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Bluebirding Memories (Part 1)Subj: Fondest Memory Date: 1/26/00 9:08:15 AM Central Standard Time From: mrsimple"at"earthlink.net (Wendell Long) Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: mrsimple"at"earthlink.net To: bluebird-L"at"cornell.edu Attn: Kids of all ages! Once again, it is time for the First Annual Fondest Memory Contest! The rules are simple! Just post your fondest memory to the list and The Committee of Judges will pick the top three winners! You are allowed to vote your best 3 memories in order. Each member of your family may have a vote-maximum 5 members voting per family for possible listing of 15 fond memories per family. Include a brief-a few lines-description of why you chose such a memory. All decisions of the judges are final and winners will be announced February 5. Hurry, get in on the action before it is too late. The prize will be one of my award winning bluebird photos! I know you can hardly wait. The goal here is to have a good time and to recall some of the best times of your life!!! No soreheads allowed, only pleasant memories are eligible! Ok let the trumpets sound! Judge(that's me) not eligible for grand prize. Again, just simply post your fondest memory and why. Try to keep it related to cavity nesting, but if you cannot,you will not be punished. Wendell Long Chairman, First Annual Fond Memory Contest PS: Although I am not allowed a prize, one of my fondest memories are fence rows! 'Cause that is where the birds always hung out. Whatever happened to fence rows. Things are so neat anymore. Farmers even wear neckties and attend great Universities and buy big Tractors to clean their fence rows. I remember fondly the great fence rows just filled with birds!! Ahhhhhh yessss. Subj: SORRY Date: 1/27/00 9:55:23 AM Central Standard Time From: terrywild"at"erols.com (Terry) Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: terrywild"at"erols.com To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu I'm sorry Wendell. I was afraid you wanted only bluebird fond memories. Since I have no bluebirds in my yard. I have no story to tell. I have lots of other bird stories! But, I'm afraid they would be too boring for everyone. Sorry. Terry Wild Terryville, CT Subj: RE: Guilty Date: 1/27/00 9:55:51 AM Central Standard Time From: RWil2654"at"aol.com Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: RWil2654"at"aol.com To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Hi Wendell; I don't feel guilty I just could not find my round-to-it. I also have here-after disease and could not remember what I was supposed to do or why I was setting at the computer. I guess that even though the contest is closed I am going to give you mine. The first time I saw all three species on the Tiara Rado Golf course will always be my fondest memory. I could not believe my eyes I though the EABL were WEBL but I know they couldn't be because they did not have the typical hood. There was no one around to share this find with so I stopped a golfer to tell him. He was unimpressed not knowing one bird from another. That night I called a local Audubon guy who lives there and he confirmed my find. I guess it don't get any better than that. Sorry everone else ignored you but you should be use to that. I may get around-to-it to day and send you a box. Bob Wilson 2654 Sperber Lane Grand Junction, CO 81506 (970) 242-5190 39* 06.21N 108*33.61 W 4,635 elevation http://www.crosswinds.net/~bluebirdbob/ http://www.dnr.state.co.us/wildlife/volunteer/bluebirdproject.htm Subj: Re: No Fond Memories! Date: 1/27/00 10:36:35 AM Central Standard Time From: bluebirdbox"at"cox.net Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: bluebirdbox"at"cox.net To: mrsimple"at"earthlink.net, bluebird-L"at"cornell.edu OK now we have hit the topic that I can't refuse. This was not a fond memory but one everyone else will enjoy and the only one I could think of when Wendell started the contest. In fact it is so strong that I'm going to interrupt my web site update to tell it. I had pretty much convinced my daughter that bluebirding was a cool thing to do. She would go with me on every time I would go do my trail and had become quite good at it. She was only six or seven years old at the time. We were about half way through my trail, which at the time was on private property. The trail consisted of mostly patures, some horse some cattle, some with electric fence some without. Most of it very hilly My daughter had a hard time crossing the electric fence and after climbing the last hill I must admit I was wheezing a bit also. She tried to go over without my help and a received a pretty good shock right in her crotch. Just like any good father I told her she just wasn't be very careful and showed her how to cross the fence without getting shocked. At that point she refused and I carried her over. We finished that section of the trail and were about to cross the fence again. I was showing her how to cross again. The fence was at the top of hill, I had a pocket full of sparrow eggs, and as I was crossing I got the shock intended for her. My reaction was somewhat more dramatic as I did a complete flip and ended up with scrambled eggs all over the place. I did luck out in a couple of eggs. I didn't get hurt and when I landed I was on my rear right between cow patties. I guess there were only really two bad outcomes my daughter quit doing the trail with me shortly after that (she would have probably quit when she became a teenager -- not cool anymore) and my ego never really recovered. My daughter (now fifteen) still remembers that day quite well as do I. She has helped out many a bluebird conference and at some point I see her getting back into bluebirding but that will be another story when this story can be a fond memory. Jim McLochlin Omaha, NE The Bluebird Box = http://audubon-omaha.org/bbbox/index.htm Best of Bluebird_L Classified = http://members.aol.com/bestofbbl/bblindx.htm "I'm a Nature Nut, and I hope you are too" - John Acorn Subj: Re: Guilty Date: 1/27/00 10:59:57 AM Central Standard Time From: bdarnell"at"centurytel.net (Bill Darnell) Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: bdarnell"at"centurytel.net To: RWil2654"at"aol.com, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Wendell: I feel guilty too! But unlike the others, I am going to make it up to you! We have a winter storm warning for my area next to West TN; we have so few snows here, I want to be ready, camera-wise. The way I am going to make up, is with a highly technical question which you can show your expertise to the list: Generally speaking, to make the snow look white in my transparencies, do I open up 1/2 to 1 f-stops? I plumb forgot since we have not had a photo-worthy snow in so long! Your help will be appreciated! Bill Savannah, TN, with scads of purple finches, three or four different sparrows (No HOSP) cardinals, junco's, wrens, and a small hawk, just a little bigger than Kestrel, who ruined their parade for a while. Subj: late contest entry Date: 1/27/00 11:01:21 AM Central Standard Time From: lvaughan"at"flare.net (Vaughan) Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: lvaughan"at"flare.net To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Dear Wendell, Len and I were very impressed with your photos. We were delighted that our first, second and third choices were identical with the first, second and third place winners. In an effort to keep our bluebirds safe in their nest box, Len has put metal sheeting around the pole to keep predators from climbing up to the box. But that precaution was not sufficient to prevent our summer's situation. We have a true story from last summer that we thought we might enter in your contest. A stray, hungry, pure white kitten with big feet (seven toes on each) and blue eyes adopted us in the spring of 1998. She has become a house cat but loves to be outside in nice weather. And she loves bluebirds, unfortunately. The Bluebirds Win White Sox, our white cat with blue eyes and big feet who is now finding it difficult to adjust to cold weather, was not content much of the summer because she was under house arrest. The house arrest was the only solution that Len and I could figure out in the situation she created. One morning Len and I peeked out of our bedroom blinds to find Sox jumping high in the air and even turning somersaults in mid- air. We thought that she had gone crazy. When we went to the kitchen window for a better look, we then understood the situation. She was trying to catch Father Bluebird who was dive bombing her. Sox jumped at him and even tapped him with her paw a couple of times. Father B. was protecting his nest with his family of 4 baby birds and their mother. We couldn't allow her to cause them such a ruckus. Fortunately, she was so intent upon Father Bluebird that she didn't even notice that we were sneaking up on her to capture her. Sox did not struggle to get out of Len's arms as he carried her to the house. But once inside as soon as he put her down, Sox was glued to the full-glassed door watching the comings and goings of our birds. She made strange, little squeaking noises as she intently watched. Humane or not, Len and I did often chuckle at poor Sox's plight as she squeaked all summer long from the inside of the glass door. Until Father B's second batch of young ones were big enough to fly away and he didn't feel the need to defend that nest, Sox had to stay inside. To tell the truth Sox did escape a couple of times and she always headed for the bluebird box. But Len and I were fortunate enough to catch her before she caught the bluebirds. All is well; the bluebirds won. Len and Becky Vaughan - lvaughan"at"flare.net 2540 Widow Hill Rd. Penn Yan, NY - the heart of the Finger Lakes P.S. We were a little slow, too. But we thought the contest was a good idea. Plus we didn't follow directions the first time around. C'est la vie. Subj: Memory Date: 1/27/00 12:57:57 PM Central Standard Time From: hpandtl"at"crocker.com (Haleya Priest/Thom Levy) Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: hpandtl"at"crocker.com To: mrsimple"at"earthlink.ne, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD) Dear Wendell, YOU DIDN'T GIVE US LONG ENOUGH TIME TO COME UP WITH SOMETHING! Don't think you are rejected quite so quickly! ;-) H The Old Beat Up Farmer We live next to a farmer's field. The man who owns us HATES us, quite literally. We represent both the people who buy farm land and build, thus eating up his lively hood, and we also represent the politically correct population since our area is swamped with them. So, without knowing us we are definitely the bad guys. His extended family often help him with his fields. One of my nest boxes butt up against his field. One of his family farmer guys - early 70's was on his tractor working the field. He came right near me when I was checking the babies for the umpteenth time that day. He actually stopped and got off and came over to me. I about dropped my drawers since I figured we were the devil to any of his family members. He said, "Is that a bluebird nest box?" I said yes, waiting for hell. He replied, "By gosh, I haven't seen nesting bluebirds for 30 years! They always used to nest in the old fence posts, but those are long gone." Well, I knew I was in with this guy. So I said, wanna take a look at the babies? He refused a few times because you had to get up on an upside down white 5 gallon bucket to look in , and then I bet you look pretty cute doing it. And he had lots of work to do. But I could see the glimmer in his eye, so I kept pushing. Finally he agreed. And here he was this little short squat old-time farmer, all beat up, standing up on the bucket on his tippy toes looking at 5 beautiful baby bluebirds. He laughed and giggled so much. He turned into a kid. I could see the sense of wonder in his eyes. It still brings tears to my eyes, and I knew that bluebirds really were more special than any of us could ever say. Haleya Priest Subj: Fondest Memory Date: 1/27/00 2:31:20 PM Central Standard Time From: beryan"at"wolfenet.com (beryan) Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: beryan"at"wolfenet.com To: bluebird-L"at"cornell.edu Our fondest memory of bluebirding occurred in the spring a few years ago when we were doing the repair work on the 126-box Yakima Valley Audubon Society Bluebird Trail located in the Cascade Mountain Range foothills 20 miles north of Yakima. As we approached a box two pair of Bluebirds, one Mountain and one Western, were looking over a box on a fence post. The bright afternoon sun caused their beautiful blue colors to contrast in a way we had never seen before. They perched on the fence wire for several minutes, allowing us to thoroughly enjoy them. Too bad Wendell wasn't with us to exercise his photographic abilities. Bill & Edith Ryan Yakima, Washington Subj: Re: Memory Date: 1/27/00 4:34:05 PM Central Standard Time From: ktho"at"kc.rr.com (Kathleen O'Brien-Blair) Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: ktho"at"kc.rr.com To: hpandtl"at"crocker.com, mrsimple"at"earthlink.ne, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD) Yeah, Wendell... :) Awwwww..now Haleya's story made me tear up!! I don't have any fondest bluebird stories yet...but when I read your post, Wendell to my mom, she about busted a gut laughing..... Kathleen ... Subj: fondest memory Date: 1/27/00 4:42:01 PM Central Standard Time From: cas"at"superior.net (Chickie Smith) Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: cas"at"superior.net To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (bluebird) I think my fondest memory was when I saw my first bluebird ever and realized that they were living near me. I was sooooo excited. I asked my brother to make me some bluebird houses and he did right away. I put them up and it seems like the very next day a pair was checking it out. They moved in and again I was thrilled when I saw the little blue eggs in the nest-then the wee ones and then to watch them grow and finally fledge. I was just as excited when I saw the second nesting and then for several years afterward. I was thrilled again today to see a bluebird sitting on a wire just outside my house. He was beautiful. It is only 7degrees here in Fonda. I wonder if he had been over to the house. I get tears in my eyes everytime I see them-I love them sooooo much. Chickie Smith Fonda, New York Subj: Fondest Memory. Date: 1/27/00 4:48:33 PM Central Standard Time From: blueburd"at"srnet.com (Bruce Burdett) Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: blueburd"at"srnet.com To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu To Wendell, et al, My fondest Bluebird memory goes back to 1991. Having not laid eyes on a live Bluebird for many years, I was astonished one day to see a pair nesting in a neighbor's yard, in a house out next to his extensive vegetable garden. The next spring I had a brand new house (Stokes style) on a brand new pole in another neighbor's field, having gotten her enthusiastic permission. Imagine my surprise when a pair of Bluebirds began inspecting my house even before I'd had time to drive home, - about 15 minutes at most. The lady was on the phone when I came in the door, ecstatically telling my wife the news. The nest was built and four eggs were laid by the time I made my first inspection, about a week later. The rest of the memory that year was not nearly so fond. Very shortly afterward, the Tree Swallows arrived, dozens of them, and simply pestered the Bluebirds clean out of the neighborhood. The nest and eggs were abandoned, and I never saw the Bluebirds again for the rest of that summer. The swallows,oddly enough, having taken over my one and only house, never used it. All they ever did was swoop at it, perch on it, peer into the entrance, and occasionally go inside to look around. The nest with its four eggs remained completely undisturbed until the swallows gradually drifted away in the fall. The eggs were never incubated, and never hatched. Nine years later I still have them in a half-house which I use for Show-and-Tell at my presentations. The following spring I was ready with several PAIRS of houses, here and there around town, and the Tree Swallows have never been anything but good friends and neighbors ever since. Amost every pair has one swallow nesting.The summer of 1999 was my best yet, Bluebird-wise, - 18 nestings in 26 pairs of houses. By next March I hope to have 50 pairs in place. All's well that ends well, and the memory of that breathless phone call back in 1991is still as fond as ever. Bruce Burdett, NH Bluebird Conspiracy, Sunapee NH Subj: Re: No Fond Memories! Date: 1/27/00 5:41:52 PM Central Standard Time From: JaneHopeC"at"aol.com Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: JaneHopeC"at"aol.com To: mrsimple"at"earthlink.net CC: Bluebird-L"at"cornell.edu I felt very sorry for Wendell this morning. And just a little guilty because I enjoy his posts so much but didn't have any fond memories to send him being so new to bluebirding. But now I have a memory. It happened this morning but will stay with me forever. I have been worried because I haven't seen the local BBs since the last snow fall two days ago, either in my cedars or on my walks. Returning from my walk despondent again this morning as I neared my own house I heard that wonderful familiar call and knew they were near. My heart lifted when I saw them flying back and forth between my cedars and the roof of my house. I went quietly inside and watched them for almost an hour. They looked well and happy (there were at least nine - the most I've ever seen in my yard at once) and were swallowing cedar berries by the dozen. It made today even better than yesterday - my birthday. Not telling how old I turned. But it's a sight I'll never forget no matter how many more birthdays I have. Jane, Pound Ridge, NY Subj: Fondest Memory Date: 1/27/00 5:49:03 PM Central Standard Time From: nestbox"at"1starnet.com (Kathleen Oschwald) Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: nestbox"at"1starnet.com To: Bluebird-L"at"cornell.edu My fondest bluebird memory is from my days in Lufkin, TX. There was a martin house in the back yard when I bought the place, and every year a pair of Eastern bluebirds nested in it. One evening as I was getting ready to feed the horses a bluebird and a cardinal were sitting on the board fence, in the same line of view. With the evening light, and those two beautifully colored birds, it was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. Kate Oschwald Sumner, TX Subj: Ooooops Bad Mistake!! Date: 1/27/00 6:58:48 PM Central Standard Time From: mrsimple"at"earthlink.net (Wendell Long) Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: mrsimple"at"earthlink.net To: bluebird-L"at"cornell.edu Society of Bluebird Friends, OK OK OK So I made a big mistake and closed the contest too early, you all didn't have to get so nasty about it! I miscounted, I thought it had been 10 days and some of you pointed out, it had been only 2 days and some of you said, well I can' repeat what you said on a family list. I think I have seen every excuse in the world, mostly fabricated out of guilt for procrastinating. Some of you wrote directly and some posted on the list your reasons and your fond memories. But when I sit here and check the mail every 5 min and nothing comes in it seems as 10 days--I must spend more time living deliberately! Anyway the neighbor lady came over and said I was late in picking her up for lunch, and that is when I realized I had been living in the wrong time zone for the past 8 days and had closed down early. So, I rechecked my new Outhouse Picture Calander for year 2000 and agree with you--it is not yet Feb 5 and after all I did promise to keep open until that date. So I am a man of my word and will continue the first annual fond memory contest 'till Feb 5th as promised. The reasons you proved I was wrong included the following admonitions from your postings today: I don't have permission to use your names so will just post the convincing arguments stated by some of the people I consider my dear friends--they were as follows: 1. Geeze...Gimme A Break! 2. I had the Flu--and if you forgive I will cancel my electric shock guilt removal treatments! 3. Mom almost busted a gut. 4.YOU DIDN'T GIVE US ENOUGH TIME! 5.I think you give up too soon. 6.Just got back from funeral(no joke here) 7.Got important chores to do and everything in the house if busted or frozen, for goodness sakes get off my back will ya! Then I remembered Toby's(age 14) post where he said it was one of the best days he had with his grandparents when he helped them with their bluebird boxes when they were age 71-72. So I showed all your post to my spouse(President of Local Negative Club,Unlimited) and she gave me permission to reopen the contest as suggested by the letters I received and to keep it open until Feb 5. So be it. Keep those fond memories coming in--just now beginning to roll!! And wow, what good memories there are after all! Wendell Long Chairman, "Keeping Hope alive committee to get back on good side of angry mob of cavity nesters,Limited." Subj: Re: fondest memory Date: 1/27/00 9:15:06 PM Central Standard Time From: ylbordelon"at"juno.com Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: ylbordelon"at"juno.com To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu One of our fondest memories occurred during the winter of 95-96, one of the coldest we'd had in South Louisiana in years. We had just bought our country place in Covington and were shivering in the cold, tiny house as we struggled to get a fire going when we caught a glimpse of blue and red in one of the giant Chinese privet bushes in the overgrown yard. We watched in wonder as a flock of 10-12 bluebirds fed hungrily on the clusters of black berries. This one blessed sight clinched it - we knew then that our long battle to get this property was worth it. During the last 5 years we've worked to reclaim the areas that we know once provided nesting sights for the blues and we still stop everything to watch when these little pieces of sky appear before us. Yvonne & Al Bordelon Covington, LA Subj: Re: No Fond Memories! NOT Date: 1/28/00 12:37:29 AM Central Standard Time From: KCBSP"at"aol.com Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: KCBSP"at"aol.com To: mrsimple"at"earthlink.net CC: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Hi everyone.. I am so far behind in reading like a week.. just had lots of family stuff.. but I caught onto this one.. but I have to read all your memories too.. Oh that's just so neat!! My most awesome memory is my whole introduction into bluebirding.. I just wanted to see them.. I put these boxes up.. on posts on horse farm.. Yes can you believe it..??? Well I followed the blues around and watched them land on my boxes but never nest.. That's now I met my neighbor.. Claire. They nested in her box.. in a yard adjacent to all of this BUT Claire thought all bluebirds laid white eggs cause she had them there for the last 3-4 years.. Oh my!! I didn't know much more than she did.. but we talked and I told her that was odd.. especially for how long that had been going on.. She thought all blues laid white eggs.. Well we are all on learning expedition here .. Now we decided to start to feed them the mealworms.. and we got them eating out of our hands at the window.. till Claire got excited and brought the friends in on it.. Now they don't do it so fast.. But they see my old Scout and come sit on the basketball net for me!! Male always cracked me up.. he took every worm out of my hand and looked me in the eye in the window.. "Lady where are they?" Female She never landed on hand.. she snitched hee hee.. But I loved the babies on my hand.. begging.. so cute.. I could tell you more embarassing details and I am not the proud "egostical" type.. but these birdies I just couldn't get them to do what Andy Troyer said... I had them at the window eating.. but never outside.. But I have kids running around alot too.. They (blues) liked me in disguise outside.. but I must say.. there is nothing like a bluebird in your hand. I think it's a gift from God.. I dont' domesticate the blues.. I don't feed them regularly even.. I only love seeing them.. and when I am the bluest.. that's when they always seem to SHOW UP!1 Six were in my box during this last Noreaster.. I put up my hanging box as a roost and raisins outside.. but they took none..I got a dozen of the hanging boxes to try out this year.. and I GAVE some away.. Please offer these to the others.. C'mon.. you three..!!! I love looking in the box innumerable times.. I got a mirror to look up at my higher ones!! I never know enough.. I hated when I found them full of blowfies.. all bloody and me too. Now I change the nest.. always. and I don't care what anybody says. I have been out of the loop for awhile.. and I apologize.. But I just love those blues on my hand..!! That is a gift from God!! Kathy Clark Subj: Memories: Most Fond, etc. Date: 1/28/00 11:25:22 AM Central Standard Time From: WAGould"at"aol.com Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: WAGould"at"aol.com To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Good Morning brain, how nice of you to return. I guess I have a fond (funny) memory after all! Because I live in a downtown, historic neighborhood and we don't get many bluebirds 'round here, I do feed the birds black oil sunflower seeds. A 50# bag only lasts about 21/2 weeks or so, even less now that it has been below freezing. My next-door neighbor lady (Edith - widowed) hates my bird feeder! A nice, big, "double wide" version, purchased from Wild Birds Unlimited and mounted on a lazy susan track that lets it rotate 360*, which gets a lot of daily activity. I have 3 or 4 squirrels, a huge family of bluejays, juncos, tufted, cardinals (gorgeous!), mourning doves, pigeons, purple finches, 3 or 4 pair of chickadees (loud!), Carolina wrens, starlings (they don't eat the seeds, they just come to bathe!), 1 pair of Yellow-bellied sapsuckers (suet & drinks, only!) a few HOSP (hip, urban dwellers and very ungracious!), and a pair of downys. A pair of red-tail hawks (yikes!) have built a nest on top of the brick tower 4 blocks over at an 19th century, brick factory building, which I can see clearly from my kitchen window. Well, Edith can't stand it. She thinks that all the birds make a terrible mess on her nice vinyl siding and fake astro turf she has put all over her uncovered patio and down the sidewalk, etc. (you know, that bright, green stuff). So one morning as I was looking out of my kitchen window, I see Edith running around her yard in her house coat (denture less, for god's sake) with two metal garbage can lids, one in each hand like cymbals in a symphony orchestra and just clanging them together over her head. "Bang, bang, bang!" "Bang, bang, bang!!" "Bang, bang, bang!!!" I thought I would die laughing. She was like a mad woman, it was hysterical!! The look of determination on this woman's face was incredible. I laughed until tears were streaming down my face. Funny thing, though, some of the birds were perched up in the hackberry, totally unphased by this crazy human lady. Poor Edith, we thought, too bad she never made it big with the symphony, because she has such good rhythm! This will probably be my last memeory of her as she has been really quiet these days, but it was priceless! BNA Bluebirds in Nashville Again! Bill Gould Nashville Tennessee (615) 726-2743 (615) 726-8545 - fax Eastern Bluebird Recovery Society of Middle Tennessee USDA Zone 6B Subj: Re: No Fond Memories! Date: 1/28/00 12:25:57 PM Central Standard Time From: jabbest"at"dreamscape.com (Brenda and/or John Best) Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: jabbest"at"dreamscape.com To: mrsimple"at"earthlink.net, bluebird-L"at"cornell.edu Wendell, I would like to submit that your contest was cancelled too soon. Maybe we all have too many fond memories to sort through, pick one, then find the time to properly put it to words! As for me, it's been a rough time lately. My mother-in-law, who is 84, was in the hospital with the flu and we've been spending time with her. Her 92-year-old companion died on Sunday and we had calling hours and a funeral to go to. Our snowblower wouldn't start. The water conditioner started acting up and had to have a repairman come. And last evening, we ran out of fuel oil! I can hardly wait to see what the next crisis is. The best news was that the current fuel oil price is $1.699, but we're locked in at $0.999! And because of their no-run-out guarantee, we're getting 50 free gallons! Yay!!! Now I've got chores to do. Bye! Brenda -- Brenda Best Durhamville, NY jabbest"at"dreamscape.com The Nature Club of Central New York http://natureclubofcny.8m.com/ ... Subj: Fondest Memory/sharing the load and Nitrogen Fixation. Date: 1/28/00 7:04:50 PM Central Standard Time From: mrsimple"at"earthlink.net (Wendell Long) Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: mrsimple"at"earthlink.net To: bluebird-L"at"cornell.edu For those who missed the post, the fondest memory has been reinstated to feb 5 as orginally planned. In reviewing the letters recieved I was moved by the number of people who enjoy birdwatching as "shutins" or disabled folks--that is those who do not get around very well for various reasons and enjoy watching their feeders and nestboxes from inside their homes or retirment villages, nursing homes, etc. And in addition, where volunteers are not available, it may be difficult for many to get out and about to purchase their birds seed and check their boxes. So, was wondering,and I know of some activity by a few individuals and people in the seed selling business who donate time and money and seed for such special needs--so was wondering if there is or are National programs available to donate to such people(one example that comes to mind is Hospital units,Hospice units, Home Hospice care,where I have known of arrangements for installing feeders for example for the those living their last days to enjoy looking out the window and seeing a bird. Beats staring at the ceiling on most any day for many people. Are there programs(and I will guess there are and I am just not aware) whereby the leading organizations do something other than sell? I am thinking of such outstanding bird people as Book Publishers, Wild Birds Unlimited Stores, Cornell Labs, Ford and Rockefeller foundations, United Way, Private Companies in the seed business, on and on etc. Great University Agr. schools etc. Any thoughts from the silent majority of birdlist readers who perhaps have first hand knowledge to post for benefit of all listers. I know I should read more news and watch CNN more to keep up on the news, but then I have you folks to let me know whatever I need to know. So sometimes I give myself permission to ask you a serious question for a change? For example, I have seen several people refer to Wild Birds Unlimited, a very successful business, as a good place to buy stuff to feed the backyard birds. What % of their profit from active birders goes to help those less fortunate but still feed and house birds? I don't expect an answer just an example of a question, but my feeling and guess would be less than almost nothing. And the great Cornell Lab-the best in the world as far as I know--how much you spending on helping and giving if anything compared to those high Salaries(I am believer in high pay thru profit sharing) for the post docs and Tiaa-Cref funds just to name a few?? Embarassing questions I know. But you provide this great forum for helping the birds and thats all we are trying to do. Along with helping each other. When I worked at a Research Foundation for a short time we were checking into the food supply and world hunger problem years ago and trying to see if the soybean plant could be manipulated to greater productivity without the need to add more ferterlizer. Something someone called Nitrogen Fixation. You post docs know what it is--I don't but if I need to know someone will tell me I'm sure. I would look it up on the internet but have to go to the US Post Office rite now. I wonder if I can send the Post Office an email and they will deliver it as a letter, I keep forgetting to ask. So, in conclusion if there is a mechanism already in place for dipping into the profits of the successful side of society in order to throw a few scraps to the great unwashed masses of the neighborhood who are laid up thru no fault of their own by helping them with their joy of wildlife, please share with the rest of us what that may be and how it works. Thanks for your time and for your interest in reading this far. The only point, in case you missed it: Who's doing anything for the meek who are forecast to inherit the earth? Either through Research or Contributing to real people shut in on cold winter days looking out the window at empty feeders and sick on top of everything else. Just thought I would ask--maybe there will be an answer. And I am due for a public apology to Koby whom I called Toby! And he let me know about it in no uncertain way--bless his big heart! And he spelled my name right too. Being the diplomat he is, he went on to say that I did get his age(14) right and was also correct in that his grandparents are 71 -72. There is a gentleman already! Wendell Long who's Nitrogen is already fixed, sorta. PS:Anyway, the boys at the foundation never found the key as far I have been lead to believe as to how to manipulate the plants to increase crop yield and continue to poor on more stuff. Or did something happen and I missed it? Subj: Wild Birds Unlimited Date: 1/28/00 9:17:40 PM Central Standard Time From: TARYNTYLER"at"worldnet.att.net (Pam Hatcher) Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: TARYNTYLER"at"worldnet.att.net To: bluebird-L"at"cornell.edu Wendell, Wild Bird Crossing.....I do not know if it is associated with the "Unlimited" store....However, the one in Murfreesboro is very gracious with donations with all animal related issues and if they do not have a program such as this they may be interested. I work for Yorkshire Terrier Rescue and they have donated very nice and shall I say "pricey" (sp) bird feeders to us to auction off since we are a non profit organization. Some stores and vets donate food items and toys and services...etc... Since there is nothing in the bird store a Yorkie could use, they always donate an item for auction to help raise money to care for the rescued Yorkies. Pam Hatcher Rockvale, TN If you find something like this will you please post it to the list, It sounds like something I would like to get myself and my daughters more involved in. Thanks Subj: Fondest Memory Date: 1/28/00 9:35:21 PM Central Standard Time From: jabbest"at"dreamscape.com (Brenda and/or John Best) Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: jabbest"at"dreamscape.com To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L) I believe Wendell said any cavity-nesting bird qualified for this contest, so my fondest memory happens to be about Tree Swallows. I love these birds, and if I were to come back as a bird, it would be as a Tree Swallow. I became enchanted the first time I took white feathers and tossed them up in the air and watched the swallows "play" with them. They actually looked like they were having fun! Brenda -- Brenda Best Durhamville, NY jabbest"at"dreamscape.com The Nature Club of Central New York http://natureclubofcny.8m.com/ Subj: Contributing to shut-ins Date: 1/28/00 10:02:34 PM Central Standard Time From: JaneHopeC"at"aol.com Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: JaneHopeC"at"aol.com To: Bluebird-L"at"cornell.edu Wendell is wonderful. I don't know of any programs (hope someone else does) but agree with Julie that we could do something ourselves anyway. I would certainly be willing to donate/deliver seed etc. to people who can't get out. Wiil look into ways and means. So often these people have been deprived of the pets they loved as well. Watching birds adds so much to my life I would love to help those less fortunate enjoy it. This has also given me the idea that instead of asking to put up boxes on a local golf course (since my own yard may prove unsuitable) I could see if any nursing homes or retirement villages would be suitable and interested. Jane Subj: Fondest Bued bird memory Date: 1/28/00 11:03:43 PM Central Standard Time From: mbroen"at"pressenter.com (Mary Roen) Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: mbroen"at"pressenter.com To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2000 22:46:05 -0600 To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu From: Mary Roen Subject: Fondest Blue bird memory Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2000 22:40:32 -0600 To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu From: Mary Roen Subject: Fondest Bued bird memory Dear Wendell and List, I agree with the others that I had intended to write my memories, but just had to find the time. I'm so glad that you didn't discontinue the project. My fondest Blue bird memory was this past summer. I have a nest box in my front yard and had a pair of Blue birds nest in it. I had a mealworm feeder close by and every morning I would go out and whistle as I put theworms out. It didn't take long for the pair to recognize a meal coming and they would be waiting for me each morning. When the babies were about tofledge, I put my video camera close to the box and went back into the house to watch the parents feeding the babies and get it on tape. I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw three of the babies fledge, and got it on tape! In the days that followed, the babies would fly to the top of the nest box and beg for the parents to feed them mealworms. Finally the babies became smart enough to go to the mealworm feeder and eat for themselves, but still like to try to beg their parents to feed them. I would also see them sitting on the power lines above the box waiting for me to come with more worms. It was so exciting! It was an experience I will never forget. I hope to repeat it this year. Mary Roen, River Falls, WI Subj: Fondest memories Date: 1/29/00 4:23:57 AM Central Standard Time From: bonznit"at"prodigy.net (bonznit) Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: bonznit"at"prodigy.net (bonznit) To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L) The Fledging taken from my web page at http://pages.prodigy.net/bonznit/Page/html/bbirds.html It was getting exciting as occasionally, a little head would appear, just barely able to peek out the hole. Knowing how the box was designed, I realized that at least one of these little fellows was probably serving as a stepladder for the others. Of course, it was a handy little evolutionary thing, as it was proven over and over that the "tallest bird gets the worm" ...however they got there! Like rambunctious teenagers, one by one, they would bob up to the hole, peer out at the strange world around them and retreat once again to the crowded little 5 1/2-inch dark dance floor. No going into work this day. I had already forewarned my associates, that should this day arrive and I was aware of it, I would be coming in late because I desired to witness something I'd waited twenty years to see. Each time they approached the opening, I realized I was about to witness a miracle. I imagined the excitement among them. Mom called "I'm a pretty bluebird," in a soft voice. I could hear them calling back to their mother...a small sounding little "I'm here." And suddenly, the drama began. One little fellow got up the courage and poked his head out totally. Now what I saw next I will never forget, and it will always inspire me whenever I am about to lean on my own understanding. Mind you, these little birds do not get to take flying lessons. They do NOT jump out of the box and practice flying around from a low perch or from the grass. No, the little creature simply and courageously somehow, miraculously, left that box and took off, like it knew where it was going, and soared some 80 feet up into the air to land high in a treetop! And one by one, three others repeated the spectacle until, at last, the little guy who was the runt, and the one they obviously had stood upon on their way up, was left alone in the box. It was truly a timid little, plaintive cry, "I'm here, I'm here." Obviously, it hadn't had the practice of the others and was left entirely to his own resources. The entire night, it must have been aware of its new circumstances with all that freedom and yet imprisoned alone in that now large space. But miracles repeat themselves, and the perfection of the cycles was carried out, as by morning, it had learned how to climb up the inside of the box, and by the time I went out to check the box, it, too had fledged safely. And this, my friends, is just one story of many little inspirations these birds have provided me and many others. It is only one example of why these birds are so well-loved to the point that grown men gush over the things to be witnessed when one looks deeply, listens intently, and waits upon the fulfillment of time Subj: Sorry birders... Date: 1/29/00 6:22:35 AM Central Standard Time From: bonznit"at"prodigy.net (bonznit) Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: bonznit"at"prodigy.net (bonznit) To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L) you don't know who bonznit is...and I forgot, all excited and wrapped up in my words explaining my fondest memory... bonznit is Julie LaFollette Elkhart, Indiana http://pages.prodigy.net/bonznit/Page/ Subj: BIRDS FOR SHUT-INS Date: 1/29/00 8:50:53 AM Central Standard Time From: wayne08"at"yahoo.com (Wayne Kellogg) Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: wayne08"at"yahoo.com To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (LIST) Wayne Kellogg Ottawa, Il. Snow on the way! List, One of the nursing homes in my hometown has a sitting area for their residents to observe birds that is a big hit. They have a very large case with lots of glass that is full of birds and nesting areas. If you can picture a very large gun case that stretches from the floor to the ceiling and is quite wide you can get a feel for what I am describing. Something like this might be nice in your own area. Wayne Subj: Re: Contributing to shut-ins Date: 1/29/00 3:00:46 PM Central Standard Time From: dmccue"at"usit.net (Dan McCue) Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: dmccue"at"usit.net To: JaneHopeC"at"aol.com CC: Bluebird-L"at"cornell.edu Jane and all - Don't know where you live but it makes no difference. The nursing homes are most always interested in anybody placing feeder outside of the windows of residents, many who are confined to bed, who get alot of enjoyment from watching the birds feeding at the feeder. I spend alot time at our nursing home as an ombudsman for the state of TN and over the past few years have been told and watched with great interest the residents watching the antics of the birds at the feeders. This would be a worthy endeavor for anyone with the time, money and inclination that will be returned many times....maybe even to you someday. Dan McCue, Camden, TN 70 miles due west of Nashville. ... Subj: Favorite memories Date: 1/30/00 5:11:37 PM Central Standard Time From: BBBMV"at"aol.com Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Reply-to: BBBMV"at"aol.com To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Wendell,I have two, both related to wings. #1 Celebrate with me today as it is my 54th anniversary of having been mustered out of the Army Air Corps. After almost 3 years, the last 15months flying combat missions in the Pacific and finishing up bombing Japan and occupied China, I had had enough of military wings. Especially after seeing the 2nd Atomic Bomb go off while on a mission to another target. And for any who might think that we should apalogize for that should read WAR'S END by Maj. Gen. Charles W Sweeney. #2 This one has to do with WINGS OF BLUE, not THE WILD BLUE YONDER.Several years ago I did a bluebird program with 4th grade students at the very same grade school I had attended about 1937. We built nestboxes with the students and if they brought a note from home saying it was OK, I would take the box that student had built and put it up at the place around that home that was most likely to attract bluebirds. And , of course, it gave me a chance to educate parents on the evils of sparrows, not that it did much good.Anyway, one yoiung lady and her Mom really bonded to the bluebirds that moved into the house about 50 feet from their porch. There were 6 blue eggs in the nest when the family left for vacation and they begged me to take special care of "their" birds while they were gone. The eggs hatched, but the nestlings were found on the ground the next day, having been evicted by a wren or sparrow. Anyway all but one survived that, but on about the 7th day, I found the mother bluebird dead in the box, her wing stretched over the youngsters as though to protect them even in death. Knowing the male was not likely to feed the whole family for long, I fostered two of them out and began a 5 mile trip each way twice a day to fill a platter on a post nearby with mealies, grubs I dug, and crickets (minus their back legs). Mr Bluebird remained faithful to his charges and between the two of us, these remaining three fledged in due course and I observed him feeding them in a nearby tree for some days and weeks.The vacation had been extended longer than expected and when the family returned it was time for school to start. Knowing how attached the little girl had been to the bluebirds, I had kept "Mrs. Bluebird" in my freezer until we could have a proper "funeral" upon their return. So we made it up that I would bring "Mrs. Bluebird" in her little casket I had made for her out for burial near the box where her family had lived. What I didn't know was that I had become known around the school as "Mr Bluebird" and since school had started for the fall term there was speculation as to whether I would be there again that year to help them build boxes. They LOVED all that pounding! The problem arose because a new teacher had been hired and she had heard of "Mr. Bluebird" but didn't know the rest of the story. Well, getting back to the funeral, I came out that evening to their quiet little home beside a trickling brook . I brought "Mrs Bluebird" in her little casket, some digging tools and a tape recorder to play a bluebird song on. So we had our little ceremony and laid "Mrs. Bluebird" to rest and picked flowers for the grave. The somber ceremony was interrupted by gails of laughter when Alicia said "I told my new teacher today that Mr. Bluebird was coming to my house tonite to bury Mrs Bluebird, and she screamed,WHAT! HE's GOING TO BURY HIS WIFE IN YOUR YARD?" Bill Davis BBBMV"at"aol.com Date: Tue, 1 Feb 2000 10:37:00 -0700 From: "Mark Byrd" markbyrd"at"ctaz.com To: bluebird-L"at"cornell.edu Subject: Mark's Fond Memory Message-ID: 03c001bf6cda$f29e6380$f0ffadcf"at"oemcomputer
Let me tell you a story that will make you smile....... I grew up on a large ranch in East Texas, where we always had bluebirds that would nest in old wooden cross ties. I have many fond memories from those days, but none compare to the one that follows. My high school sweetheart (Wife) and I now live in the desert of AZ and haven't seen any BB's lately and miss the trees and birds of E-TX. So, I decided that the next trip home I would install some BB houses in the yards and properties of our family members. This would allow us to watch the BB's vicariously through our relatives. Prior to our trip home for Christmas I cut out and predrilled eight BB Boxes for my nieces, nephews, parents, and G-parents. I had a whole suitcase full of wood that we checked at the airport. My oldest nephew is 3 years old, very articulate, and adorable! Late one afternoon I invited him to put two of the BB houses together. As we screwed the boards together, (it's fascinating to watch a 3 yr. old use a cordless drill) I explained to him that we were making a house for the bluebirds to live in. I showed him several pictures of adult and baby BB's. He was so excited! By the time we finished putting the houses together it was dark outside and time for bed. This was a disappointment for him as he was extremely proud of his creations and ready to put them up. The next morning bright and early he came in our room wearing his Teletubby PJ's, pounced on me and said, "Let's go do the Bluebird houses, Uncle Mark!" So we threw-on our cold weather gear and set off to put up the BB houses. He carried one house and I carried the other (the house almost as big as he). As we walked down the steel post fence-row engaging in 3-yr. old small talk, we finally made it to our mounting post. I said, "OK which one do you want to mount?" He proudly held his up and said, "This one!" I said, "OK" and we mounted it. His job was to cut the wire, which was a tall order for a little guy's hands that were barely large enough to squeeze both handles of the pliers (it took a little while). After mounting it, I said, "Now what kind of bird is going to live in the house?" He assertively announced, "A BLUEBIRD!" I said, "That's right... and what kind of bird is going to live in (I raised the house I was carrying) this house?" To my surprise he said, "A RED BIRD!" I asked, "A red bird???-- Why is a red bird going to live in a Bluebird house?" He looked at me and said, "Because the Red Bird needs a house too, Uncle Mark!" I just smiled all over and picked him up and carried him to the next mounting post. I'll never forget it. What a wonderful day!!!! P.S. The BB's have been using the houses as shelter from the recent ice storms that swept across East Texas last week. (We have pictures.) Mark and Lora Byrd
Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2000 07:58:55 -0600 From: "Keith & Sandy Kridler" kridler"at"1starnet.com To: "BLUEBIRD-L" BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Subject: Harry Krueger Keith Kridler Mt. Pleasant, Texas Harry Krueger wrote monthly articles for "BLUEBIRD NEWS" the newsletter "Dedicated to the Preservation of the Bluebird" edited by Robert McKinney here in Mt. Pleasant from 1988 till his death in 1992. Harry also wrote often in Sialia, Journal of the North American Bluebird Society during this time, He was the monthly bluebird columnist for Nature Society News and his more scientific papers were printed in issues of "North American Bird Bander". Cancer claimed Harry's life before he finished his research on "Pair bonding & nest site fidelity" but after 6 years of banding on this project I don't think he ever would have quit even if he had lived to be 100. Each year he picked up another tidbit or something that no one else had ever seen or reported. Of course he sat for 4050 hours a week watching bluebirds, waiting for the adults to enter a nest box so he could be sure of the exact bird before tripping the trap. All of his research is with the biology teacher Dr. Neil Ford in Tyler, Texas waiting for a graduate student to someday compile the results and not just the "tidbits" Harry shared freely in his writings. I met Harry in 1984 purely by chance. While Sandy and I were headed to Jackson Miss. for our first ever North American Bluebird Society annual convention we took a short cut through the country near Ore City Texas and saw good nestboxes on metal pipes along the road with NABS emblems on the sides. I left my name, address and phone number in one of his boxes knowing that the paper would be long gone by spring, since it was the first of Oct.and bluebirds had quit nesting for several months by then. Upon returning home I had 4 phone Messages and a letter in the mail from Harry.....It seems he was still checking his 16 boxes every week trying to learn more about the bluebirds. I taught Harry everything I knew about bluebirds at that time and pushed and prodded him to 65 nestboxes and shortly after that first year the teacher became the student !!! I have so many fond memories of bluebird people I am not sure what to enter in Wendell's contest... KK
Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2000 10:36:16 -0600 From: "Bruce Johnson" bjohnso3"at"midsouth.rr.com To: kridler"at"1starnet.com Cc: "Bluebird Ref." BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Subject: Re: Harry Krueger Keith, Thanks for your post giving us some insight on this wonderful man. I'm sure the rest of the forum will enjoy it as much as I did. I have never banded a bluebird and at the moment have no reason to do so. The only bluebirds I have ever had in my hands were ones that came to me to feast on mealworms and carry to their fledglings. That was always a thrill. To see a male perch on my thumb within inches of my face and pickup three of more worms at a time, let me know he was comfortable with me. They never would come to my wife or anyone else even though she spent hours there on the patio with me. Question: Tell me, and I'm sure most of the members of the forum would be interested in knowing, how do the bluebirds react when captured? Do they struggle for a few seconds and give up or continue to struggle, or do they run the gamut of reactions to the situation. This is not to be construed as a criticism in any sense. I agree and support any effort to know more about these birds and their habits. They say that the only "Stupid Question" is the one that is not asked. Well I have asked and I'm sure a lot of us birders would be interested in these questions. Best regards, Bruce Johnson ~ Life Mbr. NABS ... Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 12:57:07 -0600 From: "Bill Darnell" bdarnell"at"centurytel.net To: "Bluebirds" BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu Subject: The Bluebird Concerto After daybreak, as I usually do, I stepped out on the back deck to yawn and stretch drink my starting fuel. I had been seeing bluebirds all winter, but this morning, they were singing their hearts out! Then a pair lit on the new NABS type box I had put up close to the deck for watching and photos. Much wing flapping, going ins and outs, and both going in twice together. I had seen pairs at the box several times before, but this morning took the cake. Then at the other end of the deck, the dandiest fight ever broke out. Six, yes, six, males tied up for about 3 minutes in a real donnybrook! I don't know who won, but they were dead serious. Two locked up and went to the ground. Then as suddenly as the fight started, it stopped. What a grand sight all those birds were on the deck rail after the fight! Three boxes are placed in plain sight of each other, over a span of about 150 yds. Yeah, I know, but I was trying something. I am going to move at least one of the outlying ones, maybe both. The two away from the house are Petersons, the one close to the deck is NABS. It is getting all the action right now. How great it is to live in a marvelous world where we can see such as this! I am blessed! Bill Darnell
Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2001 11:53:42 -0500 This Message reminds me of the time that my Dad was on his death bed with liver cancer. He had been retired from being a die-caster for Ford Motor Co. for about 10 years. During that time he would go to the lab where Mom worked. They get lots of supplies from China, packed in wooden crates. Dad would collect the crates, break them down and make bird houses. He took great joy in giving those houses away. He called them
Bluebird houses, but I doubt that many Blues ever used them.
I have hung several in Ga. But I know that they are all over
southern Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tenn. &
Alabama. He would fill the trunk full when they went on vacation
and never met a stranger. When he stopped for gas or food he
would give away several, even if the recipient really didn't
want one. Peace; Earnie R. Breeding Kevin Bloom Hey Guys, Thanks for listening to me again. I haven't got the chance lately to see the bird/bluebird activity around here. They are here though. Once Spring Fever kicks in I'll be out there more often. Right now I'm still hunting! Joe Huber's address is hubertrap"at"webtv.net. Thanks. Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2001 00:00:56 -0400 Your recent description of the Chickadee sitting on the gun stock reminds me of an experience I had two times in the last couple weeks. I often sleep under the stars in the forest at night encapsulated in a sleeping bag. On one such recent outing, I woke early in the morning but didn't have to go anywhere so I pulled the top of the sleeping bag up over my head to keep the sun light out of my eyes so I could get some badly needed sleep. Only the top of my head was showing. Suddenly I heard the flutter of wings and the pitter patter of a bird walking on the sleeping bag immediately above my head. The next thing I knew it was yanking my hair out. It seemed to be very deliberately selecting only one hair at a time then giving a quick tug. After yanking out four hairs I heard the flutter of wings again as it took off. But, it didn't chirp even a thank you so I didn't know what kind of bird it was. About a week later while sleeping in a different location I was wakened by the scolds of a Tufted Titmouse that was walking about on my sleeping bag. The top of my head was again exposed, and sure enough the Tufted Titmouse began pulling hairs from my head to build its nest. My recommendation is that you shouldn't fall asleep in the forest with your head exposed during nest building season unless you're willing to part with some of your hair. Gary Springer Date: Sat, 21 Apr 2001 10:54:27 -0400 All, A close friend of mine, related to me this story. I thought it was interesting so I'm passing it on to the list. This friend and co-worker is a large maple syrup producer in northern NY. On Thursday of this past week he and his family were taking down the maple equipment. Most of his taps are on tubing but there are some areas that can not be tubed well so they are done with buckets. As evening approached they were taking down a line of buckets. It was getting dark and Brian almost did not take down the buckets on one side of the road but his wife and children had started on the other so he thought that he might as well. Now most of the taps had quit dripping but a few (namely those on the north side of the trees continued to drip a little. So some buckets were totally empty of sap while others had a little sap, say an inch or two. Brian was just dumping out the sap in the few buckets that had any in them. As he was dumping out a bucket he noticed that one had what he at first thought was a mouse in it. Upon dumping it on the ground he noticed that it was a bird, a male bluebird!! He picked it up and noticed that it was in pretty bad shape. It was soaked and barely had energy to shiver. Brian took the bluebird and rolled up in the tail of his shirt and kept taking down the buckets and taps. Occasionally he would move the bird to a dryer area of his shirt so the moisture would wick out of it's feathers better. As he finished he showed his wife and kids. At this point the bird was breathing heavy but it's feathers were still damp and messed up. Seeing that the temperature was supposed to get really cold that night, Brian figured that he could not let the bird go in this shape. It could not even stand up on its own. He took it home and placed it in an old shoe box with some towels in the bottom and let it be. The next morning, the kids were up early, eager to see the BB. Brian was afraid to open the box, fearing it might be dead. They went outside and Brian opened the box with much trepidation. As he opened the box the bird flew out! Yeah!!! It landed at the top of a nearby apple tree and sang the beautiful song we all know and love. The bird appeared to make a full recovery. Since the weather has moderated here since, I would guess that the bluebird made it. This is really a neat opportunity. This farm is ideal for bluebirds. As evidenced by them being around with out any BB boxes available. I've been trying to get Brian to put up and monitor at least a few BB boxes. He has almost bit but never really committed to it. Now, with this, his wife and kids are interested in this too! This could be a catalyst for good things to come. It certainly was for one particular bird. :-) Jeff Holbrook
Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2001 22:18:29 -0400 (EDT) HI all ; I imagine there are a lot of strange things happen when monitoring a BB trail ---- another one occured yesterday .I have some of my boxes on a neighbor's farm and one is in a nice bottomland pasture site only about 40 ft from the county road but I wanted it beyond the fence because of large trees on the opposite side of the road. Last year it was a pain checking the box cause I went thru a gate,jumped a creek and walked 300 ft to the site ! This year I thought i would build a stile--actually only half a stile-- in the form of a four foot ladder I made out of a x-tra heavy pallet. I could lean this up against the fence post (electric ) ,climb up and pole vault over the fence---getting back was a reverse procedure. Every thing worked fine--no broken bones-- and I hid the 1/2 stile along the 5 ft. high (steep) road bank and covered it with weeds so passersby would not steal my stile. Well and good until yesterday when I attempted to retrieve the stile --- a mallard hen flew out !!!! Here she was nesting--with 5 or 6 eggs,snug as a bug , in the frame of two steps and the side rails of the stile ! Needless to say , I left things alone and found another way to get over the fence. And I just used the stile a week ago to check this site ! Oh BTW,the BB nest is complete--no eggs. I wondered why the Mallard would build this close (probably 6 ft.) from the edge of the pavement--but maybe this would be a good deterrant against coyotes and foxes ? Now, do I get points for Mallards,too ? George NE Ohio
Date: Thu, 3 May 2001 03:25:37 EDT In a Message dated 5/2/2001 4:36:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time, I can only add a tiny bit of info, Paul. I started my first
box last year I didn't find mites on bluebirds but found a bald headed TRES.. At first I thought it was pecked by HOSP.. Now actually this story is a bit amusing.. Somebody was teaching a high school student about monitoring. They were on the trail and I tagged along. The student saw the bird in the box.. all of them empty so far or had HOSP nests.. She panicked and was joined in by the mentor who SCREAMED!! I'm standing there thinking.. "Oh so there's a bird in there and well yeah maybe it's dead" Well I go and look now after the SCREAMING HA HA... Anyway it's alive and it's a TRES but a bald one at that.. So there's no blood the bird flew off my hand when I released it.. Must be mites.. but I'm still learning too I never say never and never say always.. I got TRES using gum wrappers this year turned silver side down.. can't find feathers I guess. and about 2 years ago I remember telling about the one using paper towels. Listened to the pairing debate as well.. I have TRES in boxes 10 feet apart in pairs. I just say keep on learning.. :) Now there's one for the list.. SCREAMING on the bluebird trail :) Kathy Clark Date: Sun, 3 Jun 2001 21:56:48 -0400 Dear List, This is a short ezzzy that I wrote 15 or so years ago about EABB's...I now wonder if this "pack" of EABB's was most unusual since I have learned that they are territorial. It is kind of long so read it if you'd like. Tami in the beautiful hills of Albany, Ohio I was about 20 or 21 years old in the very early 1980's. I lived at the dead end of a street surrounded by wheat fields. My trailer and my landlords ranch-style brick were the only two residences in the area. Ruby, my landlady, was a tiny elderly widdow with a wonderful desire to spic and span her large house every spring. I was asked several years in a row to help Ruby spring-clean. This also earned me a few extra dollars for the day and a good home-cooked lunch eaten on Ruby's relaxing screened in back porch. At lunch time the sun was blazing and the sky the blue that only comes once or twice each spring. A gentle breeze whispering through the screens keep us comfortable. While relaxing on the porch my eye caught movement on the utility wire that stretched from the porch to a garage 75 or so feet away. When I turned to get a good look at what had caught my eye I was surprised to see the line was filled with Bluebirds! They sat side by side and sometimes front to back for at least 20 feet and created a most wonderous sight Their blues blending in with that of the sky and their orange breasts reminding me of sunsets. I fell in love that day with this perky bird.
Date: Sun, 06 Jan 2002 22:43:22 -0400 Haleya Priest Amherst MA I had an St-1 trap set up yesterday to catch a squirrel before he got to my bluebird feeder. OOPS, I forgot to close the trap up last night. Once I remembered (snug in bed) I decided that skunks really aren't out much in the middle of winter, so it shouldn't be a problem. WELL, this morning sure enough there was a skunk in the trap!!! Actually, skunks are some of my favorite creatures. I've had a zillion skunks in my yard and have walked right up to at least the little ones, with no problems. Plus they walk right up to us with no problems. Skunk noses are adorable and their little black eyes are so sweet. My friend has told me in the past that she relocated a skunk by trapping it, putting towel over trap, carrying it carefully to trunk, relocating it and then letting skunk out. No problem... SO. Yup, I got cocky and decided that if I was slow and careful and pretended I was St. Francis of Assisi, I could just forget the towel and all and open the trap. BIG MISTAKE. What follows is an experience I shall never forget! Out I go in my slippers, clothes, and new winter coat. Everything appears fine. I move real slow and talk quietly to him. He backs AWAY from me (rear-end in opposite direction) so I figured we were cool. Now I'm 2 feet from the trap almost on my knees to let the trap door open and started to reach for the door. LET ME TELL YOU WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS!!! Well, I am now an expert in not only WHERE skunk squirt comes out from, but EXACTLY how much and what it looks like!!! Oh, did I mention the smell. WOW. How can I describe? Perhaps a thousand crushed up garlic cloves stuffed up both nostrils?? Well, it certainly gives new meaning to the word "pungent". My dear husband is in the house somewhere and I scream in the house for him. I've got it all over my new coat, my hands, my pants AND my face and hair!!! I don't know if he saw me or smelled me first, but he is NOT pleased. He starts undressing me outside in the freezing weather. he brings out two cans of stewed tomatoes (no sauce available) and I cover my face and hands with them. It appears there is a little relief. I head for the shower. The house now reeks of skunk. We're not sure why, but figure it out later. We found the smell on the door knob and door jam later - when I first opened the door the sleeve of my coat deposited the skunk squirt (what IS it called anyway??) Anyway, my teenage daughter is now freaking out. Mealworm bugs found in the house is one thing - but skunk smell is over the top! Especially when it is about a #10 on the Richter Scale of smell. She immediately begins to show signs of Post Traumatic Skunk Disorder.... Anyway, in the shower I am again covered in stewed tomatoes. My very long hair streams with stewed tomatoes. Thom finds two cans of tomato paste, so we dilute them a little. I decide the movie Psycho could be reshot in the shower at this point! Red juice and goo everywhere! Thom then finds some "Skunk Off" from years ago, and now I'm covered in that. Maybe a half an hour in the shower? Maybe an hour? I reapply tomatoes and "Skunk Off" countless times. The back of the bottle insists that it works 100%. They say
if you have to cover every square inch of the area exposed.
If there is still a smell, you have to find the spot of exposure
and clean it. Well, "at"#"at"$# haven't I now done that about
15 times??? Well, apparently not, so now Thom starts to smell
me REALLY up close and personal to figure out where the smell
has not been cleaned off. This is the first time he cracks up
laughing. Relief! Try thoroughly smelling someone's face, hair,
nose, mouth, ears and eyes from about 1/4" away! Frankly,
its a little scary! This gives new meaning to the word intimacy. It also gives new meaning to "scent free". No telling how much time passes that we feel I am "scent free." We think.... By now both of our noses are fatigued and besides, the house reeks. Plus "Skunk Off" has that kind of deoderant smell you find in motel rooms or cars that are trying to cover up cigarette smells by giving you that "fresh scent". Yeah, right. I'm dressed. I look down and find a chunk of stewed tomato still caught in my very long hair.....Now we've still got to get the skunk out of the trap. We follow directions this time - using plastic and a long pole. Mr. Peppi doesn't come out. 10 minutes later Thom pulls off the plastic, he squirts again (on the plastic) and off he waddles. Directly to his home (to our surprise) to a hole about 15' away that we thought was the home of a wood chuck...... Now I have to deal with the door jams and my clothes. My clothes are all separated in plastic bags. I thought some woul be ok. Nothing is saved - it all reeks! I truly am astounded I survived having that ON MY BODY! So off I go to the mall - searching for a new winter coat and vest. I truly don't know if I still reek or not.... but have to risk going..... Of course all winter stock is by now just about gone. Takes me HOURS to find a coat. I can't find a vest so I will try to salvage my favorite vest. Since it is a deep purple polar fleece, I will experiment by soaking it first (outside) in tomato sauce to see if it can be salvaged. Everything else goes to the dump. This gives new meaning to appreciating the guys who haul away trash. SO. Do you want to know what skunk squirt looks like??? The mental image of that rear-end releasing that squirt is forever engraved in my mind! The color is actually a yellowish. If you can imagine very, very cloudy think strong urine color and texture. It doesn't spray a nice fine mist either. Not at least from 2 feet away!!!! It comes out in good solid squirts - like big rain drops. Seemed like maybe a tablespoon or two??? You could see the yellow color where it landed on my skin and it burned -at least on my face. I had just read recently that even one molecule of skunk squirt goes a looonngg way so you can imagine what I smelled like! Of course many, many hours later the house still smells and I keep either smelling it on me, or am hallucinating - not sure! :-) Everything everywhere smelled like skunk today and I swear my spinach "at" supper tasted like skunk! Ho, hum..... Another day in the life of a bluebirder.... :-) H Bluebirding Memories Part 2 |
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