Fall/Winter Bluebirding (Part 1)

Also see Winterizing Nestboxes

Subj: Roosting
Date: 7/30/99 4:40:55 PM Central Daylight Time
From: Sialiaman"at"aol.com
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: Sialiaman"at"aol.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Dick Purvis, Anaheim CA

I would like to join the chorus that bluebirds do use the nestboxes all year round. I see them using them at all seasons. A month after the last nesting they still are defending their nestbox. Even in the late summer and fall I find moulted feathers from juveniles in the boxes. During fall and winter the birds wander far and near and notice and investigate every cavity they see. They are fascinated by cavities and by spring know where all of them are for miles around. If you are starting a new trail, keep boxes up during the fall and winter so that the birds will find them.

 

Subj: silent mornings
Date: 9/4/99 8:00:42 AM Central Daylight Time
From: kridler"at"1Starnet.com (Keith & Sandy Kridler)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: kridler"at"1Starnet.com (Keith & Sandy Kridler)
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L)

Keith Kridler Mt. Pleasant, Texas
Well the morning bird calls have fallen as silent as the bluebird-L lately. Birds tend to be less vocal during their molting time. In my area the birds are in full molt now and feathers can be found everywhere in the yard and around feeding areas from all different species of birds. I like to look for the bluebird feathers and check to see how much wear the feathers show. Depending on the part of the country you are located will determine the amount of sun damage they will have. High altitudes like Colorado and clear skies lets more of the ultraviolet rays reach the earth and more will strike the birds. Areas with lots of cloud cover during the summer will help protect them. Our bluebirds look pretty well bleached now as they start to replace feathers.

When you find a primary flight feather you can tell which wing it came from by turning the bright color up and then looking to see if the thin leading edge is facing the front. A long flight feather with the feather shaft running right down the middle will be a tail feather. Do a little detective work and hunt for feathers this weekend and just enjoy the outdoors! KK

 

Subj: WINTER BOXES
Date: 10/24/99 11:58:09 AM Central Daylight Time
From: stillwaterbirder"at"netscape.net (stuart roth)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: stillwaterbirder"at"netscape.net
To: dsheldonjr"at"hotmail.com, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

"dean sheldon" wrote:
TO THE FAITHFUL: Looking for ideas/techniques for the "winterization" of  bluebird nest boxes in northern areas. Information is needed for an up-coming article in "The Bluebird Monitor," quarterly newsletter of the Ohio Bluebird Society. Your input appreciated. Please put WINTER BOXES on the subject line of your post. Many thanks....Dean

Hi Dean. My Nestboxes are hung on a special wooden anchor block. Once attached, you are free to move the nesting box inside during the winter without removing nails or screws from the tree or other surfaces. It is easy to put them back up after winter. I find it better then plugging up the holes. Happy birding, Stu


************************************************
Stu Roth
Stillwater Birder Co.
Clear View Bird House - A view inside nature
888-668-2627
http://www.stillwaterbirder.com
mailto:stu"at"stillwaterbirder.com
************************************************
 

Subj: Re: WINTER BOXES
Date: 10/24/99 2:52:12 PM Central Daylight Time
From: schrinnr"at"cuttingedge.net (J & R SCHRINNER)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: schrinnr"at"cuttingedge.net (J & R SCHRINNER)
To: dsheldonjr"at"hotmail.com, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Hi Dean-------The best method we have found for winterizing our bluebird trail here in central WI is to plug the hole with styrofoam cut into circles. This is quick and easy to do and does seem to hold the field mice at bay although it is not foolproof since there are other openings they can sneak into if they choose. However, the styrofoam method does seem to cut down on the number of "surprises" that occur in the spring when we first check our boxes. Those surprises can generate quite a bit of excitement when they come tumbling out of the box----not to mention the SMELL!

Joan Schrinner

...

 

Subj: North West Ohio
Date: 10/26/99 8:37:21 AM Central Daylight Time
From: rerager"at"bright.net (Robert E. Rager)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: rerager"at"bright.net
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Read the two msgs feeders & hawk and turkeys. Nearly every day I see bluebirds at the bird bath and checking BB house on which I put meal worms in the fall. At this time these are all migrating birds. When BB's arrive sparrows start bothering them without fail and later a robin land s on bird bath which drives all birds away. Do others note this kind of action from sparrows and robins. I feed meal worms only in spring and fall to migrating bluebirds. Bob Rager

 

Subj: WEBLs eating seed?
Date: 10/26/99 11:40:18 AM Central Daylight Time
From: sutterfolk"at"jps.net (W.Guglieri/G.Hyden)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: sutterfolk"at"jps.net
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Hello all.

After reading about everyone's BBs leaving for warmer climates, I guess I count myself lucky that I still have WEstern BLuebirds around. I presume that they're the mating pair and their last clutch, since the number is right, and they're all banded except the adult male. Although it certainly is getting colder, our days are still mild for this time of year.

I sort of haphazardly throw out wild bird seed in my driveway, a large circular area of asphalt under the oaks. Almost every day, usually at about 10 am to noon, and often in the evening just when the sun sets (the warmer parts of the day), I have been graced with the most wonderful feeding station which includes the following birds:
plain titmouse, brown towhee, rufous-sided towhee, junco, white-breasted nuthatch, mourning dove, with occasionally several types of sparrows (no HOSPS), a few acorn woodpeckers, and on 2 occasions a black-chinned sparrow (Life bird for me!). But most importantly, the group always includes my last WEBL clutch. They usually sit up on the utility lines above the driveway, and always show up after the other birds have gathered, but are here faithfully each time. On 3 occasions, I have seen one of the WEBLs (always the male) come down and pick up a sunflower seed. Once, he repeated this twice. I didn't actually see him EAT the seed, only pick it up. Is this unusual? I mentioned this to Bruce B., and agree with him that a WEBL beak doesn't look as if could do much with a sunflower seed. I find it fascinating that the WEBLs seem to "hang out" at this feeding station each day, with all the other species, even though they don't seem to take a very active part in actually feeding. Anyone else witness this type of behavior?

Wendy Guglieri
Rescue, California
sutterfolk"at"jps.net

Migration
Date: 10/29/99 10:47:32 PM Central Daylight Time
From: Sialiaman"at"aol.com
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: Sialiaman"at"aol.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Dick Purvis, Anaheim CA

I believe the western bluebirds in southern california have different migration habits than bluebirds in the rest of the country. They are here all year round but in late summer when it gets very hot there are few bluebirds here. I believe they go further up into the mountains where it is cooler. They seem to be returning now and they associate in flocks of birds of many mixed species feeding on the ground on insects. The primary basis of  the flock is yellow rumped warblers. There are even seed eaters in the flock. Yesterday there was a flock in my yard consisting of yellow rumped warblers, two bluebirds, house finches, white crowned sparrows, and chipping sparrows. In larger flocks in parks I have seen up to a dozen species in the flock some of which are pretty unusual. The flocking instinct in birds is an interesting subject.

Although bluebirds eat many berries here in the winter, I believe their main food is still insects. The weather is so mild here that there are insects all year round.

 

Subj: joy
Date: 10/29/99 4:21:06 PM Central Daylight 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)

What a joy and a wonderful surprise I had when I was out with my poodle in the yard today. I heard a very familiar little call or song. I looked up and WOW. My beautiful bluebirds were in the trees singing and chirping and looking beautiful. It made my whole day! I haven't seen them in about three weeks. There were at least five there along with some house finches. I was so happy, I had to write to my friends on the list to share my excitement.
I have been reading the comments about bluebirds migrating or not. Here in Fonda, New York, which is in the Mohawk Valley, I believe the bluebirds stay here the entire winter as I see them off and on during Dec., Jan., and Feb. They often come and scout out the housing situation several times in the winter. I have a woods in back of my house. I think they go deeper into that woods when it gets cold and then when the sun shines and it is a little warmer, they go apartment hunting in my yard. Anyways, I was overjoyed to see them today.
Thanks again for all the interesting postings.
Chickie Smith
Fonda, New York
 

Re: RE MOBL
Date: 10/30/99 10:19:28 AM Central Daylight Time
From: hubertrap"at"webtv.net (Joe Huber)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: hubertrap"at"webtv.net
To: RWil2654"at"aol.com, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Hi Bob and all, Back in Ohio the Eastern Bluebirds will also hunt insects in the winter if the weather allows it warm up some. I've seen them fly up to the screen on the sliding door and capture spiders on mild days during winter. Also on a hill side north of our yard one winter snow melted off several large spots up there. Seen several Bluebirds land there and act as if they were hunting insects. They remained there for some time so must have found something to eat. One winter it had snowed about 6" and then a few days later was followed by an extra 4" more. I had run the snow blower thru the back yard to get it out front so it left a long path 42" wide. As the sun came out all snow melted off where the snow blower had run. This open area of bare grass attracted 20 Bluebirds and 6 Robins. Believe this was in early Feb. I'm not sure they found insects but something sure attracted them. Joe Huber Venice Fl.
 

Subj: Winter nest box activity
Date: 10/31/99 8:40:24 AM Central Standard Time
From: springer"at"alltel.net (Gary Springer)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: springer"at"alltel.net
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L)
CC: springer"at"alltel.net (Gary Springer)

October 31, 1999: Observed 3 male and 2 female Eastern Bluebirds investigating and entering a single nest box at 9:30 AM EST in Appalachian Mountain Foothills near Carnesville in Northeast Georgia. Sunny and 60 degrees F, about 18 degrees warmer than morning temperatures of last several days.

Gary Springer

 

Subj: Winter.
Date: 10/31/99 9:06:05 AM Central Standard Time
From: blueburd"at"srnet.com (Bruce Burdett)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: blueburd"at"srnet.com
To: uzgreyzone"at"webtv.net (Stephanie Alabama NY Uhrinek)
CC: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L)

Stephanie, et al,
I expect you'll get a lot of answers to your qustions, but here's one quick one. Most will agree, I believe, that we should not try to give mealworms to the Bluebirds in winter, especially in the Northeast. I you lived in the South, it would probably be O.K. even though the consensus seems to be that they don't NEED them anywhere, anytime. We do it for our own pleasure, and they certainly seem to enjoy the treat. In the Northeast, we run the risk of keeping them around too late in the season so that they end up getting zapped by a sudden, unseasonal, violent winter storm. Nobody seems to be dead sure just WHAT they do in the winter, but again, the consensus is that their movements are dictated by NATURAL phenomena of food supply and weather. Mealworms, much as they seem to like them, certainly are not natural phenomena. Under normal circumstances, and even some ABnormal ones, they know how to get along just fine without our treats, - mealworms, berries, commercial Bluebird pellets, whatever.
Bruce Burdett, NH Bluebird Conspiracy, Sunapee NH

 

Subj: Migrating BB's
Date: 10/31/99 9:11:25 AM Central Standard Time
From: rerager"at"bright.net (Robert E. Rager)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: rerager"at"bright.net
To: Bluebird-L"at"cornell.edu (Bluebird)

Noticed bluebirds in yard for passed week including this AM. Sometimes I notice two while other times seems to be families 5 to 7 at a time. Always have bluejays in fall some of these also migrating. Todays first time I noticed a Bluejay on top of BB house eating meal worms from small plastic cup.

Rager N/W Ohio
Robert Rager

Subj: Re: Winter nest box activity
Date: 10/31/99 1:50:06 PM Central Standard Time
From: hubertrap"at"webtv.net (Joe Huber)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: hubertrap"at"webtv.net
To: springer"at"alltel.net, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Hi Gary and all, Your report of several Bluebirds going in and out of one nest box is identical to my past observations in Ohio. After all of this inspecting of boxes during the fall they generally vanished when a cold front came through. But then later when it really turned cold they suddenly show up in late afternoon. They go in and out a few times and then all go in to stay the night. Sounds like they are picking out an area to roost in. Joe Huber Venice Fl.

 

Subj: Bluebirds and the weather
Date: 11/4/99 2:09:52 PM Central Standard Time
From: trabby"at"juno.com
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: trabby"at"juno.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Hi everyone,

I have noticed that the bluebirds are checking out the boxes only when it
is sunny outside and wondered if anyone else has noticed this as well.
This morning it was sunny and bright although very chilly, 32 degrees. We
had 5 bluebirds checking out 3 boxes. I haven't seen them in a few days
(since our last sunny day) and was pleased that they were back. Yesterday
we woke up to 38 degrees and 4 inches of snow on the ground. I was hoping
they would come to the boxes to roost during the evening but no such
luck. I didn't see them at all. I would have thought they would be
looking for someplace to go when the weather was bad instead of days when
they don't really need to. Any thoughts on this or is it just
coincidence that they are around when it's sunny?

Jennifer
Greenville, PA
Sunny and 50 degrees
 

Subj: Bluebirds Galore
Date: 11/6/99 10:09:06 AM Central Standard Time
From: springer"at"alltel.net (Gary Springer)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: springer"at"alltel.net
To: jabbest"at"dreamscape.com (Brenda and/or John Best), BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L)
CC: identisee"at"aol.com (Meredith Springer), springer"at"alltel.net (Gary Springer)

Dear fellow Bluebirders,

If you live in the South Carolina, Tennessee, North Georgia region and would like the possibility of seeing more of our beautiful blue friends than you may have ever seen before, I urge you to conduct a "Big Sit" between dawn and 8:50 AM tomorrow morning and help us understand more of these birds movements.

I awoke at 6:00 this morning and noticed how bright the stars were. I put on two layers of sweat pants and a heavy cotton jacket , threw my double(one inside another) sleeping bag on the back deck, jumped in and marveled at the universe before me, complete with moving 'stars'. It was 33 degrees but nothing to it.

About an hour later, just as the bright sun lit up the golden tops of the tallest hickory trees I heard the sweet call of Eastern Bluebirds. I scanned the sky and saw a flock of about 50 birds flying by at about 125 feet. It was obviously the call of several Bluebirds but as the flock passed directly overhead a single Robin cried out and my unwillingness to believe my eyes caused me to tell myself they must be Robins.

Fifteen minutes later I heard the sweet call of Bluebirds again, and another flock of about 40 birds. Could these actually be Bluebirds I thought?

I grabbed for my binoculars still in their warm hiding place in the sleeping bag. By the time I focused they were nearly gone. But they sure looked like Bluebirds.

Not ten minutes later I heard them again. I searched the sky and there they were. 1, 2, 3......No time to count. I singled out a bunch of ten and figured there were at least 5 of these for an estimated 50 birds.This time they were flying at only about 80 feet and there was no mistaking their orange and white breasts illuminated by the bright morning sun as they fluttered by. A flock of Eastern Bluebirds.

To be continued tomorrow morning.

Gary Springer
Carnesville, Georgia, Further north than most of North Carolina

...
 

Subj: Correction to Bluebirds Galore
Date: 11/6/99 10:14:47 AM Central Standard Time
From: springer"at"alltel.net (Gary Springer)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: springer"at"alltel.net
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L)
CC: identisee"at"aol.com (Meredith Springer), springer"at"alltel.net (Gary Springer)

CORRECTION: Further north than most of SOUTH Carolina

 

Subj: More and More Bluebirds
Date: 11/7/99 11:44:56 AM Central Standard Time
From: springer"at"alltel.net (Gary Springer)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: springer"at"alltel.net
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L)
CC: identisee"at"aol.com (Meredith Springer), springer"at"alltel.net (Gary Springer)

Hello All,

After spending two mornings from before dawn to about 9:30 AM the first day and 10:3AM the second day, laid out in a sleeping bag, eyes toward the
heavens and ears straining for the churrweee call of the Eastern Bluebird, I have many more questions and only two conclusions.

The first conclusion:

There are hundreds of Bluebirds fluttering around in the sky over my property.

Based on my observations made while walking over the property two or more hours per day and window watching for birds and other animals many times
each hour throughout the day, I would have concluded there were no Bluebirds visible from my yard. I also saw more deer in six hours than I had seen
looking out the window in over a month. And I saw a flock of American Robins consisting of between 250 and 300 birds. They came through much higher than usual flocks and in an unbroken stream that was no wider than the more frequent flock sizes of between 15 and 50 but they continued to flow in after the birds at the front were long gone towards the southwest.

Which leads me to the second conclusion:

You are in danger of coming to wrong conclusions about birds and other wildlife if you base them on what you observe from your window.

Now the questions:

Will flocks of Eastern Bluebirds travel at altitudes high enough so that people with good vision can't see them on clear days?

How far up do they have to be before we can no longer see them? (Keep in mind that I have seen huge black Turkey Vultures with wingspans of six or
more feet soar from only 20 feet off the ground until they become dots and finally disappeared without flapping their wings a single time.)

Given 'normal' conditions and 'average' hearing ability, from how far can the Eastern Bluebird's Churrwee call be heard? And, is this distance less than or greater than the maximum altitude at which they travel?

Is it possible to hear a group of Bluebirds as they fly over but for them to be too far up for us to see them from the ground?

Do these birds travel at night?

Do they always emit their calls when traveling in groups?

If anyone has any information that may shed some light on these seemingly simple questions, I would appreciate it very much if it or its source were sent to me on or off list.

Has anyone else been looking skyward for our blue feathered friends?

Thank you,

Gary Springer,
Carnesville, GA - Further north than a bit of North Carolina and most of South Carolina. 810 feet above sea level

PS Today's Bluebirds: The largest single group of Eastern Bluebirds this morning was only 18 compared to a group of about 50 sight and sound identified birds yesterday.

Also today: sight and sound identification total of 60, sight identification of an additional 28 birds in 5 groups (I'm still not perfect on distinguishing Bluebirds from robins at higher elevations via sight only but I about have it worked out. If you concentrate on the imaginary plane(geometric plane, not airplane, Bruce & Wendell) on which they are flying, I believe that Bluebirds deviate from that plane more so than do Robins).

In addition, on eight seperate occurrences I heard the calls of Bluebirds flying by but could not locate them in the sky. One of these occurrences sounded like a very large group.

 

Subj: Birds in the Sandhills
Date: 11/7/99 2:49:52 PM Central Standard Time
From: cjhall"at"huntel.net (Carolyn Hall)
Reply-to: NEBirds"at"rip.physics.unk.edu
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu, NEBirds"at"rip.physics.unk.edu (NEBirds)

82 degrees, WOW! I can take this weather all winter but we could surely use some moisture. What a georgous morning, 42 degrees. I was house/horse/dog/cat sitting south of Long Pine. The birds down along the barn and creek sounded just like spring-robins, cardinals goldfinches, chickadees, juncos, a flicker and even a couple of black birds of some kind. Crows were off to the east mobbing something probably the great horned owl that I heard
hooting last evening.  As I was leaving their place about noon, there was an Eastern bluebird that flew across the dirve just as I walked around the back of my
pick-up. Don't know who was more surprised-the bird or me! Then on the drive out there were two bluebirds about 100 yards from where there are two bluebird boxes.
Carolyn Hall, Sandhills Bluebird Lady, Bassett, NE
 

Subj: Re to Bonnie
Date: 11/7/99 7:02:21 PM Central Standard Time
From: pinecrestfarm"at"earthlink.net (Donald Edwards)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: pinecrestfarm"at"earthlink.net (Donald Edwards)
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (Bluebird)

Hi Bonnie, From the talk on this list it seems to me that we really don't know where the bluebirds go when they migrate or even if they really do. I know that around here in southeastern Mazzzchusetts they move around in flocks but I really think that they do not migrate. This is the first year that I have watched them closely in the fall and by their actions I feel they are all birds that were fledged on my land. They are familiar with me and my actions. Other winters I have seen some off and on and at the monthly bird club meetings there have usually been sightings reported. However, have not checked on them as much in the past as I have been this fall but will be checking closely from now on . I have every reason to believe that they will easily survive the winter here. I am within ten miles of the ocean which usually gives us milder winters than just a little inland. More than the temperature, though, I believe the supply of food has more bearing on whether they stay or move on. We do have a lot of berries available and I intend to feed when I see the supply of those is deminishing.

 

Subj: Re: More and More Bluebirds
Date: 11/8/99 6:10:15 AM 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: springer"at"alltel.net, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L)
CC: identisee"at"aol.com (Meredith Springer), springer"at"alltel.net (Gary Springer)

Gary,

Your experience mirrors mine. I, too, heard bluebirds that I couldn't find in the sky. I believe their song may have some ventriloquial (hope that's a word) qualities that fool us. Have you tried cupping your ears and moving like a radar?

As for distinguishing robins, I watched the movement of their wings. To me, they have a distinct flapping that's different from bluebirds.

Your questions are great, Gary, but I have no idea whether anyone has ever studied bluebirds enough to get the answers you seek.

Brenda


 

Subj: Bluebird numbers declined
Date: 11/8/99 1:44:46 PM Central Standard Time
From: springer"at"alltel.net (Gary Springer)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: springer"at"alltel.net
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L)
CC: monteen"at"hawktalk.com (Monteen McCord), identisee"at"aol.com (Meredith Springer), springer"at"alltel.net (Gary Springer)

Hello all,

Today I took off work to see if the surprising observations of the last two mornings would be repeated.

I increased the sky area that I could monitor by at least four fold by selecting a new observation post near power lines. From this post I could see only a very small portion of the flight area where most of the birds were observed the last two days.

Obviously its too early to draw and conclusions about local flight patterns but I believe this contributed to the dramatic drop in the number of all species observed because most of the birds I did see from this new post were traveling through that small portion of the flight area where most of the birds were seen the previous two days.

I did not sight/sound ID any groups of Eastern Bluebirds at distances higher than the tree tops. I heard their sweet calls on seven occasions but despite being able to see so much more sky, I was unable to locate them. However, I am not certain that the calls heard were from birds in a travel mode because several times I did not hear a faint call that steadily increased in volume, reach a maximum volume, and then grow fainter gradually as would be expected if they were flying past. Instead, most of the time, the calls lingered in one direction for a while then moved on or just stopped.

The only positive identification of Bluebirds were a single bird and two others. All three perched within 150 yards of where I sat.

The single Bluebird displayed an interesting activity that I had observed four other single birds act out on four separate occasions during the two previous days:

A single bird would hover at an altitude of about 50 or 60 feet for five to fifteen seconds, flutter in a circle with a radius of about 50 feet, hover again momentarily, begin to fly in a near circular formation of larger and larger radii until it broke this expanding 'holding pattern' by leaving the area and heading due west. They looked and sounded as though they were lost. A couple of birds while engaged in this activity broke their near constant churrwe call with a call that sounded like a ratchet chatter as though they were alarmed.

Counts of all species of overhead groups fell dramatically from the previous two days and were:

To the west: 20 birds, 35 grackles, 14 birds, 14 grackles

To the north: 7 robins

To the south: 15 robins, 10 robins, 20 birds, 18 birds

I observed countless other species but since they are not pertinent to the discussion I will not list.

But, worthy of mention was that yesterday from about 6:00 AM till about dawn I heard three Great Horned Owls calling simultaneously from perches all
within a radius of about 350 yards. Originally their locations seemed to be spaced fairly evenly over this area. Then the calls of one of the owls could be heard coming from the same vicinity as one of the others. At this point the normal 5 hoot call of the Great Horned Owl was stopped by the two birds in close proximity and that call was replaced with single, drawn out hoots. Shortly after all three owls became quiet.

But, what followed was very upsetting, maybe more to me than even the owl. Just when I expected to begin hearing the calls from flocks of birds overhead which was the purpose of my activity, apparently one of the owls was mobbed by crows. I could hardly hear myself think let alone hear Bluebirds. This went on for over half an hour until they finally relocated their raucous about half mile away. I was truly relieved.

It may also be important to note that the night and day temperatures have been increasing over the last three days. The low temperature of the first day was 33 degrees, followed by low Fahrenheit temperatures of 45 and 50 for the latter two days of observations.

I truly hope that at least one reader will be encouraged by this and my previous two posts to engage in similar observation activity. The primary purpose of this writing was to convey information as detailed and quickly as possible, not to elaborate on the beauty, peace and tranquility that you will experience.

Many of you may think I was cold and uncomfortable and acting out of dedication or a special calling, especially the first morning when it was a bit chilly.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

This is not an uncomfortable activity. Quite the contrary. If you dress in two or three layers of sweat suits, take your shoes off and climb into a sleeping bag that is already inside of a second sleeping bag, and rest your back and head on a large cushion or rolled up blankets you will be able to observe or even sleep extremely comfortably even if temperatures fall into the twenties.

If you do this, you will be amazed at how birds and other wild animals will accept your presence. Apparently an oversized human cocoon isn't as intimidating to wildlife as a human standing fully erect.

Go for it, you'll be glad you did, promise!

Gary Springer
Carnesville, GA Further north than a bit of North Carolina and most of
South Carolina 810 feet above sea level

 

Subj: Bluebird sightings:
Date: 11/9/99 5:14:08 AM Central Standard Time
From: hubertrap"at"webtv.net (Joe Huber)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: hubertrap"at"webtv.net
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Hello All, Joe Huber Venice Fl. Have been watching the posts of all the northern Bluebird sightings. Hope every one keeps their eyes and ears open these next couple of months so we can learn how far north they are staying. Some of the places reporting sightings are NH, NE, NY,and MA.for example. Gary Springer in northern GA has been watching groups of Bluebirds fly over every AM. Don't think he has the time to watch in afternoons to see if any are going the opposite direction. Believe we will hear more about these Bluebirds later this winter. Joe

 

Subj: bluebird migration/bug count
Date: 11/9/99 7:22:54 AM Central Standard Time
From: kridler"at"1starnet.com (Keith & Sandy Kridler)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: kridler"at"1starnet.com (Keith & Sandy Kridler)
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L)

Keith Kridler Mt. Pleasant, Texas
I followed Gary's lead and went out Sunday morning at 6:45 to cook breakfast for my son Shawn and a friend who camped out. Starting at 7:30 small to medium flocks of bluebirds flew from the north to south until 8:30. Winds were calm but from the south "at" a couple mph maximum, temperature was about 55*F. I was in broken forest canopy but 7 distinct flocks went over separated by only a few minutes apart. Migrating bluebirds have a distinct call while they are flying. I will try to time the length of time I can hear them from start to finish this week. I can see them easily for a little over 100 yards but I have below average hearing and lose their calls well before they go out of sight. Between 8:30 and 10 I saw or heard no bluebirds flying overhead. "at" 2 PM & 78*F one flock of 4 went over heading due south & I was out all afternoon. Monday I was outside in the afternoon and had only one bluebird flock of 6 head over going to the south at 1:45 PM. Robin's were heading in all directions at several hundred feet in
altitude, with 6 the largest flock heading north during this time! Many robin's winter near us until spring with flocks numbering in the thousands during bad weather.

OK if lack of bugs (food) helps to speed the bluebirds south then lets do the "windshield" bug count! For insects to be active they need warm temperatures! My wife Sandy drives 125 miles at night every weekend and 125 miles during the day. She has several hundred "hits" per square foot with about 25 "major" splats (over 1 inch long) per square foot of windshield. Lets hear from northern members and see if insects are still flying. Are there local areas where there is an abundance of insects? Try driving over bodies of water or along river bottoms at dusk. Note these areas of high insect numbers and try to check these for bluebirds at a later date. KK

 

Subj: still around
Date: 11/9/99 4:12:41 PM Central Standard Time
From: koby_2004"at"yahoo.com (Koby Prater)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: koby_2004"at"yahoo.com
To: Bluebird-L"at"cornell.edu


Hi! My name is Koby and I was just going to tell everyone that in southwest Missouri the bluebirds are still around and eating insects. They also eat pokeberries I put in my nestbox. My neighbors say that bluebirds always stay for the winter here. So Iam looking forward to seeing some roost in my boxes and continuing to see them throughout the winter.

Koby Prater

 

Subj: Bluebirds seen in NH and ME
Date: 11/20/99 11:31:58 AM Central Standard Time
From: cathylee"at"mindspring.com (Cathy Lee)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: cathylee"at"mindspring.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD)

It is currently 67 degrees F here in Londonderry, New Hampshire, and our four bluebirds have been flying around today. They all investigated their nest box, but I didn't see them look at the new roosting box we put up. My mom reported seeing three bluebirds in her field in Appleton, Maine this past week. I guess they aren't planning on migrating anywhere.

Cathy Lee

 

Subj: I finally had a few Bluebirds!!!
Date: 11/22/99 3:55:39 PM Central Standard Time
From: uzgreyzone"at"webtv.net (Stephanie Uhrinek)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: uzgreyzone"at"webtv.net
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Well the wait has been long and I know they were just flying through, but yesterday afternoon I had two Eastern Bluebirds fly into my yard. As Homer Simpson would say "WooHoo"!!! It was a feederwatch count day so that was a plus. They flew around to a lot of my nest boxes and checked them out. One stopped at my birdbath for a drink. Hopefully, they will remember this wonderful spot next year when they come back!!! We've been waiting 4 years now!! A first for our yard!!!

Stephanie from Alabama, NY

 

Subj: Bluebirds in GA
Date: 11/27/99 11:01:00 AM Central Standard Time
From: Tvlady"at"aol.com
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: Tvlady"at"aol.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Two weeks ago and again today, I spotted about 6 bluebirds snooping around the two bluebird boxes I have mounted on trees in the front of my house.  They either perched on top of them or tried looking inside the holes. I live about 40 miles east of Atlanta, GA, and I have never seen bluebirds in November! What's going on? Why are they here so late and why are they looking inside the bluebird houses NOW? I'll appreciate any information
provided. Thanks.

Joanne Cox
Monroe, GA

 

Subj: Re: Bluebirds in GA
Date: 11/27/99 12:49:00 PM Central Standard Time
From: hubertrap"at"webtv.net (Joe Huber)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: hubertrap"at"webtv.net
To: Tvlady"at"aol.com, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Hi Joanne, And all, Bluebirds do stay in the northern states all winter, At least some do. Not much is really known about their winter time activities. When I lived in central Ohio they were there every winter for over 25 years. There are going to be many reports of Bluebird sightings on this list this coming December and January so stay tuned. The Bluebirds visiting your boxes now in November may be looking for possible roosting places in the coming cold season. Right now they don't require a box to keep warm but will when it drops below 15 degrees. Gary Springer who lives in northern Ga. has been watching the
Bluebird activity in his area and has put up a large roosting box for them. They do sometimes use certain nest boxes for roosts when needed.
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

 

Subj: Re: Bluebirds in GA
Date: 11/27/99 9:08:29 PM Central Standard Time
From: scriv001"at"tc.umn.edu (Dorene Scriven)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: scriv001"at"tc.umn.edu
To: Tvlady"at"aol.com, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

...

Parts of the north have had very late warm fall. Some bluebirds are still migrating to winter quarters. It is not unusual, even in the north, to see bluebirds going in and out of houses "investigating" . They may even find shelter in them now where you are. If I may suggest, and unless you have no squirrels, opossums,snakes, weasels, chipmunks, raccoons, etc., that you move your bluebird houses to separate smooth poles rather than keep them on trees? Perhaps you have been lucky so far with the tree mount, but sooner or later...
-Dorene Scriven
Minnesota Bluebird Recovery Program


 

Subj:
Date: 11/27/99 9:40:25 PM Central Standard Time
From: linary"at"netscape.net (Linda Johnson)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: linary"at"netscape.net
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (bluebird listserve)

The Western Bluebirds have come back to our area and have been around for about a month. They have been nesting and spending the summer only about 16
miles north of us but, a couple thousand feet higher so it is much colder there. It is good to have them back, they are staying in groups right now of about 20.
Linda J.
Payson, AZ
5,000 ft. altitude, 65 degrees daytime, 24 degrees night

 

Subj: Bluebird Sighting
Date: 12/1/99 8:05:03 AM Central Standard Time
From: pomeroy"at"pinehurst.net (Ken & Marilyn Pomeroy)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: pomeroy"at"pinehurst.net
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu)

Marilyn Pomeroy, Whispering Pines, NC, a chilly morning (in the 20's) but a red-letter day!! Just talking to my husband when I looked out at our feeding station and lo and behold, there was a bluebird on the wire. He then tried to feed at the thistle feeder (the one where the finches and chickadees hang upside down), then went over to the frozen birdbath for a drink! In all my observations, this is the first time one has ventured this close to our house (right beyond our deck). Needless to say, I am thrilled!

I have put other feeders in the yard, ostensibly for the bluebirds, but still waiting for them to partake. One is a tray feeder near their house (i put some crumbled homemade "suet" on it last night) and the other is a log suspended from a tree (which has had only the Carolina Wrens partaking).

It's going to be a great winter!

 

Subj: Plugging holes in nestboxes
Date: 12/2/99 10:00:04 AM Central Standard Time
From: randyj"at"enter.net (Randy Jones)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: randyj"at"enter.net
To: bluebird-L"at"cornell.edu (Bluebird Listserve)

I just discovered that corks from wine bottles (smaller corks) exactly fit the ventilation holes in the Peterson boxes. Fortunately, I am a "saver," and always throw used corks in a kitchen drawer, so I had plenty for my two boxes. I knocked them in with the butt of a screwdriver, and they are nice and tight.

Still haven't seen any bluebirds since they left the area late in August, but I have hopes.

Randy Jones
Allentown PA

 

Subj: Christmas Nest?
Date: 12/4/99 7:40:29 PM Central Standard Time
From: lviolett"at"earthlink.net (Linda Violett)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: lviolett"at"earthlink.net
To: Bluebird-L"at"cornell.edu (Bluebird-L"at"cornell.edu)

Linda Violett - Yorba Linda, Calif
(Where the twinkle lights in the palm trees let you know Santa's on his way.)

Apparently a pair of birds on my trail have their own way of celebrating the holidays and decided to bring the Christmas tree piece-meal into their nestbox. I didn't actually see any bluebirds on my trail during the checkups today and perhaps there is some other explanation for, what appears to me, a December nest.

I use the larger, deeper 2-holed hanging boxes which requires much more nesting material to finish a nest——so maybe this pair is just planning ahead. The winds have also been kicking up, so maybe this pair (if, indeed it is a pair of birds) is simply taking advantage of the bountiful harvest of fallen pine-needle sprays.

Recently, I've seen early claim straws in some of boxes, some also have a 1/4" row of straw along the drafty front edge inside the box, while others have a light layer of feathers from roosting woodpeckers. But this one box has a 2" thick nest of pine needles (still green) with an unfinished oval nest cup in the middle. Last year's first nestbuilding started in February so this nest today was quite a surprise. Out of habit, I actually felt in the nest cup for any eggs : }

This is my first December nest . . . unusual for me but maybe not unusual for others on the List. If it's not a bird's nest, what would have built it. If it is a bird's (bluebird?) nest, why so early?

My area coordinator, Dick Purvis, is on this List . . . maybe he would be willing to take a look at it (Eastlake & Vista Laguna).

 

Subj: Re: Christmas Nest?
Date: 12/4/99 8:57:47 PM Central Standard Time
From: hubertrap"at"webtv.net (Joe Huber)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: hubertrap"at"webtv.net
To: lviolett"at"earthlink.net, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Hi Linda, and all, Back in Ohio the Eastern Bluebirds were seen several years bringing nest material into nest boxes into December. This took place in the back yard so was an on going experience. They continued coming to the box daily while the weather remained mild. Each year is different of course but some years the weather stayed nice into mid December. Once it turned cold all of that suddenly stopped. This was not the avid nest building we see in spring time. On other time when checking boxes across the street the first time in spring a complete nest was found. It had to be made the previous fall because there had not been any decant weather yet that spring. The nest was unused. We have to guess as to why they do this. Eastern and Western Bluebirds do have some habits alike. Joe Huber Venice Fl.

 

Subj: Re: Christmas Nest?
Date: 12/4/99 10:04:50 PM Central Standard Time
From: lphunter"at"skyenet.net (Pat Hunter)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: lphunter"at"skyenet.net
To: hubertrap"at"webtv.net
CC: lviolett"at"earthlink.net, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Hi Joe & Linda,

San Pierre, IN NW Corner, currently 63 degrees and raining

I too just found a nest in a box on my trail Thanksgiving Day. Am sure I had all my boxes empty for the winter and was quite surprised to see what appears to be a completed nest. I have not observed any Bluebirds for several weeks, but the nest is in a box in the back field, where I have seen a number of them this fall and where a number fledged. I will continue to look for them, since we are experiencing very mild and unusually warm weather! They never cease to amaze me!

Best Regards, Pat

 

Subj: Christmas birds
Date: 12/4/99 10:26:38 PM Central Standard Time
From: linary"at"netscape.net (Linda Johnson)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: linary"at"netscape.net
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (bluebird listserve)

What a wonderful day I spent today working at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Every place looked like it was decorated for Christmas. We had close to 300 Western Bluebirds in the area. You could see that bright blue and red-orange reflected on the trees. Then, all of a sudden, there were bright, bright red
blotches. Upon closer look, they were Northern Cardinals all over. Closer to the ground were the juncos and Spotted Towhees. The Canyon Wrens were singing their hearts out along the cliffs by the Bridge. And in the Netleaf Hackberry and Emory Oak were the Acorn Woodpeckers and Red-naped Sapsuckers and American Robins, of all things. They have been arriving in flocks to eat those hackberries. It was just a terrific day.
LindaJ, Payson, AZ

 

Subj: Christmas Nest
Date: 12/4/99 10:50:37 PM Central Standard Time
From: Sialiaman"at"aol.com
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: Sialiaman"at"aol.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Dick Purvis, Anaheim CA

It is true that bluebirds sometimes build partial nests in winter but generally they only consist of a few straws. A bluebird nest of the size that Linda described would be most unusual. On the other hand, house sparrows build nests all year round probably for use as roosting locations. These "roosting" nests are unlike their normal nests which fill the whole box with a hole in the center. The roosting nests are just a cup so they look somewhat like a bluebird nest. House sparrows often start their nests with a layer of green plants or grass. Lindas description of green pine needles makes me suspect that she has a house sparrow nest. I hang my spare nestboxes in my front yard tree as storage and for the paint to dry. When I take them down a good number of them have small "cup" house sparrow nests all months of the year. I will go by and check Linda's nestbox soon.

 

Subj: Re: Christmas Nest
Date: 12/5/99 7:39:02 AM Central Standard Time
From: hubertrap"at"webtv.net (Joe Huber)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: hubertrap"at"webtv.net
To: Sialiaman"at"aol.com, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Hi Dick and all, If Linda's nest is like the one I found it is a complete Bluebird nest. The Eastern Bluebird nest that was in one of my boxes in very early spring was totally complete. Here the nest was made of fine grasses cup and all. No chance to mistake it for anything else. Strange but this same location several years later had the first pine straw nest that I'd ever seen. Joe Huber Venice Fl.

 

Subj: Winter Storms
Date: 12/5/99 8:49:17 AM Central Standard Time
From: kridler"at"1starnet.com (Keith & Sandy Kridler)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: kridler"at"1starnet.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L)

Keith Kridler Mt. Pleasant, Texas We received 3/4" of rain from the severe thunderstorms that moved through the area late yesterday. 46*F this morning.

If you watch the feeding of birds they know hours before a storm hits that it is coming. When the birds disappeared from the feeders I scrambled to get
ready for the rain. It was very fast moving and then the heavy rains were gone. Even though it was still raining I knew the worst of the storm was gone because dozens of different birds showed up at the feeders at the same time. They wanted food before nightfall came. I am sure that bluebirds can also tell when they will need a roosting box and they continually check boxes during the fall/winter to make sure that a mouse or flying squirrel or even a woodpecker is not using the box. As snow and ice storms hit the country be extremely careful while feeding the birds! Sandy is an X-ray Tech. and often has older people who slip on
ice first thing in the morning while feeding their birds and break bones. Instead of using salt or gravel as anti skid aid use cracked corn! As you go out on slippery surfaces scatter a thin layer of the corn and walk on this. For businesses the corn works better because the birds will learn to remove it and their feet and their digging for buried corn help to roughen the surface. Keep a bag in the trunk of your car and show others how well this substance works! If your car gets stuck on glaze ice spread this under the tires to give better traction.
 

If you must use an ice melter, use a cheap fertilizer (8-8-8) or something similar WITHOUT IRON as iron turns cement a rust color. At least the fertilizer will help the plants the following spring and do no more damage than salt when used in too high a concentration.KK

 

Subj: Bluebird Sightings Again!!
Date: 12/5/99 9:01:32 AM Central Standard Time
From: uzgreyzone"at"webtv.net (Stephanie Uhrinek)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: uzgreyzone"at"webtv.net
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Hi!! I am fairly new to the list and haven't had any Bluebirds over the past 4 years yet. I posted two weeks ago we had two Bluebirds in our yard checking out boxes. Well to my surprise this morning I seen at least 3 in the yard. There are definately 2 males and 1 female but I think there is a second female. Don't know if they are the same group from 2 weeks ago but I am very excited!! I have been watching them all morning going in and out of boxes on my trail. They love my wire horse fence and a big old snag tree in the backyard. Well I was hoping for
Cardinals this time of year but I think these Bluebirds will just do!!!!

Stephanie in Alabama, NY
 

Subj: bluebird sitings
Date: 12/11/99 5:50:24 AM 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)

This is Chickie Smith from Fonda. We still have bluebirds here. I see them almost every day. There must be at least ten of them around.They are a little angry with me, I think. Their favorite nesting box fell down in the high winds we had during a storm and I haven't put it back up again. I was not going to put it up until soring because I didn't think there would be any need. Well, I guess I'm going to have to put it up now because they keep going over to where the house was and scolding me because it isn't there. If they don't find a house over there now, will they give up and not come back in the spring? I couldn't stand not having them next year to watch and care for and LOVE.

What is your opinion? Should I put the house up now and also another one I have ready to go up?Thanks for your help and advice. Chickie Smith in snowy Fonda, NY
 

Subj: More questions about winter BBs
Date: 12/11/99 8:37:20 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

I am having some (novice?) thoughts about my immediate locality and BBs. In reply to my first posting asking if they stayed here (Westchester, N.Y.) for the winter I have received a lot of answers and help and have been reading the discussions here about winter BBs as well. I see them more in fall/winter on the two roads I walk on every morning and on my own property than in spring/summer. As far as I know there are no boxes or trails in the immediate area. It's very wooded, lots of ponds, swampy areas, protected wetlands in my town, Pound Ridge. But other nearby towns have more open areas and some farmland, Bedford for example. Could it be that bluebirds nest more in those places but move to my area in fall/winter since it seems an ideal spot for the winter habitat I've been reading about? Is there some kind of miniature migration going on?
Jane, Pound Ridge, N.Y.
 

Subj: Re: More questions about winter BBs
Date: 12/11/99 10:15:37 PM Central Standard Time
From: hubertrap"at"webtv.net (Joe Huber)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: hubertrap"at"webtv.net
To: JaneHopeC"at"aol.com, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Hi Jane And all, You may be seeing more bluebirds during fall and winter in your area because they tend to gather in groups during this time of year. When nesting they are more territorial than in winter so you seldom see more than one or two at a time. Most people never see them this time of year so you may be near to their feeding spots. Migration should be over in December so these may be staying somewhere in your area. No one really knows much about what the winter bluebirds do as far as any future migration goes. Al I know is that many northern states such as NY have some stay all winter long. There have been
reports of Eastern Bluebirds from Minn. and across much of western Canada. We don't need to consider any location to cold. Habitat must be the main factor. Food supply.

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

 

Subj: Re: More questions about winter BBs
Date: 12/11/99 10:48:33 PM Central Standard Time
From: springer"at"alltel.net (Gary Springer)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: springer"at"alltel.net
To: JaneHopeC"at"aol.com
CC: springer"at"alltel.net (Gary Springer), BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L)

Dear Jane,

Several months ago I posted observations that parallel yours. As I stated in that earlier post, I believe the Eastern Bluebird's diet, habits, and habitat all change shortly after the last fledge.

After this 'metamorphosis's which occurs in early to mid Autumn, many folks no longer see the Bluebirds they had watched all summer long in open areas
because their new haunt is in thick brushy forested areas and thick marshes. The most frequently explanation for not seeing the birds in the vicinity of the nest boxes when fall arrives is migration.

But, my observations and discussions with Joe Huber lead me to wonder whether or not the bird was really a true migrator.

Later observations of flocks of Bluebirds flying in a southerly direction this fall combined with reports from Keith Kridler that banded birds had been found hundreds of miles south of their breeding grounds has now lead me to believe it is possible that some Bluebirds do migrate long distances while some winter very near their breeding areas.

Because there have been no posts indicating populations in the south eastern part of the country are many times higher in the winter than in the summer,
I believe the number of Eastern Bluebirds wintering over throughout much of its range is higher than the number that truly migrate.

Your post and many like it support this theory. It is, however, important to note that we are having an unusually warm winter. Much more observation
needs to be done to draw any final conclusions.

I believe it was in October that white Bluebirds were observed in Maryland. Has anyone heard whether or not these are still on their breeding grounds?

Gary Springer,
Northeast Georgia, Further north than most of South Carolina

...

Subj: Re: More questions about winter BBs
Date: 12/12/99 8:17:32 AM Central Standard Time
From: dmccue"at"usit.net (Dan McCue)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: dmccue"at"usit.net
To: springer"at"alltel.net
CC: JaneHopeC"at"aol.com, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L)

Dear Jane, Gary and all - I pose the question: do eastern bluebirds actually migrate further south (great distances) or just relocate to other areas that are not great distances, ie 5 - 10 miles maybe? Do we have actual empirical data to support large mileage migration? I'm aware that mountain bluebirds do migrate
great distances, at least some. How about other ideas or facts from some of you more knowledgeable posters?

I also, would be interested in where the white bluebirds are at present or when they were last observed.
Seasonal greetings to all posters, may GOD bless ya'll. Dan McCue, Camden,
TN on the beautiful TN River in west TN.

...

Subj: winter ranges
Date: 12/12/99 10:17:47 AM Central Standard Time
From: eemmuu"at"att.net (carriers)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: eemmuu"at"att.net
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (Bluebird talk)

Dear Joe Huber and all who might be interested--

Had some time to look up winter movements of (eastern Bluebirds) and thought you all might be interested in what I found.

I used a book titled “Atlas of Wintering N.Am. Birds” published 1988. This book uses the “Christmas bird counts” for the years 1962 to 1972. During these years, Bluebirds were still in low numbers, but I believe increasing. (most of us were not into trails yet, right?). I had a trail of 40 boxes then, 1971-, with an occupancy of 2 pairs, of which both failed!.

From these early years however, we can see some results that still could show the movements of our birds during the winter. I use the Eastern Bluebird here,
but this book also has results for the other two as well, and similar results are found for them too. It was found:-

Temperature is strongly correlated with the winter range- In the north, its range infrequently extends into regions with an average mean January temp lower than 20f. Note: From my sons weather station here in CT, over the past 5 years, our average Jan. mean low ranges from 20 to 30f. This results in seeing some BBs during most winters here in our State. (What is your mean Jan. temp in your States out there?)

Also noted in this publication is the habit of roosting during the winter to conserve body heat on cold nights.

The highly concentrated populations of E. BBs during the winter occur in areas that are warm and moist. This bird is common in areas where the frost free period averages at least 180 days, and there is more than 24” of precipitation a year. It is uncommon however in higher elevations and the swamp forests of
the upper Mississippi river.

Of interest using the State overlay on the winter range map, the BB is just about absent from:-

Most of NH,VT, upper NY,all of ME, most of PA, Northern MN, IL, and all of WI. The western limits are also spotty as well.

January high counts are centered in the following southern States:-

OK,AK,LA,TN,GA,NC, with surrounding areas showing good numbers too.

Points to consider:- Number 1- This survey was done when the E BB was just beginning to rebound, and to date, the population has increased considerably,
possibly making these ranges average at best. I’m sure we can find some birds beyond these findings now, but I believe this study is true in the larger picture of things.

Also; From my sightings and others here in New England, it appears BBs linger well into January on milder winters, and possibly most are still into wandering slowly southward all through the winter months. Anyone also agree with this theory?

Would love to hear from all you veterans out there on this subject; Lets hear from you all.....................Paul from CT

Subj: Winter survey
Date: 12/12/99 11:02:43 AM Central Standard Time
From: blueburd"at"srnet.com (Bruce Burdett)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: blueburd"at"srnet.com
To: eemmuu"at"att.nety (Paul CT ?)
CC: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L)

Paul, et al.
Much kudos for your very informative stuff about wintering. I liked it especially because it confirmed everything I've come to believe about wintering Bluebirds in my state, - NH. (We all agree with people who agree with us.) And beyond that, all the other conclusions it made seemed perfectly reasonable.
Where did you find that 'Atlas'? Was it Jeeves? Amazon? Is it still available?
Bruce Burdett, Sunapee NH (STILL no snow. The ski people are leaping from tall buildings in increasing numbers.)
 

Subj: Re: winter ranges
Date: 12/12/99 12:18:18 PM Central Standard Time
From: cjhall"at"huntel.net (Carolyn Hall)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: cjhall"at"huntel.net
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Paul,
Would love to hear from all you veterans out there on this subject;
Lets hear from you all.....................Paul from CT
Interesting observations you made but I have a suggestion why observations are spotty in the less populated areas: fewer people to see the birds and fewer people who are reporting what they see. Here in Nebraska there has not been a reporter from my hometown until I moved back here. Does that mean that there are no birds in this area?  Definately not, just no bird reporters. I now have people who are watching and listing the birds so those records will be forth coming.
Carolyn Hall, The Sandhills Bluebird Lady, Bassett, NE in the beautiful Sandhills of north central NE
 

Subj: Re: winter ranges
Date: 12/12/99 12:59:56 PM Central Standard Time
From: hubertrap"at"webtv.net (Joe Huber)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: hubertrap"at"webtv.net
To: eemmuu"at"att.net, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Hi Paul and all, Very interesting account of winter movements of Bluebirds that you located. Using Xmas bird counts may give some indication of where Bluebirds are located but fails to give numbers of birds in that area. I recall one xmas bird count while living in Ohio. I didn't participate because of work. They counted I believe 6 Eastern Bluebirds and a couple weeks later 13 stayed in my roost box. Can't agree that they continue to migrate all winter. They may move from place to place during winter but no indication that any leave. There hasn't been enough banded birds to show any large movement. We always hear about those found long distances from where they were banded but not about others. They used roost boxes in my yard in Ohio for about 20 years and deeper into winter there were more using the roost than at the beginning. One year nesting had started (no eggs) and a very cold spell hit. There were 7 birds using the roost that night. One active nest was in my yard. They called a truce that night for territory And used the roost box. The female nesting in our yard stayed in the box but not the male. This was one night only. The other wintering habits mentioned could be fairly accurate. Nothing seems for sure when it comes to bird habits. Forgot- The cold spell mentioned was in late March, Last week of it. Joe Huber Venice Fl.
 

Subj: Re:Winter Ranges
Date: 12/12/99 5:26:16 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

Dear Dan, Gary Paul, Carolyn, Joe and others
It seems from what you are all saying that there is empirical evidence for long migrations but not neccezzzrily for local (5-10 miles) but most people believe it does happen as well. I agree that what we know will be affected by two things

1) whether there are any reporters in an area. I have been here nearly two years and have yet to meet anyone else who is even aware that we have bluebirds in the area. Some people think I mean bluejays when I talk about them! I did speak to a gentleman at the New Canaan (CT- I am right on the border) Audobon Society last week who said they are migrants from further north ( don't know if this was based on any data) but I still wonder if as I said in my last posting that some may be from much nearer, where there are better nesting sites.

2) That they are in bigger groups in the winter and feeding near roads etc. so easier to see.

On which point great news. Saw at least three (a female and two males) probably more, this morning feeding on berries and a lawn and checking out an old tree with other birds including juncos, housefinches, red-bellied and downy woodpeckers, various  sparrows, chickadees, tufteds, etc. All together in a small area just down the road. It  was wonderful. The BBs were the best of course. This is my first sighting in  about two weeks but I was pretty sure they were still here. They are, and  it's getting colder. First morning of ice on my pond. Mean temperature this  month so far 41.6.

I will keep records of my sightings and temperature etc. all this winter but obviously just one person's sightings won't be very meaningful. I'll try to find some others to join me. But presumably banding would be the only way to know if the birds come from far or near?

Jane, Pound Ridge, N.Y.
 

Subj: Re: winter ranges
Date: 12/12/99 7:34:50 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: cjhall"at"huntel.net
CC: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Carolyn and all - I agree with you, however, I do not consider myself a veteran when bluebirds are concerned. Only God knows the movements of these
beautiful creatures unless human eyes are able to observe. Sure glad you moved back to Nebraska. I was born & raised in NE KS but appreciate going
back occasionally. Enough, Dan McCue from Camden, TN

...
 

Subj: Re: bluebirds and elevation...
Date: 12/13/99 4:08:49 PM Central Standard Time
From: birdsfly"at"innercite.com (Hatch Graham)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: birdsfly"at"innercite.com
To: sutterfolk"at"jps.net
CC: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Hi Wendy:
I'm sure you're right. Our bluebirds move down the hill. By the way, I'm fairly certain one of our monitors had a Mountain Bluebird die in his box along Bass Lake Road just above El Dorado Hills last winter (no rusty breast). And the Christmas Bird Count has recorded MOBLs near the intersection of Hwy 50 and Scott Rd (where the new interchange is going in, in years past.

Although the oaks are being preserved around the new shopping mall and subdivision there in Folsom, you can bet the mistletoe will be trimmed out of the trees, and the oak worms will be sprayed, so there goes the habitat for the WEBLs and the Oak Titmice (OATI). The MOBLs prefer the windswept barrens up above timberline in summer, so they may still make out in the open grazing land to the south for the winter. Let's hope.
Hatch

...
--
Hatch Graham, Editor, Bluebirds Fly! California Bluebird
Recovery Program
El Dorado County "at" 3100 ft, Lat 38°37'43"N, Long 120°37'47"W
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
for the encouragement and conservation of cavity nesters  -especially bluebirds- anywhere in the West
 

Subj: Re: bluebirds and elevation...
Date: 12/13/99 4:08:49 PM Central Standard Time
From: birdsfly"at"innercite.com (Hatch Graham)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: birdsfly"at"innercite.com
To: sutterfolk"at"jps.net
CC: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Hi Wendy:
I'm sure you're right. Our bluebirds move down the hill. By the way, I'm fairly certain one of our monitors had a Mountain Bluebird die in his box along Bass Lake Road just above El Dorado Hills last winter (no rusty breast). And the Christmas Bird Count has recorded MOBLs near the intersection of Hwy 50 and Scott Rd (where the new interchange is going in, in years past. Although the oaks are being preserved around the new shopping mall and subdivision there in Folsom, you can bet the mistletoe will be trimmed out of the trees, and the oak worms will be sprayed, so there goes the habitat for the WEBLs and the Oak Titmice (OATI). The MOBLs prefer the windswept barrens up above timberline in summer, so they may still make out in the open grazing land to the south for the winter. Let's hope.
Hatch

...
--
Hatch Graham, Editor, Bluebirds Fly! California Bluebird
Recovery Program
El Dorado County "at" 3100 ft, Lat 38°37'43"N, Long 120°37'47"W
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
for the encouragement and conservation of cavity nesters -especially bluebirds- anywhere in the West
 

Subj: Newbie in Central Pennsylvania-BB sighting
Date: 12/13/99 4:47:03 PM Central Standard Time
From: KCBSP"at"aol.com
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: KCBSP"at"aol.com
To: k_smith10"at"hotmail.com
CC: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

I was wondering if there's anyone out there from my area - Central Pa?

Yes we're here!!! Hi Kellie! I'm Kathy Clark from New Cumberland, PA.. I have another Message from you..so this will be my combined letter.

Last weekend I spotted 5 Eastern Bluebirds & was wondering if this was normal for them to still be in our area? Do they usually stay all winter or  do they migrate? Should I leave their nest box up for roosting?

Yes some do stay in the area year round. We have had a mild winter so far and the food sources are still available..insects, berries. I see you have had some other great answers as well! Please put the nest box back up if you can. The bluebirds will use it to roost in on cold nights. A good thing to do is to winterize the box by blocking the ventilation holes in the floor and on the sides to prevent cold air from coming in from all sides. They like to huddle on those nights to keep warm.

Hi! I received your name off a DEP article about the PA BB conference last May.

I'm glad that information got to you. The Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania had its first conference last May in Mechanicsburg at Messiah Village and what a great time we had! If you'd like information on our society please write to P.O. Box 267, Enola, PA 17025 or I can send you a brochure about it. Just contact me at my screen name. We have a very informative new member packet, quarterly newsletters and of course our conference each year. We will be at the PA Farm Show this year as well for the entire week with our educational display. We will have a spring program meeting on 2-19-99 at 2 p.m. at Wildwood Lake Sanctuary, Harrisburg for what we call "Bluebird Basics". Don't hesitate to ask questions..that's what we are here for..to help ANYTIME!

Sometime around the end of October I saw a flock of at least 40 BB in my front yard! It was a wonderful sight! I haven't seen any BB since then and assumed they had all migrated. So, I took the BB box down for the winter.

In the fall bluebirds will form small flocks. How lucky you are to have seen "40"! On the list we have been discussing where the bluebirds "go". I have some of those posts if you missed them... They then will pair off again in the spring to nest again.

Any information you can provide, is greatly appreciated.

I think I said alot!! If you need help please don't hesitate to email again. This listserve also is great! Keep reading and learning.

Nice to have you aboard!! Looking forward to reading your posts too.

Kathy
 

Subj: Newbie in Central Pennsylvania-BB sighting
Date: 12/13/99 4:47:03 PM Central Standard Time
From: KCBSP"at"aol.com
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: KCBSP"at"aol.com
To: k_smith10"at"hotmail.com
CC: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

I was wondering if there's anyone out there from my area - Central Pa?

Yes we're here!!! Hi Kellie! I'm Kathy Clark from New Cumberland, PA.. I have another Message from you..so this will be my combined letter.

Last weekend I spotted 5 Eastern Bluebirds & was wondering if this was normal for them to still be in our area? Do they usually stay all winter or do they migrate? Should I leave their nest box up for roosting?

Yes some do stay in the area year round. We have had a mild winter so far and the food sources are still available..insects, berries. I see you have had some other great answers as well! Please put the nest box back up if you can. The bluebirds will use it to roost in on cold nights. A good thing to do is to winterize the box by blocking the ventilation holes in the floor and on the sides to prevent cold air from coming in from all sides. They like to huddle on those nights to keep warm.

Hi! I received your name off a DEP article about the PA BB conference last May.

I'm glad that information got to you. The Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania had its first conference last May in Mechanicsburg at Messiah Village and what a great time we had! If you'd like information on our society please write to P.O. Box 267, Enola, PA 17025 or I can send you a brochure about it. Just contact me at my screen name. We have a very informative new member packet, quarterly newsletters and of course our conference each year. We will be at the PA Farm Show this year as well for the entire week with our educational display. We will have a spring program meeting on 2-19-99 at 2 p.m. at Wildwood Lake Sanctuary, Harrisburg for what we call "Bluebird Basics". Don't hesitate to ask questions..that's what we are here for..to help ANYTIME!

Sometime around the end of October I saw a flock of at least 40 BB in my front yard! It was a wonderful sight! I haven't seen any BB since then and assumed they had all migrated. So, I took the BB box down for the winter.

In the fall bluebirds will form small flocks. How lucky you are to have seen "40"! On the list we have been discussing where the bluebirds "go". I have some of those posts if you missed them... They then will pair off again in the spring to nest again.

Any information you can provide, is greatly appreciated.

I think I said alot!! If you need help please don't hesitate to email again. This listserve also is great! Keep reading and learning.

Nice to have you aboard!! Looking forward to reading your posts too.

Kathy

Subj: winter migration/eastern bluebird recoveries
Date: 12/15/99 1:52:46 PM Central Standard Time
From: kridler"at"1starnet.com (Keith & Sandy Kridler)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: kridler"at"1starnet.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L)

Keith Kridler
I found banding reports of winter migration in the 1979 Autumn issue of "Sialia". Another great article from Robert M. Patterson, "Winter Banding & Roosting Boxes". The very first bluebirds were banded in 1922. Seven "returns" from this banding effort showed that one died 3 days later, unknown cause, one lived four days, killed by a car; one died one month later, unknown cause; one was killed 7 weeks after banding by a cat; one was recaptured one month later and two returned to nest the following year and were re-captured. All returns within the same ten minute block (100 square miles) latitude X longitude that they were banded. Bluebirds are in the class of birds where 50% of all young will perish within 90 days of fledging, according to Robert. Eastern bluebirds banded in the far northeast with recovery states: 1 banded in New Hampshire recovered in N. Carolina; 8 banded in Mazzzchusetts with 1 recovered in Virginia, S.Carolina & Georgia & 5 in North Carolina; 1 banded in Connecticut recovered in Virginia; 6 banded in New York with 1 recovered in Virginia, South Carolina& Florida & 3 in North Carolina; 1 banded in New Jersey and recovered in Georgia; 5 banded in Pennsylvania and one recovered in N. Carolina, S. Carolina & Florida and 2 in Georgia. Eastern Bluebirds banded in middle northeast (east of Mississippi river) 4 banded in Ontario with 3 recovered in Georgia and 1 in Florida; 7 banded in Wisconsin with 1 recovered in Alabama & Arkansas, 3 in Mississippi & 2 in Louisiana;7 banded in Michigan with 1 recovery in Tennessee, Louisiana &3 in Alabama & 2 in Florida; 14 banded in Illinois with 1 recovered in Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas & 2 in Mississippi & 4 in Louisiana & 5 in Texas;4 banded in Indiana with 1 recovered in Tennessee & 3 in Alabama; 4 banded in Ohio with one recovered in N. Carolina,Tennessee, Georgia, & Alabama; Eastern bluebirds banded west of the Mississippi river: 3 banded in Minnesota with one recovery in Texas, Louisiana & Mississippi; 1 banded in
Iowa & recovered in Texas; 4 banded in Manitoba with one recovery in Texas, Oklahoma & 2 in Kansas.

Of all of the bluebirds banded in 1970 only 31 "returns" were ever made, 14 of these were females recaptured by the banders in their boxes the same nesting season, none were returned more than 2 years later. No north south migration data was recovered on any of these 31.

From 19761979, 212 bluebirds were found dead (over winter) in just under 9,000 nest boxes so very few bluebirds are recovered after dying in nestboxes. Most bands probably end up passing through the digestive tract of predators. I hope this helps shed a little light on the "migration" debate we have been under going for the past month or so. KK
 

Subj: Re: Newbie in Central Pennsylvania - BB sighting
Date: 12/15/99 3:14:54 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

Hi Kathy,
I posted similar questions to yours about winter BBs in New York as a newbie last week. As you've probably heard from lots of others it seems that they will stay in our northern areas as long as weather isn't too severe and food supplies last. This is my second year of watching them and this winter I intend to keep a written record of sightings and temperatures etc. I last saw at them (at least three) day before yesterday, but it is still very mild here. I am also interested in investigating local migrations as I think it is possible that they don't nest in my immediate locality which is very wooded but come here in the fall from nearby towns where nesting sites are more suitable. I am going to try to get them to nest in my yard next year but am not sure I will have any success because of the lack of open space. What is it like where you are?
Welcome! Keep us posted.
Jane, Pound Ridge, N.Y.
 

Subj: Re: winter migration/eastern bluebird recoveries
Date: 12/16/99 7:41:39 AM Central Standard Time
From: springer"at"alltel.net (Gary Springer)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: springer"at"alltel.net
To: kridler"at"1starnet.com
CC: springer"at"alltel.net (Gary Springer), BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L)

Dear Keith,

I'm not a banding recovery report expert but the data in your last post goes against everything I have ever heard about banding, not only about Eastern Bluebird banding but about banding recovery results of most other species.

The data you cited reports a 100 percent recovery rate in several instances.

In this post the number of birds banded in a location is followed by the same number of birds recovered and the location of their recovery.

For example, your post indicated 5 banded in Pennsylvania with one recovery in NC, one in SC, one in FL and 2 in GA.

If conventional banding was being used, I can not place any credence in the report because it is widely known that recovery rates for Eastern Bluebirds
are far less than ten percent.

If I have misunderstood the data, and the actual meaning of the results is that several thousand birds were banded and only 5 recoveries were reported
outside the state of Pennsylvania, the report as posted is misleading.

For us to draw any conclusions based on this data we still need to know exactly how many birds were banded in Pennsylvania, how many were recovered
on the breeding territory in Pennsylvania while still immature, when mature, and, how many were recovered in Pennsylvania during the winter months.

Is there any more information available about these banding counts?

Thank you,

Gary Springer

...

Subj: BANDING DATA
Date: 12/16/99 8:40:42 AM Central Standard Time
From: kridler"at"1starnet.com (Keith & Sandy Kridler)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: kridler"at"1starnet.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L)

Keith Kridler cold with bright sunshine 27*F in north east Texas So sorry about the confusion. Of ALL the bluebirds banded these were the only ones recovered..... That met the criteria of migration/recoveries. I will try to scan in all 6 pages of data and forward to those interested (privately e-mail us). Recoveries were mostly from recaptures in nestboxes or finding adults dead in the south again mostly in nest boxes or other deaths near humans. None were captured in mist nests as bluebirds do not fall prey to nets as the warblers do. With bluebirds about 1 in 1,000 banded birds ever show up as a "recovery" whether retrapped by the bander or someone else after the first year. I will be super busy this week but will try to get the scans done in a format usable to others. Does anyone know whether the US fish and wildlife banding data can be searched on line? Of the thousands of bluebirds banded in 1970 only 31 were ever reported "recovered" again and 14 of these were females trapped again by the same bander in the nearby boxes that same nesting season. I hope this helps a little more. KK

Subj: RE Christmas Count
Date: 12/19/99 5:49:41 PM 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 Everybody and Merry Christmas
Today at 7:30 AM it was clear and 17* The final count is not is but I thought you would like to hear about the bluebirds. 18 WEBL, 17 MOBL and 7 EABL
within a half mile of each other on the Tiara Rado Golf course in Grand Junction, Colorado. Have anyone ever seen all three species in one place before?

Bob Wilson
2654 Sperber Lane
Grand Junction, CO 81506
(970) 242-5190
http://www.crosswinds.net/~bluebirdbob/

 

Subj: Audubon Count
Date: 12/19/99 6:04:04 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: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD), blueburd"at"srnet.com (Bruce Burdett)

Haleya Priest Amherst MA

16 bluebirds were sighted in one small quadrant of our area (including my house and land). Usually well over 100 are spotted particularily in one certain area fairly near here. I wonder if not this year because it's been so mild. Other counts were pretty typical. Hmm....... Bruce, do you USUALLY spot bbs on your xmas count??? I know you'vebeen lonely for them this year, anyway - at least you know there's beena REASON you haven't been seeing them! .. H

 

Subj: Western Bluebirds in the valley
Date: 12/20/99 1:01:00 AM Central Standard Time
From: goldstrm"at"vip.net (Sherry Linn)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: goldstrm"at"vip.net
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu)

Hello and season's greetings from Sherry in Osoyoos BC ...

I have been following the list, but had no news to post for a while. Today was the first Christmas Bird Count in the south Okanagan Valley (my area's not till January 2nd) and there were 16 Western Bluebirds reported from one group in the Penticton area (we're hosting the NABS Conference in 2002 in Penticton...had to get a plug in there). This is the most I think that have been reported in a CBC as far back as I can remember. Our weather has been wonderful and well above normal for the past month - even setting new record highs! We did get a blast of arctic air yesterday tho' and temperatures have certainly dropped. We had about 38-40 degrees today, but the nights are below freezing. The Westerns were spotted in with a mixture of gold and house finches and juncos hanging about a grove of russian olive trees near the lake. I wish they'd come to my home as I sure miss their beautiful call and of
course that flash of blue!
Sherry
 

Subj: NM bluebirds
Date: 12/20/99 10:25:37 AM Central Standard Time
From: grobyak"at"yahoo.com (Rob Yaksich)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: grobyak"at"yahoo.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L)

Rob Yaksich
ABQ, NM

Hi all. A dear friend of mine was in town over the weekend and we did quite the loop of NM. While in the Santa Fe area, we encountered a huge flock of MOBLs and Robins at some sewage settlement ponds at the local community college. They were swirling around like a big, blue tornado above the pond - probably 200 or so. It was absolutely breathtaking (should there be an "e" in between the breath and taking)! We also encountered LOTS of WEBLs in the mountains east of Albuquerque on the way up to Santa Fe. Guess the highway's name of Turquoise Trail is pretty appropriate. Thought I'd share.

 

Subj: Final CBC
Date: 12/20/99 7:48:13 PM 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

The final count is in and the number are the largest ever
MOBL 130
WEBL 45
EABL 26
It looks like the EABL are here to stay. The WEBL are spread over a larger area of the valley.

Bob Wilson
2654 Sperber Lane
Grand Junction, CO 81506
(970) 242-5190
http://www.crosswinds.net/~bluebirdbob/
 

Subj: BBS
Date: 12/20/99 10:37:50 PM Central Standard Time
From: eemmuu"at"att.net (carriers)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: eemmuu"at"att.net
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (Bluebird talk)

Hello Haleya...et al.....Goda tell ya...Today, I went outside to go to work at 10 (I work for myself), and I heared BBs. I look into my birch tree, and there, I see three BBs. I have seen them in the yard before, but they always seem to be eating from the Poke nearby. As I look over towards two BB boxes I have in the yard, I see three BBs come out of the box!! I belive they have been useing my box all along as a night roosting box! They never did that before, and I usually never get them in my yard during the winter either! I live in a rather wooded area.

Gary.....good sparrow book.Ken Kaufman's Petersons book for advanced birders.deals with some of the difficult sparrows....I bought it after having a suspicious Chipper/Clay-colored at my feeder this fall. Still didn't fit all the marks for either one! Had a wide white strip on the crown, bold face and ear pattern, but no tan on the chest or dark lower ear line.....Did ID a Fox today though.....

Paul from CT..Rain, 30f....ice everywhere! warming tonight!
 

Subj: Winter Bluebirds
Date: 12/28/99 2:10:45 PM Central Standard Time
From: hubertrap"at"webtv.net (Joe Huber)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: hubertrap"at"webtv.net
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Hello all, After having seen Bluebirds stay every winter for over 25 years in central Ohio I thought some information could be shared. Just recently while going through some old records of winter sightings I ran across one winter that had three series of freezing rains during dead winter. Bluebirds were using a roost box in the back yard during that time and they acted no differently during those seemingly hard times. They came to roost every evening and left for the day every morning. While I did offer some beef suet crumbs each evening along with stems of multiflora rose hips they generally gathered on a high wire and flew off
toward the north east. They seldom even looked at the feeder during the mornings. These were severe ice storms which covered every thing in ice. They must have found a source of food in spite of the heavy ice coatings. They do survive and their numbers never dwindled at the roost box as they continued to use it thru February until it warmed.. Joe Huber-- Where it hasn't frosted yet. Sun Coast -Venice Fl.

Subj: Winter Bluebirds
Date: 12/28/99 4:37:40 PM Central Standard Time
From: birdlady"at"netstorm.net (Elizabeth Nichols)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: birdlady"at"netstorm.net
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Greetings to all from the cold North, especially Mr. Joe Huber (I'm honored to finally meet you!) Years ago, before development surrounded the BB trails there was plenty of vegetation including rose hips, holly berries, etc. The trails remain and the population of Blues increase. Winter supplemental feeding aids their survival and produces a healthy bird that nests earlier than the newcomers to the area. My trail in Middletown, Maryland suffered no fatalities at all last spring & summer partially due to the so-called human intervention called supplemental feeding. Mealworms & miracle meal are consumed every night from my feeders. The Blues will get a new delicacy served tomorrow night--made with cottonseed meal. Will advise on the popularity of this cottonseed mixture soon. Best wishes from Betty Nichols, an OLD Bluebirder.
 

Subj: Re: NH winters.
Date: 12/28/99 9:54:39 PM Central Standard Time
From: m-r-sumner"at"juno.com (Maynard R Sumner)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: m-r-sumner"at"juno.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Hi all who are in on the bird feeding talk,

We have some snow but more bare ground then snow.  It has been in the 20s. I do have bird feeders and I feed black oil, suet, bluebird treat and niger seed.
I have one bluebird feeder. Only one time did a bluebird use it. The bc chickadees go in and eat the bluebird treat. The only birds I have at the feeders at this time are  chickadees, titmice, downy woodpecker, goldfinches, dark-eyed junco and mourning doves. I feed them because I enjoy seeing them around and taking their pictures.

Their do not need my help.

22*
N43* 04.511 W83* 36.447
Maynard R Sumner
Flint, Michigan

Fall/Winter Bluebirding (Part 2)

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