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New Bluebirders Problems/Solutions (Part 9)In addition to Messages that have appeared in the Bluebird Mailing Lists on this topic, the following are on the Audubon Society of Omaha website: Bluebird FAQ by Jim McLochlin Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 14:44:02 -0800 I am a newby to the list - what do the bluebirds nest look like. and what do they use for their nests? Thanks From: "Cameron" ccscott"at"iland.net i have blue birds in my back yard checking out my box so im going to entice them to stay by buying or makeing a mealworm feeder i have a real bad starling problem so sould i get a plastic one or a wooden one with the holes in the side Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 14:55:09 -0800 For on-line photos of western bluebird nests from my suburban trail: http://home.earthlink.net/~lviolett/NestPics.html To see photos of western bluebird nest starts and finished nestcups, see: http://home.earthlink.net/~lviolett/newbegin.html Marla Yarbrough wrote: From: "Carole" cas"at"att.net Hello Bluebirders, A week ago we found and put up a NABS style house our son had built years ago for a school project in the corner of our backyard, at the end of our garden, and right away some little brown birds moved in. I thought this was so great that I found house plans on the net and got hubby all excited about building some bluebird houses. First one he built was another NABS style, out of cedar, which went on the other side of our house. (then I read cedar might not be a good idea so he switched to pine for the others) I found the chalet plans online and he made 3 of that style, then went back and replaced the roof on the first (cedar) house to a bigger one that had more overhang all the way around the house, and added one of the those predator guards. (Starlings keep bothering all the houses) That house was visited by a pair of bluebirds for about 3 days, they seemed to just check it out and then leave, no signs of moving in, but boy was I excited to know they were here! So this weekend my husband finished the boxes and we guessed at places to put them, and this morning the pair of bluebirds seem to have decided on one of the new chalet boxes, the one out in the open next to our driveway, which I can see from my bedroom window. They have been making trips to the box all day long. Instead of being thrilled, I am feeling panicked, because I have spent the last couple days reading the information on the "best of" pages at the bluebird box, and now, with my new field guide in hand, I am horrified to realize that we have a lot of house sparrows! I believe that the first house we put up, with the brown birds, which is about 50 feet away from the new one the bluebirds have chosen, is housing a HOSP. I am not 100% sure of this, but I am sure that many I see at the hanging feeders in the front yard are in fact HOSPs. Only the starlings have been bothering the bluebirds so far today, seems we have a lot of them, too. :( My husband is irritated with me for being all stressed out now
over something that was supposed to bring us some enjoyment (as if
it's my fault the bird world has run amok with these killer birds
we had never heard of!) So I just don't know what to do... Now
that he has them all built and mounted, he is not going to feel
very appreciated if I say we need to forget it and take them all
down! Maybe we should go back to only feeding the birds, being
more careful of what we buy, or alter the houses so they have a
smaller entrance hole than 1 1/2 inches and maybe other birds will
instead use them? Or should we move them to the far end of our
property, away from the house area, where there is just
pastureland? Or I am haunted by the idea of their being attacked or killed while sitting in their new home. I don't think I can trap/kill or otherwise deter all the many possible hosps that might live here, at least not immediately! (as I can barely tell one brown bird from another at this point) and it sounds, from what I've read, that it only takes one...so should I take away the new bluebird house to save their lives? Would it be worth the risk to let them build, and try adding the monofilament line in front of the house? This is so incredibly stressful, and so completely unexpected! We live in northeast Tennessee (Greeneville) on 5 1/2 acres with an empty barn to the side of the house, and across the street from us there is another barn, and cows. We have holly and other shrubbery along the front of the house which many birds live in, a strip of woods behind our house, and more pastureland behind the woods. We have enjoyed all the birds that have been visiting our feeders the last couple years, and I never imagined that wanting to put up some houses and watch from a distance would bring so much responsibility and stress with it. Suggestions or advice would be very much appreciated! Thanks, Greeneville, TN From: "Bruce Burdett" blueburd"at"srnet.com Carole, et al, !.) First off, don't let yourself get all stressed out Life is
too short. Calm down. Chill out, etc. Bruce Burdett, SW NH Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 20:05:11 -0500 I am a new bluebirder and have a couple of questions. I put out a house, and started feeding mealies to the bluebirds. I have a pair that come to the feeder regularly... I've had to chase tit mice and chicadess out of the house. The bluebirds do spend time on the house, and keep checking it out. Have not seen them go into it, but they do chase the oher birds off. Have the bluebirds already picked places to nest? I keep hoping that they will pick my house. Today I found two scraps of paper in the house. Is this something I should clear out, or is it from the bluebirds. putput Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 21:03:40 -0500 On Mon, 18 Mar 2002 20:05:11 -0500 "Kimberly Putnam"
kputnam"at"sc.rr.com ... Hi, Welcome. What city and state are you in? Maynard Sumner NABS MBS GAS OBS OBC NAHC NAFC Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. From: "Carole" cas"at"att.net Hi Bruce, and everyone, Thanks so much for all the helpful info! I do feel much much calmer today :) and will continue to remind myself that calm is always a good thing! I have saved all the replies I received in response to my post and thank all of you for offering encouragement and calm advice. I think I would have regretted it had I just given up before we even began! Now at least I have a plan of action (starting with using monofilament line) and it is truly very reassuring to know that you all are here! Thanks again, you have helped me to look forward to this new adventure again! :) Carole http://mountainwolfcove.com 15.) Whatevr you do, do it calmly. From: "Gary Springer" springer"at"alltel.net Hi Carole, In my opinion, your nest boxes should definitely be left up. House Sparrows are a problem but apparently only a small percentage of house sparrows kill bluebirds. The bluebirds need a home and you have provided some for them so they are better off now than before. Discussion with birders more familiar than I with interaction between house sparrows and bluebirds has revealed that more far more than 50 percent of bluebirds are successful nesting in areas where there are house sparrows. Some of the ones that fail are killed by house sparrows and these cases make a big impression and this overshadows the fact that many times bluebirds can nest successfully in areas with lots of house sparrows and most of them are not killed by house sparrows. Of course, there are many methods of greatly increasing the bluebirds success by controlling house sparrows and you should consider taking these steps. I'm sure others will help you with the many ways this can be done. Hope this helps. Gary Springer Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 19:09:58 -0500 I am in columbia, SC. Have not seen house sparrows, but not sure if I would know what one looks like. Have the bluebirds already settled on a place for a nest or is there hope./ K ... From: "Pauline, Mountain City TX" bluebirds"at"austin.rr.com As always, each area is different. In some areas where there is not yet an established bluebird population and there is an established population of House Sparrows, the House Sparrows start an all-out war. Placing boxes for bluebirds in these areas is inviting the bluebirds to their death. ... Carole will not know how it is for her area until she tries. If she is willing to trap House Sparrows, she will be increasing the chance of success. Some people place boxes in areas populated by House Sparrows that serve solely as boxes to trap House Sparrows to keep House Sparrows from their nearby bluebird trail. Pauline Tom ... From: "Krebs, Laura" Laura_Krebs"at"troweprice.com Are you sure the chickadee isn't a house sparrow? I've read a
lot about bluebirds today online and the house sparrow and
european starling are considered a problem for the bluebirds
trying to nest. I am not an expert. Just recently started feeding birds this
winter and have become very interested. I saw 3 bluebirds fly from
my deck to the cable box this morning, they were so beautiful. -----Original Message----- ... Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2002 19:09:10 -0600 At 03:15 PM 3/20/02 -0500, you wrote: ... Chickadees can and will use nestboxes. It is extremely important to identify species before taking any action. Native cavity nesters like chickadees need to be encouraged, non-native species like European starlings and house sparrows need to be prevented from breeding. Kate Oschwald From: "BRIAN LEACU" brian_leacu"at"msn.com What is the difference between Western Bluebird and Eastern Bluebird?Do we have any sites that we can go to and identify birds? Sorry for all the questions, but I am new at Bird watching.Thanks, Neal in Va From: "Bruce Burdett" blueburd"at"srnet.com Neal, in VA, and others, Date: Fri, 22 Mar 2002 18:04:40 -0400 You can purchase the Bluebird Monitor's Guide - but in mean time, go to the on-line bluebird REF GUIDE: All new members to Bluebird-L! We've got a terrific on-line resource guide to bluebirds and bluebirding. Just about anything you could wonder about you'll find on the Bluebird Reference Guide. Read on for more information: The joint Cornell/NABS Bluebird Reference Guide, Mailing Lists' archives: From: "Shane and Emily Marcotte" marcottesixx"at"hotmail.com Yes I am new to this list and very "green" to bluebirding. I put up 1 box that my wife brought home from wal-mart. Next thing I knew a couple were visiting on and off. Then I started seeing the female bring in grass. At this point I became really interested and started reading all I could about bluebirds. Ive fallen in love with them and I plan to erect more boxes now that I understand a little better whats going on with them. I have no predator protection on the box with eggs but I know now that I need one. Is it to late to add one? I simply nailed the box to a 2x4 and erected to a hurricane fence 5 feet off the ground about 100 feet from a tree line and 25 yards or so from our pond. Have you had the problems with sparrows that Ive read about? Poor birds have so much against them! Ill keep you posted as to what happens with"my"pair and clutch......Sincerily Shane in Watson 20 ... Shane and Emily Marcotte Date: Tue, 26 Mar 2002 10:10:19 -0400 Haleya Priest Amherst MA If you don't have time to do that you might try thinking of a song or phrase or words to say before you get near the box so that she knows you are approaching and can leave the nest before you get there. It can take a while before she learns what you choose, but she'll catch on. Sometimes they refuse to "flush" no matter what you do upon approaching. But I always feel that by letting them know I am coming they aren't so surprised - plus they know it is me and not some terrible predator. Best of luck and keep me posted! Thanks for reminding me of one of the best feelings in the whole world - warm blue eggs - up here in North Country we have a ways to go before they start to lay. :-) H ... From: abitabar"at"bellsouth.net I am new to bluebirding: put up 3 boxes and had 4 and 5 beautiful eggs in 2 of the boxes respectively when I checked last week. When we went back to check on the eggs progress a parent flew out of both boxes. We were probably about 20 yards away each time. Our land is wet and soupy now so walking is messy and not quiet--they must have heard us approaching. I am reluctant to check the nests now for fear of scaring the parents again. Should I worry about this or not? Thanks for your advice. Barbara in Abita Springs, Louisiana (just north of New Orleans) From: "Kathy Clark" lilbirdie2u"at"hotmail.com No do not worry.. they will return to the box once you have left. It's not going to scare them unless you do this all day long.. and I doubt that you are. Be aware though of when your eggs hatch and try to keep records on each separate box. Once the nestlings become about 12 days of age it is best not to disturb them after that. They might fly from the nest too soon which is what we call premature fledging.. fledging means fly.. Just watch for activity like parents feeding them etc.. noises you hear inside the box. Keep doing what you are doing now asking questions. We all did this for the first time.. I'm glad you are enjoying this :) ... From: Jennifer Hoffman jhoffman"at"sal.wisc.edu I'll second Kathy here. Especially once the female starts incubating, you are often going to catch her in the nest when you go to monitor. She will usually fly away, though will sometimes sit tight and hope you leave. The thing to do is make noise as you approach (giving a particular call or whistle will let them identify you and become used to your presence) and give the birds a chance to fly out if they want. Then open the box and do your thing quickly and quietly, and then leave the area so they can return to make sure all is well. You can watch from a distance to make sure they go back --but they always will! The bond between the birds and their nest is very strong, especially once the eggs hatch. They will quickly get used to your approach, so don't worry about scaring them away. We had a little bit of activity here this morning -- female
entering box with a beakful of grass -- but then it snowed an inch
or so in the afternoon. I guess things aren't getting started
quite yet. Enjoy your nesting! Jennifer, S WI Pine Bluff Observatory I am new to bluebirding: put up 3 boxes and had 4 and 5 beautiful ... From: "Keith & Sandy Kridler" kridler"at"1starnet.com Keith Kridler Mt. Pleasant, Texas By keeping records if you know there are bluebirds using the box and you see the female looking out at you and them settle back down out of sight I normally don't open the box only make a notation of "female bluebird sitting." Our main purpose is to have bluebirds (other natives also) using the box and to know if they are still in the area. You can check on contents of the box in a couple more days or next week. IF you don't see the adults then after reaching the box I like to stand to one side and very lightly drum with my fingers on the side of the box. I use a push pin to hold my boxes shut and can open them in seconds, if you use a screw to lock the box then simply removing it will alert the sitting birds. You have to consider that this female might have been up all night listening to predators or during severe storms and might be sound asleep when you approach. Sneaking up on a box and jerking the side of their house open can probably play havoc with their nervous system! If they wish to leave give them a clear avenue of escape and for me at any point of monitoring if I see the adult in the box I leave them alone. I do not intentionally frighten them out of the box to count or attempt to pick them up to count whatever is under them. A sudden movement can make the female explode out of the box and possibly break an egg! Unless you are in some of the northeastern states there is very little reason for the average backyard birder to go searching through the nest looking for blowflies as you will seldom find a "lethal" number of these in any of the southern nestboxes. KK To: bluebird-l"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L) On Tue, 02 Apr 2002 01:01:06 -0500 "Kathy Clark"
lilbirdie2u"at"hotmail.com writes: ... I have one box the female will come out and sit on my head as I check the eggs or babies. Maynard Sumner NABS MBS GAS OBS OBC NAHC NAFC Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Date: Wed, 03 Apr 2002 08:23:33 -0600 At 09:21 PM 4/1/02 -0500, abitabar"at"bellsouth.net wrote: ... It is actually better to have the mother leave the nest as you approach than to really give her a fright when you open the nestbox and risk her slamming the eggs together in her haste. I talk to the female as I approach and give her ample opportunity to know I'm coming. She will return to the nestbox after you leave. Just make your monitoring quick and leave the area. They will become more accustomed to your presence, but may always leave the nestbox as you approach. Some people encounter females that stay on the nest, I never have. Kate Oschwald Date: Sat, 06 Apr 2002 21:03:44 EDT I'm new to the list, so will probably ask some dumb questions. g The only dunb question is the one not asked when you really need to know! I checked my nest box the other yesterday and found a beautiful nest built already, no eggs. Isn't this early? Do they build the nest early and then wait until the weather is suitable or what? They often build a nest and leave it for a while. I've never been able to decide just what they are waiting for--no real correlation with weather or time that I can see! there looks like the start of a nest, but perhaps abandoned or not finished? Well, it *could* be abandoned, but again, they will make a
partial nest and then stop for a while--or change to another box.
I guess the best description is to say that the most similar thing
about our bluebirds is their dissimilarity! The best you can do is
try to spend some time observing the Rhonda Watts Date: Sat, 06 Apr 2002 22:23:10 -0400 Haleya Priest Amherst MA You can prop up a thin piece of grass in the entrance hole and see if it is knocked out - if it is, means someone's been there. I am not sure where you live, but if the weather is cold at all you'll see stop and start nests. If the pair is young - like first year adults, sometimes they build nests and then stop for no reason. It is as if they don't know what they are doing! This is the part of the nesting season we have to practice the most patience for we are so excited to see nests, eggs, and babies - yet the birds have their own unpredictable rhythms that drive us nuts this time of year! :-) H Rwatts wrote: I'm new to the list, so will probably ask some dumb questions. ... From: "Nelson & Marjorie Whipple" wildflower57"at"midmaine.com am putting up a new bluebird house and I just want to confirm the location..should it be away from other birdfeeders..if so how far away..I am placing it 5ft..on pvc pipe hole facing south..it's ok to have full sun..is there anything else I should know?? I will be waitn for a reply before setting up the nest. Thanks, SMS: (Send an SMS Message to my ICQ): +2783142149569584 From: "Bruce Burdett" blueburd"at"srnet.com Nelson & Marjorie, et al, I would keep all feeders as far from birdhouses as possible. We don't want to attract a lot of miscellaneous bird (and rodent) traffic to the vicinity of our houses. Our nesting birds like their privacy, and some of this unwanted traffic might be harmful to their health...... and to their lives as well. The WORST thing to do is to put birdfood ON the houses. I've actually heard of that - and seen it. Bruce Burdett, SW NH From: "Lee & Jim Johnson" mybuffy1"at"mindspring.com Good Morning, On one of my trips from the back bedroom past the backdoor, I just happened to see a house sparrow fly to a nearby tree just a few feet away from the nestbox with the three eggs in it. I decided to watch--good thing I did. All of a sudden, he headed right to the nestbox entrance hole. I bolted out the backdoor, coffee cup in hand with only socks on, to ward him off. (Spilled my coffee all over the door in the process!) Out of nowhere, "Dad" literally attacked him and brought him to the ground. Good thing he was watching. Weeks before, we had previous problems with house sparrows; but after attaching monofilament, they were virtually non-existent. I just went outside to check on the three eggs in the box. Mom is in it--laying another egg, I am sure. As I opened the backdoor, she stuck her head out of the nestbox. Needless to say, I retreated back inside. I can see that this monitoring thing is a constant and stressful thing--just when you think you have this whole process somewhat figured out, something else appears on the horizon to worry you. Will keep everyone posted, From: "Randy Jones" randyj"at"enter.net Hang in there! You're doing beautifully, and it will get easier. Randy Jones ... From: "Bill & Dot Forrester" forreste"at"ptdprolog.net Hi Karen and all, About the feeder birds - do you, or neighbors, feed mealworms? Since so many people do, non-cavity nesters seem to have learned to follow bluebirds to a nest box hoping for food, because a nest box looks much like many of the mealworm feeders. None of the birds you mention will harm bluebirds, so don't worry. The chickadees, though, may be looking for a nest box of their own. Chickadees almost always lose in competition to bluebirds, so again, don't worry. If a chickadee builds in one of your boxes, you can add a piece of wood with a 1 1/4" opening over top of the usual 1 1/2" hole, to keep the bluebirds from evicting the chickadees. Dot ----- Original Message ----- ... From: "Karen Louise Lippy" brdbrain"at"superpa.net Karen, Karen from South Central PA ----- Original Message ----- ... From: "College Town" collegetown"at"I-55.com My husband had given me a birdhouse someone had made. Nailed shut except the hole to go in and out of. It is fairly high up in my tree. Blue birds have been in and out for about 4 - 6 weeks. I could usually walk by and jingle my keys and mom (I guess it was mom) would stick her head out to see what was going on. This went on for several weeks. Last week I noticed them flying back and forth to the house and it looked like they were carrying "food" in their mouths. I assumed there are babies in there, but I haven't heard them. The last 3 or 4 days I haven't seen them. Then this morning, I saw one flying around. My question. This weekend should I take the birdhouse down so I can look in it and then put it back or should I give it more time? I guess, I could get a ladder and climb up with a flashlight and see what is going on. I know next year I will def. buy a birdhouse made for checking out nests. I am missing out on half the fun. I am in Louisiana. Is it to late to put up a bluebird house? Where do I get them? Thanks for your help. Kim From: "Nelson & Marjorie Whipple" wildflower57"at"midmaine.com I recently set up a new bluebird house..first time, I am a newbie :-)..though I haven't seen bluebirds in my area, someone please tell me how do they find the new house..no other houses in my area, I am near a 44 acre wooded area..set up on the lawn, facing my home, with trees nearby..also birdfeeder near by..chickadees,nuthatchers,titmouse,junco,bluejays. I am like a new Mom..waiting ...will they find the new nesting place..would appreciate info from anyone for suggestions to attract the bluebirds :-) Thanks, SMS: (Send an SMS Message to my ICQ): +2783142149569584 From: "Bruce Burdett" blueburd"at"srnet.com Marjorie, et al, Sitting down here in Sunapee, it's difficult to picture your situation there in your own yard, but in general I'd say that your chances of attracting Bluebirds are greater if: 1.) your house is mounted on a pole, not on a building, a tree,
or a fence-post. Finally, you should get yourself a copy of The Bluebird Monitor's Guide. It's a great initial investment (about $15) for a newbie. Also, pick the brains of successful bluebirders IN YOUR AREA. (Send me your postal address, and I'll mail you my free packet of info and suggestions. It doesn't say everything, but it says a lot.) Bruce Burdett, SW NH From: "Randy Jones" randyj"at"enter.net I love your name; wish I had thought of it! I think you are doing all that is necessary. My experience (three years) is that the blues are out there looking for a nice house and will add yours to their itinerary. Usually, unless there is an existing pair looking together, the male surveys the area, selects several possibilities, then flies from one location to the next, singing at all of them until a female hears the invitations and comes down. Then he escorts her to all the sites he has selected, and she decides which she likes best, and building a nest. Lots of open grassy turf seems to be what they like best, with the nestsite away from the trees. Good luck. Randy Jones ... From: "Karen Louise Lippy" brdbrain"at"superpa.net Bruce, Many people in my area feed year round because they enjoy seeing the birds bring their chicks in to the feeders. It is also possible to see birds such as orioles, catbirds, towhees and so forth that do not come to feeders over winter because they migrate. Not everyone chooses to feed, but if they do so, it is probably for the same reasons we feed over winter--to enjoy the species that visit us. Karen from South Central PA ----- Original Message ----- ... From: "judymellin" judymellin"at"netzero.net I would say the key hint I could give would be not to get discouraged! The birds may come this year or they may not. They might show up for the first time next season or it could take several years for them to find you. I think Bruce's very detailed :) instructions should give you an idea of the complex of circumstances that have to come together for blues to find you. I get this same question from people who decide to feed for the first time and it truly is a matter of time and circumstances. So hang in there- you and your box!- because, as you know, "if you build it, they will come"! Judy Mellin I recently set up a new bluebird house..first time, I am a newbie :-)..though I haven't seen bluebirds in my area, someone please tell me how do they find the new house..no other houses in my area, I am near a 44 acre wooded area..set up on the lawn, facing my home, with trees nearby..also birdfeeder near by..chickadees,nuthatchers,titmouse,junco,bluejays. I am like a new Mom..waiting ...will they find the new nesting place..would appreciate info from anyone for suggestions to attract the bluebirds :-) Thanks, SMS: (Send an SMS Message to my ICQ): +2783142149569584 From: "Karen Harder" karenh"at"praxisworks.org ----- Original Message ----- ... Bruce, Marjorie, and anybody else -- Question from another
northern New I don't know about Northport, Maine, but here in Cape Porpoise, Maine, bears are not something we have to be concerned about. We have a very faithful bunch of foxes (I think that's called a "sly of foxes," isn't it?), one or two of which come through daily and clean up all around and under the feeders and finish off with a chipmunk, red squirrel, or shrew for dessert. They'd be happy to empty the feeders, but they're too high for the foxes. And we have wolves around. But bears, no. In light of this, I've never seen any reason not to continue feeding the birds until late spring or early summer, thus following through on what I've been told my whole life -- that up north, early spring is almost as crucial a time for feeding seed-eating birds as heavy winter storm times, because the seeds of native seed-producing plants have been consumed by this time and they won't produce more until much later. We haven't even begun to see a trace of forsythia yet. Insect eaters have the real advantage in early spring. However, this does mean that the feeders are still active when the bluebirds are deciding on nesting sites. But with them being some 100' or so from the nestboxes, hopefully the continued feeding isn't a problem. Since our local pair of blues still hasn't decided on any of our boxes, though, I'm still looking for ways I can improve the offerings. Karen Harder -- Cape Porpoise, Maine Date: Wed, 17 Apr 2002 00:37:29 -0000 Hi everyone. I finally registered today after reading this website for a few months. I have two houses about thirty feet apart. One has a pair of BB's busily building a nest and the other I hope will house some Tree Swallows that are investigating. At the moment, the male BB is defending both houses but I hope that once the eggs come he will concentrate on guarding his box and let the Tree Swallows in the other box. I have been hosting BB's for several years. I was wondering why
they were checking out the houses but weren't building a nest
before now and more importantly, why the House Sparrows weren't
attempting to take over. My answer came the day before yesterday
when I checked the houses. Although there were no nests yet, there
were wasps (European Paper Wasps) in the houses. I read about
these wasps on a website but I can't remember where. They are more
aggressive than regular paper wasps and like to nest in cavities.
I chased the wasps away and rubbed bar soap on the inside roof and
upper sides of the nest boxes. I heard that this prevents the
wasps from attaching their nests to the roofs of the nestboxes.
The very next day, the female was busily If there are BB's checking out a box but not going in or building a nest, there could be wasps. Good luck with all of your Bluebirds! Mindy From: Greg Jenkins GJenkins"at"NASHOLD.COM Yeah, this was my first blue bird box to put up, and I have made a bunch of mistakes that are now coming back to haunt me (the box was on a tree in my front yard). I was just trying to get through this one nesting cycle, then I was going to do all of the preventive things that I have come to find out are very important. Looks like I wasn't very successful this time around, but next time I will be able to enjoy it more. I have been so stressed out about them being in harms way, but I was determined to do everything in my power to get them through this. The cats might be able to chalk this one up as a victory, but it is going to cost them in the long run. Just like the saying, they might have won the battle, but they're not going to win the war. -----Original Message----- hi Greg, You've probably had a bunch of emails telling you this, but just in case... What kind of system do you have your bluebird nesting box mounted on? Most of us either use telescoping poles for height, or serious baffling (I got mine from Wild Birds Unlimited, but I think it's plain ol' black stove pipe) that keeps the pole climbing predators, such as cats or raccoons, away. If you have a system that cannot be mounted with a baffle, you can purchase a baffle that can be fitted around a post and hammered on. It seems better to frustrate the predators, which will make them leave your yard, than to have to watch for them every single second. Just today I sent my schnauzer out after my neighbor's barn cat, and when the cat hid in brambles, out of the reach of the dog, I got my paint ball gun after it and chased it with paint ball splats way off my property. He'll be back though...that's why I have the baffles up everywhere. Best of luck, From: Shane Marcotte marco50"at"bellsouth.net Hi Everyone, From: TomGaryH"at"aol.com Hi Shane, In your 02-04-21 06:04:07 EDT post, you write: Is it possible that the couple in nestbox 1 will begin a new nest in box 2 before the babies fledge?If it is a new pair Ive not seen 3 or 4 BBs at any one given time. Yes, it is most probable. However, if box 2 is not in line-of-sight with box 1, two pairs may be staying clear of each other. In this case, a building or dense vegetation between the two could enable the pairs to maintain separate territories although their nestboxes are relatively close. Also, it has been reported, sometimes two or more pairs live very close to each other. An abundance of food is thought to be one of the factors that would help to account for close living. These things have been reported from time to time on Bluebird-L. I have only observed a nest being built by a female while she was also responsible for youngins in another nestbox, however. Tom Heintzelman From: "John C James" jjames14"at"nc.rr.com I am a new member of BBT and BB-L. My first BB box installed last month on my deck a few feet from my house. Have 5 baby BB's about 7 days old in it. Postings here about sparrows worry me. I have 5 bird feeders with different kinds of food in my back yard. Will that pacify sparrows, and keep the young BB's safe, or are the sparrows just nasty opportunistic marauders seeking out BB's to kill? What special precautions can I take now, or is it too late, and I will just have to trust to luck?. John James Durham, NC From: "Randy Jones" randyj"at"enter.net It may be too late to do anything for these nestlings. You have a location problem and a feeding problem, I think. There is no debate about the need to put your nestboxes as far from trees and shrubs as possible, up to 100 feet away. It is probably not possible to do that with the nestlings there right now. You might want to do that after this nesting. There is much debate about the kind of seed offered and its impact on the situation. My own experience is that removal of millet from the feeder stations, replacing the general wildbird mix (which contains millet) with black oil sunflower seed, has helped immensely. We still see sparrows at the periphery of our property, and on neighbors' property, but not on ours. It also helped to repair our old garage. Shoring up the eaves, which had rotted and were being used by sparrows as nesting spots eliminated a strong attraction. Trapping sparrows in nestboxes and in ground traps also seems to have helped. I'm aware that my response is geared more to the long term solution, and you, of course, desperately want a short-term one. I guess I'd cross my fingers, pray, and do nothing to rock the boat until they fledge (I hope and pray they make it!). Wish I could be more help. Maybe someone else will have better ideas. Randy Jones ... Date: Mon, 22 Apr 2002 08:58:15 EDT My first BB box installed last month on my deck a few feet from my house. Have 5 baby BB's about 7 days old in it. Postings here about sparrows worry me. I have 5 bird feeders with different kinds of food in my back yard. Will that pacify sparrows, and keep the young BB's safe, or are the sparrows just nasty opportunistic marauders seeking out BB's to kill? What special precautions can I take now, or is it too late, and I will just have to trust to luck?. Congratulations on having blues so close!! I guess the first question has to be what you mean by `sparrows'. Native sparrows, the majority of little brown birds around us, are perfectly harmless and very desirable. The one which can be dangerous is the House Sparrow, actually a `weaver finch' (notice the thick, strong bill). A good bird ID book will help you figure out which one you have. The male House Sparrow has a characteristic black bib. (Look around at any fast food resaurant--House Sparrows will be there!) The HOuse SParrow problem is that they will usurp cavities which might otherwise be used by native birds; and, they are one of the very rare birds which will attack other nesting birds (most species will tolerate other species in the area, just not their own species). With the heavy bill as a weapon, and the short wings giving them greater manoeuverability inside a nest box, they can rather easily kill adults of other species--not just bluebirds. What sort of feed are you putting out? It's not infallible, but avoiding millet (the little round white or reddish seeds) can help. Most of the native species are quite happy with sunflower, niger, and safflower, but don't really care for millet; HOSP are the opposite. (Availability of feed is no guarantee at all that HOSPs will leave other nests alone.) Using monofilament line on your boxes may help deter HOSPs. Since they are less able to maneouvre *outside* a box, the monofilament seems to keep them out. Beyond that, you will need to come to a personal decision on how to deal with HOSP in your area. The list files have many such--ranging from how to trap and kill; to trap, trim feathers, and release (making the HOSP more vulnerable to predators); poking, boiling, or nearly freezing HOSP eggs, then returning them to the nest (never to hatch, but keeping the pair occupied); etc. Be very cautious about messing with the HOSP nest, though--there seems to be a correlation between that, and a previously quiescent pair of HOSP suddenly attacking nearby nestboxes. Let us know how things go on, and whether you actually do have a HOSP problem! Rhonda Watts From: "Bruce Burdett" blueburd"at"srnet.com Gail, On a couple of occasions the hen has actually laid an egg or
two in the house which they later abandoned, but not usually. From: "John C James" jjames14"at"nc.rr.com Hi Gang, I am still concerned about their apparent torpor. Is that a normal state for the babies? They are around 10 days old now. John James Durham, NC From: "John C James" jjames14"at"nc.rr.com Dot, Birds sleep soundly at night - was it dark when you checked the first time? Also you should be aware that your babies are old enough to have learned the trick about "playing possum" - you are a potential predator to them. If the parents are still bringing food, you need not worry. By the way, unless something is obviously wrong, it is a very good idea to stop looking in the box when they are about 12 days old. At that age, it is all too possible to frighten them into a premature fledge, which would be very dangerous. They need to be in the box and not somewhere on the ground where anything could get at them. If you absolutely must peek, you can try looking with a mirror so that the box can remain closed. Good luck, and enjoy your bluebirds. Dot ... From: "John C James" jjames14"at"nc.rr.com Karen, Thank you for the information. It will be the first thing I do tomorrow morning. They were playing possum, but your instructions to check them for blowfly infestation will be accomplished, and I shall inform you of the results. John James ... Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2002 00:24:38 -0000 Wasn't much of a bird watcher until we put up our bird house and within minutes we had Bluebird tennants. Will it bother the birds if we peak inside? Does activity bother them, as I have a project going on close by. Robert, From: "John C James" jjames14"at"nc.rr.com Should I fill out the following downloaded forms, "Nestbox Description", "Pesticide Use Data", Nest "Attempt Worksheet." If so, I have a few questions about the requested information for which II need help: Where do I find "nestbox id"? How do I establish my latitude and longitude? Is the elevation requested measured from sea level, the ground, or my deck? To what do the questions about primary and secondary habitat refer? Is it advisable to keep Pyrethrum on hand, and should it be a spray or powder form? Are there specific concentrations of pyrethrum I should purchase, and under what circumstances should they be used on or around a nestbox?. Is it also advisable to keep "Tanglefoot" available? John James From: "Mrs. Marysue Meints" mamakitticat"at"earthlink.net We have eggs! Our Bluebirds began building the nest on Saturday, April 13, 2002. I first checked the box after nest building began, on Monday, April 15. It looked nearly complete, compared to everyday after that I've checked. They continued to look like they were bringing nesting materials to the box up until a few days ago. I checked the box on this past Monday, April 22, and it was just the nest, no eggs. I was compelled to check and upon watching for quite a while, I saw no BB's near the box. Imagine my surprise when opening the box, after making sufficient noise on the way to the box and fumbling and scratching when opening the box, to find Mrs. Bluebird in the box! Scared her and me both, I guess. She got out of there very fast at that point. There were two light blue eggs in the nest. I'm not sure what to say next, except the eggs looked tiny as to what I was expecting. One of them looks cracked, on the end, very cracked like something heavy cracked it ... I don't know any other way to describe it. I got out of there as soon as I could. I was so embarrassed at how the operation went down. Since this is our first box and nest and eggs, I'm looking for reassurance or scolding, either is fine, but both please just moderately. Is it possible to scare Mrs. Bluebird into not returning? Is there something particular I should about the egg that looks cracked? I am assuming that Mrs. Bluebird would be laying more eggs probably. But of course, maybe not. If she has more eggs to lay will she come back or go elsewhere? My questions are hurriedly composed and I hope they make sense. I'm rather a bothered mess about this right now. :( Marysue In The South NE GA From: "John C James" jjames14"at"nc.rr.com All birdseed containing millet has been removed by me to discourage visits by HOSP's. I have a large bag left of mixed bird seed. What is the smart thing to do with it? A couple of months ago I received and assembled 2 free birdhouses that have the following dimensions: Depth 5 1/4", width 4", front panel is 4 1/2" in height with a semi circle cut that extends to the top, and is 2" across. Above it is a triangular opening framed by the side and the roof of the box 2" wide at the peak of the roof that overhangs the front panel by 3/4". The front panel was friction fit by me for easy access to the interior instead of following the directions to use the supplied screws. They were then hung from lower tree limbs for a month. 4 feeders are nearby. No bird has ever been near either insofar as I can tell. To check them out they were taken down. Is there any logical they have been ignored by birds? Also what are the white stuff the parents have been removing from the box housing my 5 hatchlings? John James Date: Sat, 27 Apr 2002 15:20:05 -0500 (Central Daylight Time) Hi - I'm new to the list and we really want to know something. We have a pair of blubirds nesting in a box on our driveway light post. I have peeked in and see that there are three little ones - maybe a week old now. But, as we eat breakfast each morning we watch the parents hustling back and forth delivering food - then every now and then we see them come out with something large and white which they fly off with. What is that? The only thing I can possibly think of is the waste of the little ones. Can anyone help us on this one? Thanks Ernie Tucker Crossville TN -------------- From: "Cinda J. Salisbury" cjs"at"cvns.net Ok, CJ - South-central Pa. From: hubertrap"at"webtv.net (Joe Huber) Hi Earnie, what you are seeing is the normal process of feeding and then removing the young birds waste. It is in a membrane like sack so parents can carry it out of nest and drop it some distance away. Joe Huber Venice Fl. Charter member NABS, Charter member OBS, Life member OBS Joe Huber hubertrap"at"webtv.net http://community.webtv.net/hubertrap/HOUSESPARROWCONTROL http://community.webtv.net/hubertrap/RoostingBluebirds 27.1171494 N Lo -82.4124222 W From: hubertrap"at"webtv.net (Joe Huber) Hi cj and all, It is normal for a pair of Bluebirds to try and
protect several boxes located close together. Other birds can win
one over if persistent. Bluebirds will generally fight harder
against HOSP since they know they are most dangerous. Once
bluebirds are established the HOSP is more likely to show more
interest and generally picks the same box the bluebird is using.
Thats when your challenge comes. What to do? I believe in
aggressive control and eliminating the HOSP before he becomes a
problem. Charter member NABS, Charter member OBS, Life member OBS Joe Huber hubertrap"at"webtv.net http://community.webtv.net/hubertrap/HOUSESPARROWCONTROL http://community.webtv.net/hubertrap/RoostingBluebirds 27.1171494 N Lo -82.4124222 W Date: Sat, 27 Apr 2002 18:36:05 -0500 At 03:25 PM 4/26/02 -0400, you wrote: ... Date: Sat, 27 Apr 2002 21:12:42 EDT then every now and then we see them come out with something large and white which they fly off with. What is that? The on ly thing I can possibly think of is the waste of the little ones. That's exactly what it is! Otherwise the poor little ones would be waist-deep before they fledged... The parents carry it off and drop it well away from the box. Rhonda Watts To: bluebird-l"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L) On Sat, 27 Apr 2002 15:20:05 -0500 (Central Daylight Time)
"Ernie Tucker" ernie724"at"citlink.net writes: ... Yes, It is the waste of the little ones. Maynard Sumner NABS MBS GAS OBS OBC NAHC NAFC Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. The white stuff is called a fecal sac. The droppings are encased this way so the babies do not foul the nest. If you notice, the birds carry them quite a distance before dropping them, presumable so they don't draw predators too close to the nestbox. Kate Oschwald New Bluebirders Problems/Solutions (part 10) |
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