hands with
plastic gloves or use an old "hamburger flipper" spatula to run under the
old nests to clean them out.
Place the old nests in a trash bag or bucket for removal to dispose of them
away from the trail.
There are several diseases that can be transported to humans from the dust
in some bird feces and also from rat or mouse droppings and dried urine (or
any other living creature.)
It is a matter of time before Avian Bird flu that is potentially dangerous
to some humans makes it to America. It is deadly to a high percentage of
chickens, ducks, turkeys and recently 18,000 pounds of "chicken feet" a
delicacy for Orientals was smuggled into Ohio for sale in restaurants and
ethnic grocers there. These "chicken feet" came from countries contaminated
with Avian Flu.
Potentially someone buys this chicken foot with the virus in it and it
spreads to cats, dogs or pet birds and then out into the environment. A
little over 500 million chickens have been killed in the last two years to
stop this outbreak which continues to spread across Asia in wild and
domestic bird populations.
This shipment of "Chicken Feet" was imported in boxes clearly labeled "Jelly
Fish". Border agents passed this shipment on into the food chain because
Jelly Fish is not banned from importation. So other cuts of chicken possibly
contaminated with Avian Flu are probably smuggled into the USA every week
under some other food label. (For the first time in history the USA is
importing more $ worth of agriculture products than we are exporting).
People can also be carriers of this virus and spread it from humans back to
birds after a trip to a quarantined country.
This is NOT to scare people but to get them to use common sense when dealing
with nestbox monitoring. Do you use your bare hands to clean out the cat
litter box?
Anyway I would repair and monitor this nestbox trail, move nestboxes as
needed and try to get a teacher or parent involved back with this trail.
Next month I will help 100 K> second graders build nestboxes at our county
park. We (Texas Master Gardeners) will try to teach 30 parent helpers all
they need to know in four one hour classes to attract native birds and
monitor these nestboxes. This is the generation that will be monitoring
boxes when I am gone. KK
From: Lawrence Herbert [mailto:lherbert"at"4state.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2005 11:27 AM
Subject: unmonitored trail
Kathy and bluebirdsters: I found an unmonitored 9 box trail too, but it's
too far for me (65 miles one way), so the HOSP and wasps have had it.
I'd get some boots and use deet for the ticks.
Works for me.
I'd fix up the boxes and open the two that are in the woods. They must be
for Great Crested Flycatchers.
You may have to let the wasps have those that are infested for this season.
I know a person that got rid of them at night by putting a clear plastic bag
over the entire
box and taping it to the pole then crushing them next day. (Guess his bag
didn't break)!
Good find! And good birding, Larry H. Joplin MO.
Subject: RE: Advice wanted for adopting an unmonitored trail
Date: Thu, 21 Apr 2005 11:44:04 -0400
To: 'Kathy' <howbizr"at"gmail.com>, <BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu>
My two cents in CAPS BELOW (but it doesn't mean that I'm shouting :-)
* Should I move the boxes in the woods and the one that has been
overgrown? (I assume yes)
YES UNLESS YOU WANT TO TRY TO GET CHICKADEES AND TITMICE
* Anything special I should know about the mouse nest boxes, as far as
sufficiently cleaning them for bird use (the bottom is quite gross...
possibly 1/8" rotted)?
FOLLOW KEITH'S ADVICE
* How do I handle the tick problem? Both Scott and I had several ticks
on us after being back there for 2-3 hours total, which is kind of a
lot in my opinion. Should we use deet? B vitamins? garlic? Is long &
thick hair better down or wrapped in cloth (so as to get fewer ticks)?
How common are tick diseases in the midwest? Do ticks get worse or
better as the summer progresses?
DEET IS CONSIDERED THE MOST EFFECTIVE CHEMICAL REPELLANT. WEAR LONG
SLEEVED, LONG PANTS TUCKED INTO SOCKS/BOOTS, LIGHT COLORED CLOTHING - MAY
ATTRACT TICKS LESS AND MAKE THEM MORE VISIBLE. I KNOW SOMEONE WHO WORKS IN
THE FIELD IN LONG ISLAND WHERE THEY HAVE THE NATION'S HIGHEST INCIDENT OF
LYME DISEASE WHO HAS NEVER BEEN BITTEN AND SWEARS IT IS BECAUSE HE EATS
GARLIC ALL THE TIME. LYME DISEASE IS NOW FOUND IN EVERY STATE IN THE U.S. I
BELIEVE. OF COURSE THERE ARE OTHER TICK DISEASE. NYMPHS ARE PROBLEMATIC AS
THEY ARE HARDER TO SEE. SEE CDC WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/
* In regards to the old HOWR nest/wasp infestation - how should I
proceed? I was thinking a cold night if possible, flashlight, and some
contact bug killer (have to look up what was supposed to be safe for
birds). Is there a better way to do this? The nest is really packed in
tight, so reaching in and pulling hard is the only way to remove it,
which seems very dangerous with the wasps.
MOST FOLKS WOULD NOT USE ANY PESTICIDE IN A BOX, ALTHOUGH THERE ARE SOME
PYRETHRIN BASED? PESTICIDES AVAILABLE FOR CAGED BIRDS. IN COLD WEATHER THEY
WOULD BE LESS ACTIVE, BUT AT NIGHT YOU WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO SEE THEM. YOU
MIGHT TRY SPRAYING IT WITH CIDER VINEGAR SO WASPS LEAVE, AND THEN REMOVING
THEM. OF COURSE BE VERY CAREFUL!!!
* What do I do with the non-bluebird boxes with the large holes that
can't be opened (that also cannot be easily reached)?
REPLACE ANY BOX THAT CAN'T BE OPENED, OR RECONFIGURE IT. I'D PUT HOLE
GUARDS ON TO REDUCE SIZE (SEE
http://www.sialis.org/bluebirdstore.htm#red )
IF YOUR GOAL IS TO ATTRACT BLUEBIRDS OR SMALLER BIRDS.
BEST OF LUCK AND MORE POWER TO YOU!
BET FROM CT
|
