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Bluebird feeding - other species (Part 1)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:
Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2000 14:43:59 -0500 From: Arlene Sumner; Duluth, Georgia. To: Anyone who can help. I have what I think is a Carolina Wren, not a nuthatch(see it a lot also), coming to the plastic mealworm feeder attached to the bay window in my kitchen. He/She(?) gets to the mealworms before the bluebirds do. I don't think She/He is getting the mealworms in the plastic feeder hanging in my yard, but I'm not sure. Haven't watched lately to see if the Bluebirds are getting them; they are so fast, and sometimes eat them while I'm going back upstairs to look out window. Anyway, my question is: How do I keep the Carolina Wren away from the feeders, so the Bluebirds (EABL) get the mealworms instead? I have Bluebird Treat, Miracle Meal(which I made) in the mealworm feeder on the bay window upstairs also; But, I only have mealworms in the yard feeder. I don't remember seeing any of the Carolina Wrens last year/at least not "at" the mealworm feeder in the yard. This is the first year I've had the same kind of feeder on the bay window on the upper deck. Also, are there any other birds that will eat the mealworms? I usually lower the top on the feeder so that large birds can't get into it, but the Carolina wren's so small, that It can get into the feeder no matter what. HELP. Arlene Sumner(asumner"at"gateway.net) Date: Sun, 9 Apr 2000 08:41:49 -0700 Date: Mon, 10 Apr 2000 13:26:26 -0500 Hi Pam, Thanks for your response. The male, like yours, was--seemed to be guarding things. Yeah, sometimes I have to help mine out! Last week, we had this bully robin who found the mealworms I'd been putting on top of their nest box. The robin harrassed the bluebirds for a couple of days (chasing them, perching on top of their box and refusing to leave-- the male bluebird would fly over to him to try to get him to leave, and the robin would lunge forward as if to say, "Just come and make me!" Then the poor male bluebird would go back to his perch on top of the spruce). The robin wouldn't leave until I started running out there yelling at it. When it got used to me doing that, then I got out my husband's BB gun and shooting in that general direction (not trying to hit it, just scare it!). After about a whole day of that, it leaves them alone. (And the neighbors probably think I'm a lunatic!) This probably wasn't the "right" way to handle things, and I'll probably get flamed for handling it the way I did, but does anyone have any other ideas on how to handle bullying robins? (I'm not being sarcastic; I'm just wondering if there was a better way to handle it). BTW, the female had always been quite tame around me. But after that, even the male lets me get very close! Marisa
Date: Mon, 10 Apr 2000 14:56:43 -0400 To the Barriers, et al, In as tactful a way as possible, I'd like to suggest that putting mealworms, or ANY kind of bird food, ON your Bluebird houses is probably asking for trouble, and not a good idea. Your Robin thing is a new one on me, but putting food ON your houses just attracts the very kind of attention you don't want, in the form of both predators and competitors. Put your mealworms on a separate mealworm feeder of some kind, near enough to the house so that the birds can SEE it, but definitely not ON it. I've never put mealworms closer to my Bluebird houses than 20 feet, preferably even farther. This List will advise you, if you ask, about the various types of mealworm feeders, which may be bought or made. I also never put out more mealworms than the Bluebirds will take in about an hour, even less in hot weather. Bruce Burdett, NH Bluebird Conspiracy, Sunapee NH blueburd"at"srnet.com
Date: Mon, 10 Apr 2000 14:30:03 -0500 In as tactful a way as possible, I'd like to suggest that putting Funny that you say that, because when the lady at the wild bird store told me to do that, my first gut reaction was that that wouldn't be a good idea. But then I also read the same suggestion in the latest issue of Birds-n-Blooms, so I thought what-the-heck. I've never put That's a good idea, to put them further away. I'll start doing that. This List will advise you, if you ask, about the various types of Yeah, can I get some advice on mealworm feeders? I was going to purchase one later this afternoon. I've seen some made out of wood with plexiglass (you know, they look like regular hopper feeders but with the holes on the sides), but I'm wondering if the mealies will crawl out of those. My husband has quite a wood working setup in the shed, so if anyone suggests making a mealie feeder, that's an option as well. I also never put out more Yeah, I learned that lesson from the robin! :-) Thanks Bruce! Marisa
Date: Mon, 10 Apr 2000 15:55:19 -0400 One device that I have found effective against pesty birds and squirrels is the Super Soaker squirt gun. It gets the Message across without harming the bird or animal. I don't think I would use it on anything much smaller then a robin, however. As to putting mealworms on the feeder, I would have to agree with Bruce. You're asking for more trouble then I think you want. There are a variety of mealworm feeders on the market some of which are restrictive. In other words, they won't allow anything larger then a bluebird into the feeding area. You will have to train the bluebirds with these models. First, with the roof open, then with the sides all the way up and gradually closing them down to 1 3/8" (Eastern). Bruce is also correct, in my mind, that if you place the feeder out in front of the BB house (20' to 50') you will have much better success with the feeding and not jeopardizing the nest box. Pete
Date: Mon, 10 Apr 2000 18:44:44 -0500 At 02:30 PM 4/10/00 -0500, Bret/Marisa Barrier wrote: In as tactful a way as possible, I'd like to suggest that putting Hi everyone! I use a mealworm feeder that I bought last year at the Minnesota Bluebird Recovery Program's annual convention. It is made of a 5 inch tall piece of 4 inch diameter plastic piping of some kind that has a 2 1/8 inch hole cut on each of four sides. There is a cap on the bottom with a connector with screws to fasten it to a post. The top has a removable lid for filling. The holes are opposite each other, so you can see through it in every direction. This feeder keeps the rain out, and the holes are cut about an inch and a half above the floor, so the worms do not crawl out. I had an open can on the post innitially for the Bluebirds to eat out of, so they were used to being fed. When I first mounted the feeder, the birds landed on it but didn't know how to get in it, so I took the top off until they saw the worms, and learned to go down in for them. Then I put the top back on, and after about 15 minutes, the female perched on one of the holes and got the worms and flew off. Eventually the male learned how to get them too, but it took him a lot longer! (Does that tell you anything about female vs. male intelligence? Just kidding!) From then on, the birds have not hesitated to feed out of the feeder, usually perching on one of the holes, but sometimes going inside the feeder. I can't remember who at the convention was selling them, but if anyone else is interested in trying one, perhaps Dorene Scriven would know how to order one. The convention for this year is April 15th, and if the person is there selling the feeder this year, I plan to buy several more. Mary Roen, River Falls, WI
Date: Sat, 1 Jul 2000 09:24:41 -0400 This year, I have started using a closed feeder to defend against both
starlings and mockers, observed at the feeder. Male bluebird went inside early
on, couldn't figure out how to get out and panicked about the time I panicked,
so I removed the side. It was then the mocker and starlings began their visits
to the mealworm feeder, so I reluctantly put the side back on. I have not yet
seen either bluebird inside, though they come regularly when I take the side
off.
Date: Sat, 01 Jul 2000 10:42:34 -0400
Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2001 10:46:37 -0400 I have mentioned before that I feed massive quanities of mealworms to
bluebirds, nuthatches, wrens, etc. Well, something is happening to me that has
never happened before. A few days ago a couple of robins found the mealworms.
Wednesday there were ten robins ganged around the feeders. I counted 42 in the
front yard yesterday afternoon. I have tried feeding in different places but
that isn't working. They scare the bluebirds off. They are getting just about
all the mealworms. I estimate I put out 20,000 yesterday and they were all
consumed. I am going to have to go back to feeding inside boxes again. At least
the robins haven't started eating the suet mixtures. (YET) Anyone have any
suggestions? Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2001 11:18:53 -0500 Yes, one suggestion is to use one or more good feeders like the one Haleya and I designed (plans will be sent upon request.) Fawzi ----- Original Message ----- ... Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2001 10:37:06 -0600 Hi Morgan, I have no suggestions to solve this problem. I just wanted to commiserate a bit. During the summer I would just put out a few mealworms in the morning and evening. Usually I would watch the Eastern Bluebirds eat them, but sometimes they were momentarily absent and I would walk away. Next thing I knew, the Robins had figured out what was going on and would very quickly swoop in for the feed... much more quickly, aggressively and promptly than the EABLs. I would actually go back and get the larvae when I saw the Robins perking up! Good luck with your dilemma! Molly Jo Miller ----- Original Message ----- ... Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2001 11:05:32 -0600 Hello Morgan & All: I found out the hard way that robins, like mockingbirds can be very agressive. The only soulution I have found is to either stay around the area when you feed or use a mealworm feeder. I usually handfeed and enjoy the bluebirds for a few minutes, then put the remainder of the worms in the bluebird feeder. I only have a few bluebirds so it is no problem. Snip Best regards, Bruce Johnson ~ Life Mbr. NABS Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2001 10:10:01 -0800 (PST) Hi...I leave my bluebird feeder out all the time containing whatever I want
to feed the bluebirds, which right now are Dogwood berries(small ones). Also,
I'm getting them to eat raisins after they eat the berries. Of course no bird
larger than them can get in. As far as the Robins are concerned, I would set up
a separate ground feeding area only for them. I'm currently sprinkling corn
bread on the ground. Most of the ground feeding birds (especially Robins) love
this corn bread..even some bluebirds, also. Also, when I sprinkle out scrambled
eggs & cheese, the Robins went ===== Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2001 14:02:45 EST I had the same problem last summer but I just didn't have THAT MANY! I had to
pretty much hang around close to the feeder when I put out the mealies. I would
also pick up any worms left so the robins wouldn't get any. You will probably
have to quit feeding for awhile. I didn't have any luck with a feeder... the
blues here were too skittish to go inside. I think I spoiled them by starting
them out by feeding in a cup. You could put feed on the ground somewhere else
but that usually brings HOSP and other unwanted birds to your yard. Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2001 14:49:43 -0500 I fed my Blues from a bluebird feeder, but the one plastic side was taken off. I had a few Robins that would come and get the mealies that dropped from the feeder, but didn't have too much of a problem with them. My blues didn't seem to mind them on the ground under them either. Barb DeLong Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2001 17:56:31 -0800 Linda Violett - Yorba Linda, Calif. I'm not familiar with the agility of robins compared to bluebirds but this might be worth a try: On my trail when things get busy, I would sometimes set out the 5-gallon bucket of mealworms for the bluebirds to help themselves. Since I use hanging boxes, I would normally put the "hello" mealworms in the shade under or near the nestbox tree. If you put the bucket where they normally get their weekly mealworms, some (not all) will perch above the bucket and spot the mealworms inside, fly to and perch on the bucket rim, look things over, hop inside and fetch their own dinner. I don't think robins would do that. If that works for you, all you need to do is give the bucket a toss or two during the feeding to bring more mealworms to the surface. Morgan Davidson wrote: ... Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2001 19:00:31 -0800 Hi folks- Hw can we decide who "deserves" mealworms and who doesn't? When you try to keep out non-native species, I commiserate with you, even though I disagree with some of the methods used. But these critters, especially robins which are a close to blues as you can get, deserve as much love and care as any other species. So, put out all your worms, or seeds, or suet, or whatever, and appreciate the wonderful birds that will reward us with their presence all year round! Judy Mellin ... Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2001 18:29:28 -0400 Haleya Priest Amherst MA This may be a discussion that has passed, but I'd like to add in my thoughts.... In terms of who should get the mealworms and who shouldn't I would like to say that as in choosing certain seeds for birds over others, or having certain types of nest boxes, we very much engage in "inviting" specific birds while politely saying "no" to others. I for one don't want to feed mealworms to the entire neighborhood!! Due to the feeder I use (designed for this very reason), I only feed my 8 bluebirds, 2 nuthatches (one of which has a very crossed bill due to a mutation) and a few very savvy juncos. I am very content with that -and I know that all the other birds will survive just fine. It is a matter of choice and style and for those that want to feed any birds that come for mealworms more power to you! I just wanted to have another opinion voiced on this one :-) Haleya judymellin wrote: Hi folks- Hw can we decide who "deserves" mealworms and who doesn't? When ... From: bluebird-owner"at"fsinc.com on behalf of Joan Lutovsky [jlutovsky"at"dmci.net] I recently put up a bluebird feeder and have been stocking it with mealworms and "bluebird treats". Although I have lots of bluebirds around (I live in Michigan and have had them all winter) I have never seen them go to the feeder. I have placed the feeder near my popular bluebird boxes. Now here comes the puzzling part, the mealworms and treats are always gone after a couple of days. I have never seen any bird or animal at the feeder. Any ideas who's eating the goodies? From: bluebird-owner"at"fsinc.com on behalf of Haleya Priest Haleya Priest Amherst MA Could it be a critter at night who comes to snack? For instance, if I leave my St-1 trap out overnight, the peanut butter is gone the next day - - - and have discovered mice come at night and have a party. :-) Haleya Joan Lutovsky wrote: I recently put up a bluebird feeder and have been stocking it with ... From: bluebird-owner"at"fsinc.com on behalf of Joan Lutovsky I wondered about that too. But I am not sure how to catch them in the act.
The feeder is located away from the house and is very, very dark at night. Maybe
I should try to sneak up on them! I have not seen any remnants of a "party"
(droppings, scratches on pole, footprints-now that it has snowed again! etc..) ... From: bluebird-owner"at"fsinc.com on behalf of Haleya Priest Haleya Priest Amherst MA Is there a way to take the food out every evening for a few nights and that way it will tell you if it is a night-time critter. H Joan Lutovsky wrote: I wondered about that too. But I am not sure how to catch them in the act. ... From: bluebird-owner"at"fsinc.com on behalf of Joan Lutovsky I can easily remove the whole feeder; it lifts right off. Perhaps that is
what I should do. thanks for your insight. Joan ... From: bluebird-owner"at"fsinc.com on behalf of Okatsam"at"aol.com Hi Joan-- I also live in Michigan. (Oakland County) and have bluebirds all year long. Are you putting the worms inside some type of non-climbable container such as a low glassbowl? If SO and they are disappearing, I can fill you in on who else might be eating them. Here in my yard the other birds who eat the mealworms are: chickadees, nuthatches, titmice &cardinals. All but the cardinals will enter an enclosed feeder as they are cavity nesters, too. Robins, raccoons, and probably other creatures will take the worms if they are out in the open. Maybe this will help you to figure out who the culprit is! Good luck with your nestings this year. Mine has a partially finished nest, just waiting for the cup to be lined. Of course, we got snow today and there was no available nesting material, so they let the older kids back in the yard and everyone got to eat again as a family. I have had them in my yard for 5 years now, and it is very exciting. Let me know if I can be of any help to you. Malinda M. From: bluebird-owner"at"fsinc.com on behalf of Stan Merrill, St. Paul, MN Ah, Joan, now comes the "tricky part!" You've got to keep CONSTANT VIGILANCE on your mealworm feeder to determine the beneficiaries of your mealworms. I'm betting my money on your bluebirds (and chickadees), assuming you have these birds in your area! What style mealworm feeder do you have? The "fly-through" or the "dome-covered?" I've taught our chickadees to use the "fly-through" and yes, the meal worms disappear, one by one (even three at a time), depending upon which chickadee "flies through." And, oh are they FAST! You must be watching almost constantly, or you'll miss seeing them. It's "now you see 'em; now you don't!" My present attractions are the chickadees; however, hopeful that bluebirds will appear this summer. They did nest about 1 1/3 miles from here. If you want to see them, get a DinnerSong chickadee tape; and play it nearby, until the chickadees come to the area (assume similarly for bluebirds). Check following website: http://bluebirdia.8k.com/bbsong.htm and record the bluebird song. I'm not sure I'd play it much after their arrival, lest they'd concentrate on where the other bird(s) is(are) instead of checking out your meal worm feeder. Happy bluebirding/chickadeeing! Stan Play Daily Trivia and Win BIG!! http://trivia1.jazzmonkey.com/trivia/triviaintro.htm From: bluebird-owner"at"fsinc.com on behalf of Rwatts I wondered about that too. But I am not sure how to catch them in the act. The feeder is located away from the house and is very, very dark at night. Maybe I should try to sneak up on them! I have not seen any remnants of a "party" (droppings, scratches on pole, footprints-now that it has snowed again! etc..) How about flying squirrels? They wouldn't leave much trace since they drop from the sky. I discovered that's what was into my sunflower feeder at night, saw one land quite by chance. They are absolutely silent when they want to be, blend into the nocturnal scenery, and can glide in from amazing distances. If I hadn't been facing the feeder at just the right moment, from far enough away (as I stepped out of the barn), with just enough moon-light to see one glide in, I never would have guessed. Better the feeder than popping out the chimney cap in my bedroom--been through *that*!! Or pushing the damper and ending up spending the winter in the soapstone stove in the living room (the best suggestion we got for that mess was to toss the Siamese cat into the stove for a night!) Rhonda Watts From: bluebird-owner"at"fsinc.com on behalf of Keith & Sandy Kridler Keith Kridler Mt. Pleasant, Texas When rabbits become a problem in an open area garden, automatic lights can be
set so that the area will be flooded and owls soon learn that when By moving one of these detectors to the feeder at night you can be alerted with a radio inside the house and can have the feeder set up to be lit from a remote switch. A flying squirrel or Norway rat will trigger this motion detector and you can view the feeder only when the alarm goes off saving many hours of waiting. The master gardener mentioned that he had NO idea how many cats were loose at night in his remote Lake side house area. KK Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2001 03:40:15 -0500 Thanks for the reports on birds and tent caterpillars. Just wondering. Do house sparrows ever compete with bluebirds for mealworms? Gary Springer Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2001 06:17:27 -0600 Snip Just wondering. Do house sparrows ever compete with bluebirds for mealworms? Gary Springer Snip Gary & All: I have never seen a sparrow take a mealworm. Recently a male cardinal has eaten a few, but does not seem very enthusiastic about it. Actually, the only birds that I have seen going for the worms besides the bluebirds are robins and mockingbirds. Both can be real pests. I made the mistake of tossing a few mealworms to a robin, after that the only way I could feed the bluebirds without standing by was to put them in the bluebird feeder. Best regards, Bruce Johnson ~ Life Mbr. NABS
Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2001 07:45:54 EST Don't know about anywhere else, but the sparrows don't care about the mealies here... the robins however sure do love them! Linda - Ind.
Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2001 07:52:42 -0500 House sparrows (HOSP) do not really eat insects. Less than 10% of their diet are insects. The sad part about it is that one of the reasons that the HOSP was introduced into North America was because farmers thought that the HOSP would help control insects that effected their crops. Boy, was that a wrong idea. Bob Sitarski ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bruce Johnson" bjohnso3"at"midsouth.rr.com ... Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2001 08:01:28 -0500 Mealworm takers, in addition to what Bruce put below: catbirds, they love mealies too. Fawzi ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bruce Johnson" bjohnso3"at"midsouth.rr.com ... Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2001 08:33:39 -0500 Gary, Bruce & All: I have a few nuthatches and chickadees that will visit my bluebird feeder (I have one side of the plastic off for them) for some mealies - they seem to be enjoying them as much as my blues do. There doesn't seem to be too much competition for them, so I don't worry about it. Last year the Robins kinda hung around on the ground picking up any that crawled out or got dropped, but that wasn't too bad either. Barb DeLong At 06:17 AM 3/30/2001 -0600, Bruce Johnson wrote: Snip ... Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2001 11:47:16 -0400 Haleya Priest Amherst MA As far as my experience goes, HOSP are seed eaters except when they are feeding their young. At that time they go for bugs and do compete for my EABL's mealworms at that time. H
Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2001 10:56:44 -0500 Bruce Johnson wrote: Snip Actually, the only birds that I have seen going for the Customers for mealworms at my house are: Tufted Titmice, Carolina Wrens, WB Nuthatch, Blue Jays (major pests - they can gobble down hundreds at a time) and BC Chickadees in nesting season. -- Katherine Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2001 17:01:20 -0500 Catbirds are enthusiastic about mealworms, too!. Randy Jones
Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2001 18:34:01 -0800 (PST) Greetings to everyone...Don't leave out our famous Carolina Wrens. I've seen the C. Wren eat many more mealies than the EABL. Our C. Wrens are the loudest singing birds around, the fattest for a "small bird", & the one with the biggest appetite who eats every type of food that I put out, & I put out many types of food. This bird reminds me of a person I've known for years, the loudest & hungriest & shortest man I know. Will not name names here, but I still love my C. Wrens...Horace in NC. ************************************************ ===== Date: Sat, 7 Apr 2001 17:19:48 EDT Hello all, Date: Sat, 7 Apr 2001 22:03:07 -0400 Hi Linda & all, We've had the same experience with Cardinals eating meal worms. We have a Bluebird feeder (with one side removed) and a suet/seed feeder attached to the top of two posts on our deck. We put meal worms in the Bluebird feeder in a dish and spread them across a small area of the railing. Over the winter we were blessed enough to have between five and nine EABLs descend upon our deck for a morning meal everyday. Various other birds visited the seed feeder for sunflower and Betty Nichol's Miracle Meal. Over the winter we saw and still see Titmice, Cardinals, and our resident Bed-belled Woodpecker snack on the meal worms as well. Dave - Sharpsburg, MD ----- Original Message ----- ... Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2001 07:36:34 -0700 I am a new comer to blue bird housing. This is my second year to have out boxes. I have eastern bluebirds in one box. There are 4 new babies and one egg has not hatched. After getting some information from nabs, I was delighted to hear that I could actually handle my birds! I checked for disease and to make sure they were well. I was surprised at their size. My problem is mockingbirds are terrorizing my blue birds. I feed meal worms in 2 different locations. I even bought an enclosed bluebird feeder with plexiglass sides. I came in from work to see the female trapped inside by a mockingbird. The bird was terrified. I helped her escape, and have not fed from ther since. I'm afraid my bluebirds may not return. Any suggestions? Doris Foley Helena, Arkansas
Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2001 09:16:36 -0400 ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Doris Foley dfoley"at"pccua.cc.ar.us Hello Doris & All: It is quite possible your female bluebird became disoriented inside the feeder if the sides are made of plexiglas. If you have not already done so, mark the plexiglas w/magic marker or tape to dminish the visibility. I doubt she would leave her nest due to the mocker's harrassment. Good Luck to your new interest and please keep us posted on progress. Thank You for writing. Betty Nichols, Middletown, MD I am a new comer to blue bird housing. This is my second year to have out
Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2001 08:34:25 -0500 Doris wrote: My problem is mockingbirds are terrorizing my blue birds. .......................................................................................... I have the same situation here. The BB pair that is feeding 5 chicks will not use the feeder anymore. Therefore, I have relocated the feeder just to assure the adult BB's have free access to their nestbox. I have decided that the best thing to do is to let nature take it's course and I wouldn't interfere. That non-interference includes NO MEALIES because the adults will only abandon their nest if their own survival is threatened. I am on high alert for House Sparrows that may approach the nest while the adult BB's are away on the hunt. That is all the involvement that I can have with this nesting pair and do you know what?; I'm betting that they do just fine. Bob Sitarski
Date: Mon, 16 Jul 2001 13:07:58 -0400 Hi Bruce! How about the NH mockingbirds, red robins and catbirds? Don't they then take the mealworms before the Bluebirds? Here we also have starlings and they love mealies... which is why our feeders have a roof (protection for worms from the sun and rain) and sides which prevent the larger birds from entering (finches, sparrows and Bluebirds are of course welcome to the feast!) Fawzi ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bruce Burdett" blueburd"at"srnet.com ...
Date: Mon, 16 Jul 2001 15:08:17 -0400 Fawzi, et al, I can suggest one answer to your question about Mockers, "red robins," Catbirds, etc. taking the mealworms. They never do. The reason is that I only feed mealworms sparingly, a dozen or so at a time, and only for photographic purposes, and at only 2 of my 31 'sites'. I rarely if ever leave a 'site' until all the mealworms I've put out are gone, and it normally takes the Bluebirds roughly 20 minutes to scarf up the worms I've put in the dish. If I need more time to take pictures, I put out another dozen worms. My remaining 29 'sites' never see a mealworm all summer. They catch all the food they need in the surrounding fields, meadows, cemeteries, land-fills, etc.. And they only see me about once a week when I monitor. Aside from that, they're pretty much on their own. So I guess the difference is that I feed mealworms very little and very seldom, compared to many of the folks on our List. I gather that some folks put out quantities of mealworms in the same way that they put out, say, sunflower seeds or suet, and go away and leave them for whatever comes along. Bruce Burdett, SW NH blueburd"at"srnet.com P.S.: What is a "red robin?" Is it the same as an American Robin, the so-called "Robin Redbreast?" We only have one kind of robin (Turdus migratorius) here where I am, and it's our most common bird. Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2001 18:30:44 From: "M.E. McMorrow" gypsy"at"wserv.com In my own observations, I have found that in the beginning, "the gang" What about TRES' eating mealworms? It bothers me that TRES die in nextboxes in spring. I think of these birds as returning to the place, maybe the exact place, where they were born, and then somehow being unable to escape from the trap we've created. One explanation I've seen is that the dead tree swallows seem to occur in rainy weather, and that they are unable to feed because flying insects are not flying in rain (another explanation centers around traction inside box). So I wonder if TRES have ever been known to eat at mealworm feeding stations. Anyone? I also have seen that the only thing non-insect they eat is bayberries (Unfortunately I have not gone to the library and read a book about TRES.) I shall try to get some bayberries this fall and freeze them, and leave some in our nestboxes in the spring. Does anyone have any thoughts on that? Any success with other kinds of berries or other food in reducing TRES mortality? Paul Kilduff Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2001 21:21:17 -0400 Chris Statton Paul - both the Stokes field guide and Ehrlich, et.al. "The Birder's Handbook" indicate that Tree Swallows will eat berries. (Stokes specifies bayberries - saying they are eaten "before migration".) I haven't yet found anyone who has had success in getting Tree Swallows to take offered food - certainly, not for a lack of trying. However, I do know someone who has had excellent success in providing Purple Martins with mealworms - on the fly. Perhaps the colonial nature of Purple Martin nesting makes it more likely (than with Tree Swallows) that at least one of them would notice the offered food - thereby, alerting the others. As the process was related to me, this person started the Purple Martins on crickets then switched to mealworms. However, being able to successfully offer food on the fly to one member of the swallow family may or may not translate to similar success with another member. Other Purple Martin landlords have offered their tenants lacewings - with success. I'd bet, but don't know, that similar success might be achieved with Tree Swallows. However, all the lacewing resources I've found sell them at incredibly expensive prices. But, perhaps starting with a few lacewings - since they fly on their own - and then switching to mealworms would work. ??? Best of luck with the bayberries. Date: Sat, 18 Aug 2001 15:21:33 From: Haleya Priest mablue"at"gis.net ....putting food, including berries, into a box is Haleya, thank you for pointing out such an elementary thing -- sorry! From: "G & C Statton" statton"at"toolcity.net Chris, thank you for all the great information! We don't have any mealworm feeding stations on our trail as of yet, but maybe I'll try to add some for next year for the EABL. If I can acquire and freeze some bayberries, maybe I could add some to the feeding station.... I'll let you know. However, what I'm hearing is that probably the best idea is to make sure there's a good way for the TRES to get out of the box (and then work on feeding if you're still losing some). I'll make sure all the boxes are roughened. Does anyone have good or bad experience with platic gutter guard under the entrance hole? Paul Kilduff Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2002 10:50:11 -0500 For what it's worth, we have two feeders in our back yard, about 50 feet apart. About 7:30 a.m., our Mockingbird waits for a helping of Bluebird Banquet and mealies at one of the feeders, while the blues descend on the other. The Mocker then leaves. He'll typically perch brieflly on the other feeder and may return a few times during the day, but he does not monopolize either one for any extended period or drive the blues away. While he (or she) won't let another Blue on a feeder when he is perched on top, smaller birds, like Chickadees, dive in and out for food. (My feeders have 1 1/2" metal grid on the sides, rather than plexiglass.) However, I can see how he would presents major problems in the morning for the Blues if we had just one feeder. I haven't seen the Mocker try to assert his dominion over the nesting boxes, and the feeders are a goodly distance away from them, but I will certainly watch out for any territorial behavior at the boxes. Forewarned is forearmed. Diane Seward From: "College Town" collegetown"at"I-55.com Last night I put out some mealworms and had not seen any takers UNTIL I decided to bring the dish back in and spotted a mockingbird. The mb ate the mealworms. I did not have a problem with this as I know she has 2 babies to feed. This morning I put the white dish back out and within a couple of minutes the mb was back. So instead of getting ready for work, I sat and watched. Eventually I saw the male bb eat a mealworm. Then the small war started. The bluebirds (both by this time) were "guarding" the dish, but were not eating them. In fact at one time the female bb flew down to the dish and hovered over it and flew off. I thought maybe the worms were gone so I took a few more out there, but there was still one left. The mb still managed to get some worms. My questions. Should I get a bb feeder? The dish is on the ground as there is no where else for me to put it other than the tree nearby. I have a flat fleeder hanging in the tree and that is where I was going to put the mealworms eventually once the bb got used to them. However, with the mb around and not being afraid of the bb I am thinking I might need a feeder for the bb as they have 5 eggs which should be hatching this week. I have gotten mixed reviews on the bb feeder with the holes on the ends. I do have an old feeder that I could drill holes in and try it. What size should the holes be? Also, any thoughts on the feeder with the "canopy" that you continue to lower so that only the blue birds can get in? What are some reasonably priced internet sites for feeders? Are should I just leave them in the dish and let them work it out? I am not crazy about that idea b/c I don't want to scare the bb away. I might just need to move the dish farther away from the bb house. They might have gotten nervous b/c the mb was near their house. Sorry this is so long, but I wanted to give you the whole picture. Thank you for any suggestions. Kim Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 10:49:15 -0400 ----- Original Message ----- I have had the same problem with Mockingbirds and Robins eating the Bluebird's mealworms. Here is my solution that has worked wonders if you have a few minutes to be on guard while feeding mealworms. I have a childrens's plastic picnic table (Little Tykes) on top of which I place a plastic shallow dish of worms. I have a faily long piece of rope attached to the table. When a Robin or MB comes by, I just tug on the rope and it scares them away. If they get too bold, I even pull the table a short ways. This may sound silly, but it really works and my Bluebirds (same ones from last year) even know that I am defending their dinner. I guess any type of low, small table would work, I just happened to have the little picnic table from my grandchildren. The Little Tykes table is great since the end legs are wide and rounded smooth. This way the table is able to slide smoothly and does not topple over. Ruth Brinckman ----- Original Message ----- ... From: "Judy Godwin" jfg"at"nc.rr.com My first attempt at feeding mealworms was this past fall/winter. I use a Droll feeder with the adjustable domed top and it is the only feeder in that area of my yard (it's in the front yard and all other feeders are in the back). At first I put out the bluebird nuggets but the only takers on that were the woodpeckers. I finally decided to put some mealworms out and the blues came immediately (they were already in the yard). Since that time I've established a routine of putting some nuggets, mealworms and sometimes raisins out twice a day for my entertainment and I have a regular group of birds who come (woodpecker pair, nuthatch, chicadees, carolina wren and a pair of adult blues and their four youngsters. Earlier in the year was my first encounter with a mocker at this feeder and he was keeping my blues away. I had great success in getting rid of him just by lowering the dome. He quickly left and I've not seen him since yet the rest of the regulars at the feeder are still here. The red-bellied woodpecker pair hang on to the feeder base and dip their bills in and load up on the worms and/or nuggets. Today for the first time I saw them taking some worms to a nearby tree to feed a youngster. Judy (NC) Btw, has anyone out there had better success than I, in finding a bluebird feeder that a mockingbird can't negotiate? Date: Tue, 04 Jun 2002 04:19:51 -0400 on 6/2/02 8:09 PM, Stan, Apple Valley/St. Paul, MN [44.44N, -93.10W] at stan1bb"at"frontiernet.net wrote: Hello EveryBIRDie! I've thought of training the Bluebirds to come when I feed. But in my yard, the Chickadees almost push me out of the way when I put mealies out. The mealworm feeder is in easy view of the nest box the BCCH used this year and also from almost any tree in the yard. Right next to the mealy feeder and between the feeder and the birdbath, I have a 12 foot high dead sazzzfrass tree that I attached to the pitcher pump to provide an easy retreat. The bluebirds alway kept their distance in the big oak tree until I was well away from the feeder and in most cases, until I was all the way inside the house. The Chickadees, on the other hand, would come down to the dead tree and wait for me to finish putting out the worms. They never actually landed on the feeder as I was standing there, but if I backed away just 12 inches, they would fly down and start feasting! If I was slow about it, they would show their impatience by flying in tight, rapid circles around my upper body, perching to wait a few more seconds, then doing it again. I've always heard that Chickadees are among the most trusting of birds and the easiest to train to feed from one's hand. I never took the time to try it but I am definitely tempted to do so! This is the first year I had Chickadees nesting in the yard and I must say that I enjoyed them as much and was as protective of them as I am my Bluebirds. After a successful fledge of 3 EABL and 7 BCCH last week, we are suffering from ENSY (Empty Nest SYdrome) around here. An Eastern Phoebe built her new nest over the porch light of the back door yesterday and we can console ourselves watching her until Daddy Bluebird finds a new mate and returns for another nest (we hope). Regards to everyone, -- From: Jgandy8580"at"aol.com Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 14:49:55 -0500 The starling from Hell has begun showing up now that my new mealworm shipment finally arrived. That is one nasty bird. Just sits in the tree or on my mealworm dish and terrorizes any bird that comes near. My blues just perch out of range and wait for me to come out and chase the starling. They swoop in immediately and grab a worm or two before the Hell-creature comes screaming back in. I think its time I tried a bluebird feeder. Does anyone have any experience with these? I know you have to "train" the blues to go in (and possibly how to get out), and I'm not particularly thrilled at watching my blues from behind glass, but they are really struggling against this bird now. I'd also be interested in any other ideas for passive starling control. Thanks. To: bellzerr"at"comcast.net, Bluebird-L"at"cornell.edu Hi! I use a mealworm feeder that has dowels vertically on the sides instead of plexiglass. The ends are solid with 1 1/2 holes like a nest box. I had trouble with other birds still getting in the feeder, so I added horizontal dowels so now there is a grid of 1 1/2 inch squares on both sides. Only Bluebirds use it and they go in and out the side grids as much or more than they use the end round holes. But I have to wait until April before I even see any EABLs around here! Mary Roen, River Falls, WI bellzerr"at"comcast.net wrote: ... Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 17:08:42 -0500 At 02:49 PM 2/15/2003 -0500, bellzerr wrote: ... It is obvious to you by now, I do not compete in the local community yard landscaping contest. But the bluebirds don't seem to hold that against me. So in short, to answer your question, we have found the bluebird feeder to be useful if one is not in a hurry to get some place. It took us several years. The process included putting out the feeder, taking it in after a year of nothing, putting it out three years later with the sides taken out, the next year with one side in, the following year both sides in and then redesign after woodpecker left his mark. Now it is just outside my dining room window, in freezing winter weather, snow covered and bluebirds coming and going in one hole and out the other while starlings are struggling with flushed faces but shoulders to wide to enter. Another success story and this one is true! If you require or have need for a true to life living photo I took of the
bluebird at the feeding hole looking around and/or one leaving on wing, just ask
and I can send by return email attachment at no cost. Wendell Long Caesar Creek
Gorge From: DottyRogers"at"netscape.net Hi all; Not only do black-capped chickadees like mealies (picking them over hulled sunflower hearts in WINTER), but so do white-breasted nutties, tufted titmice and Carolina wrens. I think the downy took some, too. dot; eastern Mass |
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