New Bluebirders Problems/Solutions (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: Bluebird FAQ by Jim McLochlin

Subj: Re: New Member/Questions?
Date: 4/16/99 5:10:34 PM Central Daylight Time
From: rviolett"at"earthlink.net (Rick Violett)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: rviolett"at"earthlink.net
To: erigby"at"home.com
CC: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L)

Linda Violett — Yorba Linda

Elaine, I'd recommend you sit tight and wait for your bluebirds' next move. Here in So. Calif., we have bluebirds year 'round and they frequently leave a few straws during Jan/Feb . . . I interpret these few straws to equate to a reservation card to let other BBs know that seat is taken (like we put a jacket or drink down where we plan to sit at a social function). The boxes with the claim straws usually have a pair around defending it by the time Feb/March arrives. If I don't have claim straws by March, I sometimes rehang the box to another tree.

Most books say that sparrows use trash and things in their nests and BB use straw with rarely anything else . . . so the first thing I did on the trail as a beginner last year was to discard a nest with cellophane, party ribbons, a few feathers and plastic consumer safety rings. Our Orange County BBs put all kinds of birdy treasures into their nests and your nest sounds fairly typical to me (except the fur, carpeting yes, but no fur yet in mine). It'd be interesting if everyone gave a notation on their posts of what's included in their nests besides straw this year.

This year I'm not seeing as much glitz in the nests as '98. Natural fibers such as toilet paper and paper towels are "in" for '99. With all that insulation in your ests, your bluebirds may like it warmer and are just waiting for warmer weather to really kick in.

Good luck and thanks for describing all the stuff in your nest—it was reassuring to hear that trashy nests (I mean eclectic bird environments) aren't exclusive to our western blues.

Elaine Rigby wrote:

At one point there was a small amount of dried grass for about a week
that never changed. So, I cleaned it out. About 2 Days later I had 2
inches or so of nest. Now I've got what looks like a completed nest.
It's been completed for nearly a week. No eggs. We watched them build
the next, so we know it is a bluebird (actually got it on tape).

There is a small amount of polyester fiber fill woven into the next, and
then what looks like a small amount of animal fur (probably cat) in the
cup. The fur is new.

Any thoughts? Do we just have slow Blue Birds, or have they abandoned
the nest???

Thanks
Laney in VA

Subj: I Need HELP!!
Date: 4/19/99 1:15:07 PM Central Daylight Time
From: ntrtainr"at"freewwweb.com (Kenny)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: ntrtainr"at"freewwweb.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

HELP NEEDED!!!

I FINALLY got 2 bluebirds who built a nest in my box! However, tree sparrows have been seen "bombing down" through our yard lately. I also noticed a house wren INSIDE the house with the another "keeping watch" on top of the box . Soon after that, it appeared that some birds (unknown if it was the bluebirds) "added to the top of the nest, making a hole in the nest (lining up with the hole in the box almost like a hood). The bluebirds had not laid any eggs yet, by the way.

My dilemna......do I destroy that entire nest, figuring that the "wrong birds" added on or should I leave it to see if it was the bluebirds that added on (even though I haven't seen them go in at all since). In fact, I haven't seen the bluebirds often at all since the 3-4 days that these events occured.

I have been trying for FIVE years to get bluebirds, and I DESPERATELY need your advice.

Thanks SO much,

Kenny Hicks

Connecticut

Subj: New to Bluebird-L
Date: 6/18/99 11:13:25 PM Central Daylight Time
From: paynebj"at"eaze.net (barry payne)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: paynebj"at"eaze.net
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Hello to all. I have just found this site and am finding it very interesting. I have10 bluebird boxes on 44 wooded acres in Somervell County, Texas. I put them up as part of a Wildlife Management plan last year. I have had a lot of success with Wrens and a little with Bluebirds. My land is very wooded, so I assumed my best shot at getting bluebirds was on the fencelines next to my neighbors' pastures. One box gets them first every year, but none of the others have. Wrens usually use all the other boxes. They are fun and enjoyable, but I'd like to have more Bluebirds. Should I pull the Wren nests out? I have done this at a couple of boxes, early in the nesting season, but usually let them stay after a bit. I have recently learned about putting an extra piece of wood around the entrance hole. Anyone have any other suggestions?

Also, I have been following some of the discussion on blowflies and am not sure I would recognize it if I saw it. What does an infested nest look like? Should I look for it in Wren nests? Thanks for any advice. Barry

Subj: I;m new & have questions!
Date: 10/22/99 11:53:40 PM Central Daylight Time
From: LaVita777"at"aol.com
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: LaVita777"at"aol.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

I live in Wylie, Tx., that is N.E. of Dallas. I have 25 acres of land & apx another 400 around me that is considered wetlands & a bird sanctuary. I am in heaven here. We are new to Bluebirds. We have seen them this year for the first time in many years. We put up nesting boxes, but so far they have picked only one. Not sure why as they are all the same. We had 3 successful births & one that something got the eggs. I see 15 to 20 BB's every day now. I keep water out for them & bought some suet cakes from Lowes. My problem is where do I put the cakes? I hung them in a tree where the birds stay alot, but so far they have not been interested in them. Now, we have 2 Sparrow Hawks that have taken up residence here. My brother said the Hawks will eat my BB. Will they? If so, what do I do to get rid of the Hawks. We have Red Tailed Hawks all the time & never had a problem. I would appreciate any help I can get about feeding & the Hawks. I love this list, I am learning so much. My husband is ill alot & I convinced him to put up the nests. The one they chose was by his window, now he is an avid BlueBirder. Of course, we have the Eastern Blue Bird. Will they stay during the winter?
Thank you for any help you can give me. LaVita Brininstool
LaVita777"at"aol.com

Subj: Re: I;m new & have questions!
Date: 10/23/99 7:25:06 AM Central Daylight Time
From: sandy_flowers"at"yahoo.com (Sandy Pasquariello)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: sandy_flowers"at"yahoo.com
To: LaVita777"at"aol.com, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Regarding your Message about hawks, yes they will eat bluebirds or any other prey they can catch. Hawks have a habit of hanging around bird feeders and once they come upon the feeders, will hang around. I have had this problem all my life. The problem with feeders is that you are setting the birds up to be picked off. The hawks will visit the feeders regularly for this easy snack. Feeders must be placed under branches of trees or under eaves of the house so that the birds have some protection from these hawks. The ground feeders usually are the ones that get hit the most. Doves seem to be the favorite prey and usually feed on the ground unless the feeder is open and large enough for them to land on. Sandy, Myrtle Beach, S.C

Subj: My introduction
Date: 10/24/99 12:08:11 AM Central Daylight Time
From: MEDILLIPLN"at"aol.com
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: MEDILLIPLN"at"aol.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Hello Everyone! I'm MaryEllen from Shamokin, PA. I hope I won't bore anyone with this letter, as this is my first year being a bb landlord and I can hardly contain my excitement and the enjoyment I have had with "my" birds and also with finding this list of others who I can share and who will appreciate my accomplishments!

Never in my wildest dreams (or my families) did I ever think I would be hooked on bird watching. It all started with a birdhouse my 11 yr. old son wanted to build for a badge in scouting and it has turned his Mother into a obsessed BBer. I read every book I could get my hands on about BB, after I seen a male and female going in & out that house we built and put up. I could just go on and on but to make a long short for your benefit, we raised 2 families of BB's this summer and when the last family fledged my heart was broken, for I thought I'd never see them again. I felt abandoned! My husband threatened to send me to a shrink because I would spend all my free time on our deck with binoculars glued to my face trying frantically to locate them! About two weeks ago, when I've given up all hope of their return, I almost broke my neck getting to our deck to watch "my" bb's bathing in the bath!! Now, I'm a little worried about them, wondering if they are just hanging around before they head south or if they stay for the winter, will there be enough food in the area to keep them alive? I, of course, will try my darndest to provide enough food and water for them! So folks, that's my story, I'm hooked. This spring I plan on adding more nest boxes around the edges of my wonderful neighbor's land because we only own an acre.!

MaryEllen Dilliplane
Shamokin, PA
MEDILLIPLN"at"aol.com

Subj:
Date: 10/24/99 9:20:04 AM Central Daylight Time
From: doublej"at"pa.net (jim scarfo)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: doublej"at"pa.net
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Could you please help... I have several BB houses, In the spring they appear to be making nests . However, after a couple of weeks they disappear, only to return in late-spring, and do not nest in the houses.... We live in PA, on the Mason-Dixon line and have 3 acres. Open fields, and mtns. What can we do to encourage nesting...tks...

Subj: Re: []
Date: 10/24/99 12:02:05 PM Central Daylight Time
From: stillwaterbirder"at"netscape.net (stuart roth)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: stillwaterbirder"at"netscape.net
To: doublej"at"pa.net, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

"jim scarfo" wrote:

---------------------------------------------
Attachment:
MIME Type: multipart/alternative
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Could you please help... I have several BB houses, In the spring they appear to be making nests . However, after a couple of weeks they disappear, only to return in late-spring, and do not nest in the houses.... We live in PA, on the Mason-Dixon line and have 3 acres. Open fields, and mtns. What can we do to
encourage nesting...tks...

Hi Jim
Maybe the Bluebird did make a nest had chicks and then they fledged. You did say they disappaired after a couple of weeks. Make sure to clean out the old
nest. 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: New Member/Questions
Date: 10/31/99 7:12:57 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

Hello. I am Stephanie who lives in Alabama, NY. A couple miles south of the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. I live in on a farm with wide tracks of open land, woods, and hedgerows. I have started putting up boxes over the past few years but haven't had any Bluebirds here yet. I have had success with Tree Swallows. They are a riot. All my boxes are set up in pairs. One question I did have is that I noticed this year a few dead babies in quite a few boxes. Was this an account of the heat or could it been something else. I also had one baby without feathers yet out dead about 3 feet in front of one nest. Also, I have one box near (no tree swallows nested in) a black walnut tree and it keeps getting full of these black catapillars. What are these? They are a bit scary looking. There was a man next to me that has had boxes up over 20 years which passed away and I checked a few the other day on a walk and noticed he too had a few dead babies left in the nest. His boxes only get cleaned once a year and no one monitors them. I am still trying to work with the landowner to see if I can help with them. It may take some time but I won't give up on him. It was his fathers dream to have Bluebirds back in our area. I am sure I would have loved the
man. Last question. Do you suggest feeding over the winter to see if Bluebirds will come in? Mealworms? Thanks for all your help!!! One of these days I will get them here too.

Subj: Re: New Member/Questions
Date: 10/31/99 1:44:05 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: uzgreyzone"at"webtv.net, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Hi Stephanie, I'm Joe Huber Venice Fl, from Ohio, Your dead young Tree Swallows in boxes should not have been because of the heat. Tree Swallows generally nest only once early in the season before heat can really cause a problem. Finding a dead baby outside the box sounds like foul play by some sort of predator. Were dead in box big enough to fly?? Others in your area of NY should know if there was a similar problem with dead young in boxes. Not normal for sure. If birds were ready to fly there are sometimes problems with young exiting the nest box. Especially deep boxes or slick surfaces below entrance. Other birds don't seem to have that problem but Tree Swallows sometimes do. There should be Bluebirds in the area you describe. Many Bluebirders in NY. The caterpillars filling boxes I've heard of but never seen it. Can't recall if it's Gypsy moth or what. Some one help on this one. North eastern states have this problem in some areas. As for feeding Bluebirds- Most people couldn't feed them in the winter if they wanted to. If they happen to be around you could get lucky. Feeding Bluebirds has no influence on them deciding to nest or to stay. No need to worry about that part. Work on the good nest box habitat part of attracting Bluebirds. Location is the most important thing. Keep up your good work as it pays off as you learn each year.

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: New subscriber
Date: 11/1/99 4:08:35 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,

My name is Jennifer and I am currently and temporarily living in Greenville, PA (Western PA). I have never really had an interest in watching birds until last winter. A friend of mine introduced me to Project Feederwatch as both an encouragement to help the bird study and an attempt to keep my time occupied since I am pretty much house bound
while waiting for a double lung transplant. Now I am hooked on back yard birding and with the help of my father, just had to put up nest boxes so I could participate in the summer's bluebird count and nest box study. Fortunately my parents live on many acres of open land with woods on both sides. We watched as the bluebirds came and fought the house sparrows for rights to the houses and then each other for claim of his mate. In fact, at one point the males were so involved in battle that they were tangled on the ground and paid no attention that we were standing three feet away. It was a sight. In one instance, the bluebird was sitting on top of the house, the house sparrow was inside, and when the house sparrow peeked out of the hole, the bluebird grabbed him by the neck and pulled him out. We were very surprised at the aggressiveness of the bluebird. After all, I have read that the decline of bluebirds in the past was in part due to the house sparrows taking the boxes. Not in this case. So, we successfully had two broods however the second succumbed to the cats during the night. I felt so sorry for the adult bluebirds who were
carrying food in for the babies only to find them gone. After that, they disappeared for months and I assumed that word got out among the bluebirds that the house was a deathtrap. (I am kidding) Anyway, about a month ago we noticed several bluebirds back inspecting the boxes. Since I really am not familiar with the habits of these birds, are they looking for a place to stay for the winter and will they stay in these boxes? I have been monitoring some of your e-mails and almost all talk about the birds migrating. Where and when do they go? We were talking about putting out meal worms but after all of the debate I've read I'm not sure. I guess it's a judgement call based on where you live. I am looking forward to watching the activity as the weather gets colder. I hope to be an active participant in the e-mailing, at least until I get called for my transplant, and I promise to keep my Messages shorter. Take care all and I look forward to your feedback.

Jennifer
Greenville. PA
Sunny, High 72, Low 45

Subj: Newbie at this Bluebird Stuff
Date: 12/4/99 10:50:55 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

Hi, All:

I'm new to the ListServ, and I've been reading your notes with great interest. I've also read everything posted on the NABS web site, but I've got a few questions, and hope you veterans can help me.

I moved out here to a rural area in Georgia (40 miles east of Atlanta) about 3 years ago. In 1996 was the first time I've ever been able to spot any bluebirds. As soon as I did, I was hooked. They are the most beautiful bird I've ever seen. I look forward to their arrival each spring and never noticed them in the fall before until a few weeks ago. (I posted a note about a week ago about it, and many of you told me they were looking at my bluebird boxes for a possible place to roost.)

I realize that putting my bluebird boxes on the two poplar trees in my front yard has not been a good idea. The bluebirds were smart enough to know they were not in a good location either, because they never nested in either box. And after reading all your notes about boxes, I purchased two from Wild Birds Unlimited along with posts and baffles. I'm ready to put them up, but I need advice before I do so.

(1) Should I put the boxes up NOW -- in December -- or should I wait until late Jan. or Feb.? I usually see the bluebirds in Feb. in my area.

(2) The tag on the bluebird boxes from WBU said that the box should face the EAST. Does the bluebird box HAVE to face toward the east? What are the reasons for that? The reason I'm asking about the direction of the box is that if I face them east, then they will face my house and I know they require a wide open space. The ones I have up now face south and they have about 300 feet of wide open space. How wide a space is enough? Is 100 feet enough? Or should I ask my neighbor across the street if I can place the boxes in HIS yard, so that they'll face east and have about 300 feet of wide open space?

(3) Should the box have SOME shade? And what if it doesn't? Here in the south it can get pretty hot!

(4) How far away from the nearest tree should the box be placed so that predators, such as flying squirrels, can't jump on it?

(5) Also, I know from my reading that bluebirds are territorial so how far apart should the bluebird boxes be placed? I can place them about 150 feet apart. Shall I put them both up and hope that a couple of bluebirds will adopt at least one of the boxes?

(6) What sort of food supply do you recommend and how close to the box should it be placed?

Thank you for any advice you can give me. I hope to attract and provide a couple of good homes for some bluebirds this spring.

Joanne Cox
Monroe, GA
TVLady"at"aol.com

Subj: Newbie at this Bluebird Stuff
Date: 12/4/99 11:02:22 AM Central Standard Time
From: WAGould"at"aol.com
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: WAGould"at"aol.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Welcome to Bluebird-L.

At the risk of starting the discussion of painting boxes all over again, I just paint the roof of my boxes with regular, old white semi-gloss latex paint. This should be the easiest way to provide a cooler temperature inside the nest box. The bluebirds show up rather well when they are sitting up there, as well.

BNA
Bluebirds in Nashville Again!
Bill Gould
(615) 726-2743
(615) 726-8545 - fax
Eastern Bluebird Recovery Society of Middle Tennessee
USDA Zone 6B
http://nashville.neighborhoodlink.com/public/genpage.html
?nid=920892120&nneighid=354070209&nsupercity=694865891

Subj: Newbie at this Bluebird Stuff
Date: 12/4/99 1:00:00 PM Central Standard Time
From: garrbiv"at"dellnet.com (STEPHEN GARR)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: garrbiv"at"dellnet.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Dear Newbie,

Yes, put the boxes up now, Bluebirds will investigate nest sites now for next year.

Boxes do not have to face east, but i like to protect the entrance hole from blowing rain and the hot afternoon summer sun. Boxes with a roof that overhangs above the hole will help protect the young from the rain and heat.

100 ft. is plenty of open space in front of the box and you may want to space them 250 to 300 ft. apart to have both occupied by Bluebirds at the same time.

I have several boxes that are shaded in the afternoon by tall trees, this will keep them cooler especially during their third clutch of the year which is usually during the summer.

Flying squirrel can glide at least 50 ft from tall trees, so consider this when selecting your site.

Although your placement of 150 ft. apart may not house 2 pairs of Bluebirds at the same time, Chickadees, Titmice and Carolina Wrens will apreciate the unoccupied Bluebird box.

Live Mealworms placed on a platform or a specially designed Bluebird feeder located 10 to 15 ft. away from the nestbox or in a location you can enjoy the Bluebirds the most, supplies not only winter food but also spring and summer food for the babies. A soft pellet called Bluebird Treat from "C & S Products" can also be fed.

Good Luck,
Steve Garr
Garr's Rental & Feed
Mt. Juliet TN
1-888-754-9613
7:30 - 6:00 M-Sat.

Subj: Re: Newbie at this Bluebird Stuff
Date: 12/4/99 4:22:11 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. You ask 5 questions so here are suggestions 1- Yes put boxes up now as you have seen Bluebirds during very early spring. 2- Don't be to concerned about the direction the entrance faces. Set it up so you can easily observe the front when approaching it or so you can see it from inside your home. 3-Shade does help especially in late afternoon. Don't need to be close to a tree to get late day shade on the box. 4- Stay well away from larger trees with boxes. Small trees less than 16 feet tall can be closer. With large trees its best to stay 100 feet away from overhanging branches. Your Bluebirds may nest any where even if not safe so you take care of that. 5- Yes Bluebirds are territorial but your 150 feet apart should be ok. Not likely to get two pair of Bluebirds but in case another species chooses a box there will be another in that general area. One box in your front yard and one in the back may separate them enough to someday get two pair at once. In Ohio I've had two pair nest within 100 feet of each other several times. 6- About feeding the Bluebirds. Its not necessary to feed them at all. Worry about that when some come to nest. There may be other moreimportant things to tend to for successful nesting. Feeding them has no
bearing on whether or not they nest in your boxes. Thats all 6 questions. Now you may get some other comments. Good luck.
Joe Huber Venice Fl. Cold snap is over.

Subj: box questions...
Date: 12/4/99 5:33:05 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 Joanne.. I see you are getting some good nest box directions from all our veterans. Its always good to hear what people think and have found to be
helpfull.

One additional point I would like to add to mounting your boxes that I don't think was mentioned, but maybe it was and I missed it.

Here in the Northeast anyway, we never put boxes up on anything but poles. The reason is for predator protection. A box here mounted on a tree is just
inviting disaster. I see schools ,who have the kids build BB boxes ( of which most themselves are death traps) mounting them on anything they can, and its
usually trees. These boxes usually become convienient "bird feeders" for the local Raccoons. If the coons don't get them, then a snake or cat or other ground predator will. Chances of fledging young from these ill placed boxes are slim at best. Our job in erecting boxes for BBirds should be to help them, and give them a better than natural chance to fledge young. If we (but it's usually the uninformed dogooder trying to help) mount boxes incorectly, we might be doing more harm to the Birds than good.I shudder at how many uninformed dogooders buy BB Boxes from the local stores,(and they are everywhere!) and erect them improperly, causing our beloved BBs to nest in one, and fall victim to poor mounting.

Here anyway, mounting on poles, with proper predetor guards is the only way to go. Even then, thier are even more risks to overcome! It's all about averages. The more advantages we give them for raising a succesful brood, the better we are doing to help them beat the averages.

Also, try to mount your boxes as much in the open as you can. This will dicourage occupancy from brush loving mice, Wrens and other birds species.

Well sorry for such a long note! Just hope it helps with some of your questions.
Paul from CT. Nice and warm here today!..50's!

Subj: Another Newbie
Date: 12/5/99 11:00:14 AM 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

Jane, from Pound Ridge,( Westchester County) New York
I am also new to the list and new to bluebirding, though not to birding. Have been living in England for the last thirty years. No bluebirds there, of course. Moved back here August 1998 and to my delight saw bluebirds for the first time the following fall.I had heard about them as a child but never seen one before. They are magnificent.

I did not see them during the spring or summer, but am sure I heard them.Again this fall I saw them many times, usually as many as half a dozen at once. Heard them a few days ago too so I think they are still around. I have alot of questions I would appreciate help with. I'll just start with the most important two for now.
1. It is very woodsy here. Will they nest? Should I put up boxes? I have about two acres most of which is woods. If I put boxes at the edge of my lawn
am I likely to have any success?
2. Do they stay here for the winter? I have been doing as much reading as I can about them but can't find anything that says for sure whether they stay
this far north.

Please excuse my lack of knowledge. I'm very enthusiastic about these wonderful birds and would welcome any advise, especially from someone who
knows their habits in my area. Thanks.

Subj: Re: Another Newbie
Date: 12/5/99 2:06:18 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, Welcome to the list. You made it easy with only 2 questions (1)-Keep as far away from the woodsy area as possible. Yes the edge of your lawn should be an ideal location for nest boxes. Since there are lots of trees near by take extra precaution to protect boxes from racoons. Someone will send info ?? (2) -Yes some Bluebirds stay in NY during winter months. You may never see them but some are around. I lived in central Ohio and Bluebirds were seen every winter where we lived for 30 years. Joe Huber Venice Fl.

Subj: A few thoughts....
Date: 12/5/99 2:11:40 PM Central Standard Time
From: blueburd"at"srnet.com (Bruce Burdett)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: blueburd"at"srnet.com
To: JaneHopeC"at"aol.com (Jane Child Pound Ridge NY)
CC: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L)

Jane, and other newbies,
The Stokes' book is fine. It was my first, some years ago. But Dorene Scriven's is more complete, (3rd Edition) in my opinion.(Quite a few of our students came from Pound Ridge, - ...Westminster School, Simsbury CT.)

It sounds to me as though your property is a lot like ours, - too wooded for Bluebirds. But I had 52 houses (and 18 active BB nests) in Sunapee last summer, all on other people's property. Bluebirds certainly winter over in the Pound Ridge area, and increasingly up into the southernmost townships in NH. We had them wintering in Simsbury CT routinely, 20 years ago.

I've never put up "roosting boxes". I just leave all my houses out all winter, though I doubt that there are many Bluebirds wintering here in Sunapee to roost in them. I never see them between Nov. and Mar. The wisest heads on this list say that feeding Bluebirds in the winter is NOT a good idea, for a number of reasons. Our commonest 'feeder birds' are very tough and winter-resistant. The little Chickadee is probably the toughest of them all. But Bluebirds, though they can put up with a lot if they have to, aren't quite that rugged, and they have the good sense to drift off southerly when it gets too wintry, and when their food supply gets skimpy. Their normal summer diet is live insects, and when the bugs are frozen out they turn to berries of various kinds. They like plump (water-soaked) raisins, por exemplo. They also can get along for a while on the red sumac-clusters.

Keep the questions coming, and welcome to this great bunch of people. I got your address, and your free packet will be right along.
Bruce Burdett, New Hampshire Bluebird Conspiracy, Sunapee NH

Subj: Re: Thanks for Newbie Advice!
Date: 12/5/99 2:33:29 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

Hello Joanne, After reading your recent post describing the area where you live it may be better to not put up boxes until Feb. My reason is because the area you describe surrounding your yard is likely to have House Sparrows. With farms near by and being in a developed area your chances of House Sparrow problems are increased. The time your boxes are put up isn't really that critical as long as it's before Bluebirds start nesting. The first year up nest boxes are more likely to get Bluebirds first. It seems that Bluebirds lead House Sparrows to the boxes in spring as they follow along as Bluebirds investigate boxes. You
will learn quickly this coming spring if there is a sparrow problem. Many people deal with them and more will in the future. Joe Huber Venice Fl.

Subj: Thanks from Jane(another newbie)
Date: 12/6/99 12:52:37 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

Many thanks to all you nice people who replied to my first post. I have tried to answer everybody individually this first time but wanted to post a general thanks too in case I missed anyone. I will keep looking for my winter bluebirds as it seems from what you all say that they should still be around. Will let you know.

I will also try boxes this spring once I've read and thought about all the info I can about them. Lots to do...more questions to follow probably.

Thanks again

Subj: (no subject)
Date: 12/6/99 4:01:57 PM Central Standard Time
From: johnj"at"sbsf.com (John Johnson)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: johnj"at"sbsf.com
To: Bluebird-L"at"cornell.edu (Bluebird-L"at"cornell.edu)

I am also new to the list and live in Pound Ridge. I am also recently infatuated with bluebirds, thanks to a tennis-playing friend in town who studies bluebirds, bats and butterflies. Thanks to her I have put up 3 bluebird houses on the edge of our wood, all three easily visible from our newly-constructed house. But since they just went up, I certainly expected nothing for several months, at the very least. Well, surprise, surprise. On Saturday, the temp hit 60. I was fiddling around in our yard and spotted a lot of activity in a winterberry bush just past our propery line. Went closer and saw a bunch of blues, flitting in and out. I sat still and saw maybe 20 males and females dig around our yard, pick at stuff on our mostly dirt lawn, and even had several perch and peer into the houses. Nobody went in - it was almost as if they were checking out the place for their Spring break. Great time was had by me.

Sunday the weather was the same but no sign of the blues.

What a fascinating hobby I've found.

Subj: Newbie reference material
Date: 12/6/99 6:42:14 PM Central Standard Time
From: Jennabirds"at"aol.com
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: Jennabirds"at"aol.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu, Tvlady"at"aol.com

Joanne,
I also agree that Dorene Scriven's Book is more complete. I try to keep my opinion to myself, BUT I feel that it is better to go with information that people publish from their own experiences (Dorene Scriven's and her many associates), than to take other peoples experiences, write about them, and consider yourself a self proclaimed expert (Don and Lillian Stokes). Expert - I hate that word!!! From my own experience, I have both books. Yes, I bought the Stokes book first, it has a pretty picture on the front and I fell for the marketing gimmick. It is very general and now collects dust on the shelf. I initially bought Dorene's 2nd edition which is directed towards Eastern Bluebirds and I still use it. I bought the 3rd edition at the NABS conference in Montana and had the chance to meet and talk with Dorene. What a genuine, kind person who has bluebirds as her main focus, not profit. The 3rd edition covers all three bluebirds and is a joy to read and use also as a reference.

As a beginner to bluebirding, the best advice I can say is to listen to what everyone has to say, they all have wonderful experiences. Stay in the middle of the road with your decisions, and don't get too extreme.

David A. Magness

Subj:
Date: 12/16/99 6:05:43 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

Koby Prater, Seneca, MO with a high today of about 45,
sunny

Hello everyone I am kinda a newbie, but I'm only 14 and have already 4 fledge from my nest box. It all started when one day I went over to my neighbors who
had a pair in his box. I became interested. About a weak later me and him were outside. We walked over to the box and saw a baby not yet with feathers dead and hanging out of the hole then looked in and all five babies were dead. He has a cat. About three days later I saw a pair in my yard (probably the same pair)
looking around. The next day I went to Lowe's and bought a box. Two days later I woke up looked out the window and saw the male sitting on top of the pole. Then I saw the female fly out. This was the about June 10. I watched every day. One morning mom told me both were on top of the house. I jumped out of bed, and went and looked. The nest was almost out the hole, but apparently the raccoon pulled the back part of the nest covering the 4 eggs. I was lucky. I got some 1/4 inch mesh and made myself a guard like in The Bluebird Book by Don and Lilian Stokes. I kept watching and in no time on Aug. 2 they fledged, while I wasn't home but I knew they did. I can't wait til next summer.
Koby Prater

P.S. If anyone has recipes for any kind of treat you can make for the EABLs please send me the recipes.
Thank You all KP

Subj: I'm a "newbie"
Date: 12/23/99 6:03:35 PM Central Standard Time
From: Mstarrw"at"aol.com
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: Mstarrw"at"aol.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Hello Bluebird people,
Just discovered your organization and as I'm a rank beginner in bluebird matters perhaps some of you could give me some advice:

We have a house in the Anza Borrego desert, South south west southern California. House is on a 5 acre parcel (community consists of about 40 5 acre parcels ) We have one big palo verde tree, and various scattered young trees and bushes. It gets hot, as you can imagine, up to 115 degrees in the summer.

Apparently bluebirds have been seen here and I want to encourage them.

1) Is there a particular kind, brand of seed that they like, and that wrens and sparrows dont fancy? Which stores carry it?

2) Just bought 2 Perky Pet seed feeders: one is a tall tube with 4 copper inserts for perching, and a base. The other one is a lantern style with holes at the bottom of the plastic tube at base level.

Are either of these o.k.? or is there a specific kind of feeder (brand and style please) that would be more suitable.

3) I'll probably start out with the Gilbertson PVC box. How far away should it be from the house?

I'll be grateful for your advice, remembering that I'm just beginning!!!

Thanks alot.

Myrna Wosk mstarrw"at"aol.com

Subj: Anza Borrego
Date: 12/24/99 6:05:59 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, 80* in So Cal. I'm dreaming of a white Christmas!

Myrna, I am familiar with the Anza Borrego and I believe it is much too hot during the nesting season for bluebirds to stay there. They probably are found during the winter but not in the spring. I hope I am wrong so you might try anyway. If so, take special precautions for protecting them from the heat. The box should be oversize, with a great deal of ventilation and painted white. It should be mounted in the deep shade with a lot of green vegetation around. You can not leave a nestbox in the sun down there. Bluebirds eat insects and berries so do not feed seeds or you will attract house sparrows. House sparrows are enemies of bluebirds and break up their nests.

New Bluebirders Problems/Solutions

Subj: Greetings from a Newbie!
Date: 1/1/00 5:03:58 PM Central Standard Time
From: Jimjagow"at"cs.com
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: Jimjagow"at"cs.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Hell-o, fellow Bluebirders!

This is my first Message on this site, even though I have been a subscriber since 12-16-99. I have been fascinated and in awe of some of the Messages of all you experienced folks. The word on the cottonseed meal came just in the nick of time, as I was about to go to the local farmers' supply store and get some .

I'd like to give you all a bit of history because, having learned more about Bluebirds over the past few years, I think that it might be of interest to you. We live on ten acres outside Chelsea, Michigan, which is West of Ann Arbor, which is West of Detroit. We first walked our property almost six years ago and had our first Bluebird siting at that time. When a colleague of my husband's heard about the siting, her husband graciously made us two nest boxes which we mounted and had immediate success with. We put up a Purple Martin hotel that Spring and had nesting in it also. We were truly blessed. So began our "studying" of Bluebirds. Tree Swallows posed a problem, so we paired our boxes. It took three years before we moved into our new home and I could finally monitor the boxes properly. I fought the good fight against sparrows (they deserve a small "s"!), tried a Bluebird feeder with Bluebird suet for the Winter, and have just decided that the Bluebirds in this area "make the rounds" and I am overjoyed whenever they come to drink from our heated birdbath. I see Bluebirds at a local
Industrial Park and a local Metro Park when I walk my dogs there. I'm not sure if our boxes are used for night roosting or not, as they are situated 300 feet apart over our "back six" acres. We have decided to move one pair of boxes to the front of our house, on the slope of the hill, where I see Bluebirds also. I was truly blessed last Spring with nary a sparrow nest. Someone to the East of us now has cows and someone to the West has horses and I'm thinking that the sparrows are more attracted to those areas, from what I have read.

I have been reading all your comments about Winter feeding and fall on the side of those who would like to. I read about the Honeysuckle and I will eventually be planting some, to camouflage our fence. Is there a certain kind that produces berries, or do they all? Also, since this is our year to plant our bushes (our third Spring in the house), are there any suggestions about bushes that have berries especially attractive to Bluebirds? We already have two Burning Bushes (Euonymous) and are planning on putting in two Holly. Whatever we plant, the deer may get the berries before the Bluebirds. I am using hanging soap and garlic clips to discourage them. Any input on this subject of berry - bearing bushes will be appreciated.

So much for now from another Northerner. Happy Bluebird watching.
-Diane, Chelsea, MI

Subj: First Nesting
Date: 1/19/00 7:26:45 PM Central Standard Time
From: ylbordelon"at"juno.com
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: ylbordelon"at"juno.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Yvonne Bordelon Covington, LA Mid 70's - feels like spring - The Taiwan cherry trees are blooming!

I am new to this list, but have been maintaining a backyard habitat in a suburb for 20+ years. We bought our country place 3 years ago & immediately put up all kinds of boxes. All through this fall & winter we saw a lot of bluebirds bathing in the birdbath, going in wood duck houses and feeding on dogwood berries. Then last weekend we observed a pair going in & out of one of the bluebird nest boxes. The female even began to bring grass & pine straw into the box. Then another male came over & I didn't see the female for the rest of the day.

Now I'm searching the net for any info I can find about these little beauties. I have a couple of pamphlets, but would like to know the best bluebird books to buy. We also plan to clear trails through the woods so that we can build & put up more boxes so we could use patterns of the very best design. We could also use any pointers that you could give us.

Subj:
Date: 1/19/00 10:09:15 PM Central Standard Time
From: smarx"at"hpnc.com (steve marx)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: smarx"at"hpnc.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L)

I am new to the list and appreciate the great information I have been reading already. I hope I made be so bold as to ask a question being so new but I would like to start attracting bluebirds. It is mid January but 70-80 degrees here in north central texas d/fw area. I have about 10 acres with about 3 on the front of the property that is pasture and the rest wooded directly behind. The tree line is about 60 feet away from the open pasture and fence line. Can I put a nesting box in the pasture area? should I pair them? Also is there anything I can do now to start to attract bluebirds as I havent seen any around. Maybe put out meal worms in a feeder? I also called our pet store and they had different size meal worms which ones are the best? (sm,med,lg). Thanks for the list and allowing me to ask questions as a beginner. I am a long time bird watcher and bird feeder as I live in the woods and have many different inhabitants, but I am really excited about bluebirds and would like to become more involved in their nesting and survival.
Steven Marx
Cleburne, Tx
smarx"at"hpnc.com

Subj: Re: Your Questions
Date: 1/20/00 10:29:23 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: smarx"at"hpnc.com
CC: bluebird-L"at"cornell.edu (Bluebird Listserve)

I am new to the list and appreciate the great information I have been reading already. I hope I made be so bold as to ask a question being so new but I would like to start attracting bluebirds. It is mid January but 70-80 degrees here in north central texas d/fw area. I have about 10 acres with about 3 on the front of the property that is pasture and the rest wooded directly behind. The tree line is about 60 feet away from the open pasture and fence line.

Steve, I'm a bluebirder only since last May (1999), so maybe my response might be helpful. I have a number of suggestions:
1) Read the Reference List carefully. If you have not received it, write Tena Taylor for a copy. It will answer most of your questions or tell you where to look for answers.
2) Get a copy of Dorene Scriven's book BLUEBIRD TRAILS to use as a ready reference book. I keep a copy on the hutch over my computer. All of your questions are answered in her book.
3) To most of your questions you may get a variety of answers. I'll give you mine immediately following your questions below.

Can I put a nesting box in the pasture area?
Nestboxes ought to be 100 feet from woods, if possible, but mine are closer to some trees, (not to woods) and were chosen by the bluebirds for nesting. The questions relates to predators' attraction to and attacks on your nestboxes. House sparrows are probably the # 1 predator of bluebirds and they like trees, do not care for open areas. Wrens are also prone to block competition for nest sites by building dummy nests in any and all nestboxes close to their chosen areas, and they like woods and trees, not open areas. Raccoons will go anywhere, but start out, generally, in cover, thus woods. Snakes the same.

should I pair them?

Pairing of boxes has been demonstrated to be a useful way of cutting down competition for nestboxes with other cavity-nesters, especially tree swallows. Many have found that if the boxes are placed from 12-15 feet apart, tree swallows will take one box, and bluebirds the other, and that they will not fight each other, but join in repelling predator birds. Last season, I put up only two nestboxes, not paired, and the TRES (tree swallows) competed with the EABL (Eastern Bluebirds). The bluebirds won out at one box, and the tree swallows chose not to nest in the other because of sparrows which I kept evicting, but they must have gotten discouraged.

Also is there anything I can do now to start to attract bluebirds as I haven't seen any around.

Many people are putting out special bluebird foods and meal worms. I am occasionally putting out meal worms, but, though they are disappearing after a few days, I have never seen a bluebird take any. I use a homemade, open feeder.

Water is a very great help to all birds, and would be to any bluebirds that happened to come. My guess is that putting out water (Next time I get some money, I'm going to put up an electrically warmed birdbath for them, but can't afford it now.) and putting up your nestboxes as soon as the weather permits will be the best moves you can make.

Maybe put out meal worms in a feeder? I also called our pet store and they had different size meal worms which ones are the best? (sm,med,lg).

The reference list includes addresses of "insectaries" where you can order them in quantity. I got some from a place in Georgia, and have started my own operation in the basement. Dorene's book includes a short chapter on how to do this. You'll go broke buying them from the local pet store. Besides, my experience last year was that you had to "train" bluebirds to take mealworms. It is not easy to do.

Thanks for the list and allowing me to ask questions as a beginner. I am a long time bird watcher and bird feeder as I live in the woods and have many different inhabitants, but I am really excited about bluebirds and would like to become more involved in their nesting and survival.
Steven Marx
Cleburne, Tx
smarx"at"hpnc.com

It is very special to be a part of this listserve. Both experiences and new birders are participating and profiting from exchanges, all aimed at helping the birds we love.

Randy Jones
Allentown PA

Subj: antother question
Date: 1/21/00 2:24:05 PM Central Standard Time
From: smarx"at"hpnc.com (steve marx)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: smarx"at"hpnc.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L)

I have another question about feeding with mealworms be it for whatever reason. I have quite a few crows that like to hang around the pasture won't they eat the worms? I know they will eat insects. Will a closed feeder prevent this from happening? I was thinking of cutting a hole in a milk jug to place worms in for a cheap closed feeder any thoughts on this even if my idea is a bad one. Thanks

Steven Marx
Cleburne, Tx
smarx"at"hpnc.com

Subj: Re: antother question
Date: 1/21/00 3:07:12 PM Central Standard Time
From: randyj"at"enter.net (Randy Jones)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: randyj"at"enter.net
To: smarx"at"hpnc.com
CC: bluebird-L"at"cornell.edu (Bluebird Listserve)

I've seen a catbird eating mealworms, but no crows, though there are some here. I expect you are going to have a problem getting blues to go inside a jug to take them. I had a hard enough job getting them to take them off of an open feeder right in front of the nestbox when there were babies to eat and she was having trouble coming up with insects because of the heat last summer.

Randy Jones
Allentown PA

-----Original Message-----
From: steve marx
To: BLUEBIRD-L
Date: Friday, January 21, 2000 3:35 PM
Subject: antother question

I have another question about feeding with mealworms be it for whatever reason. I have quite a few crows that like to hang around the pasture won't they eat the worms? I know they will eat insects. Will a closed feeder prevent this from happening? I was thinking of cutting a hole in a milk jug to place worms in for a cheap closed feeder any thoughts on this even if my idea is a bad one. Thanks

Steven Marx
Cleburne, Tx
smarx"at"hpnc.com

Subj: Re: antother question
Date: 1/21/00 4:19:02 PM Central Standard Time
From: bdarnell"at"centurytel.net (Bill Darnell)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: bdarnell"at"centurytel.net
To: smarx"at"hpnc.com, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L)

No question that a crow will eat mealworms if they find them. They will also eat the Bluebird if they can catch it. I saw one eating a Robin last spring.
Bill
Savannah, TN

I have another question about feeding with mealworms be it for whatever reason. I have quite a few crows that like to hang around the pasture won't they eat the worms? I know they will eat insects. Will a closed feeder prevent this from happening? I was thinking of cutting a hole in a milk jug to place worms in for a cheap closed feeder any thoughts on this even if my idea is a bad one. Thanks

Steven Marx
Cleburne, Tx
smarx"at"hpnc.com

Subj: RE: antother question
Date: 1/21/00 9:20:30 PM Central Standard Time
From: colleeny"at"mwci.com (colleeny)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: colleeny"at"mwci.com (colleeny"at"mwci.com)
To: smarx"at"hpnc.com ('smarx"at"hpnc.com'), BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L"at")

I first experimented with feeding mealworms to bluebirds last season. Placed a mealworm feeder (plexiglass on two sides, solid on the ends with entry holes) on a short post about 30 feet from an occupied nest box (pair of bluebirds with 5 nestlings). Used "medium" mealworms, and placed them inside plus on the roof and around the edges (outside the plexiglass). For the first 2 days, the male bluebird would land on the box, eat the mealworms on the outside, and peer in at the additional worms from every angle, but couldn't figure out how to get the worms from inside. So, I opened the roof for a day so he could get the idea. On the fourth day, I closed the roof and made him figure it out for himself. And he did! By the fifth day I was putting 100 mealworms in the feeder at a time--usually
around suppertime--and the male bluebird would come from wherever else he was hunting to fly back and forth until I finished filling the feeder. He's be inside the feeder before I was 10 steps away. He would carry as many as he could to the nest box, come back, and repeat, until the worms were gone. I never did see the female use the feeder, but the male DID bring the fledgelings in to use it. It was a wonderful experience, and I can't wait to start again in the spring! Also, I never saw any other species of birds get the mealworms, although the size of the hole would have exluded anything bigger than a bluebird.

-----Original Message-----
From: steve marx [SMTP:smarx"at"hpnc.com]
Sent: Friday, January 21, 2000 2:19 PM
To: BLUEBIRD-L
Subject: antother question

I have another question about feeding with mealworms be it for whatever reason. I have quite a few crows that like to hang around the pasture won't they eat the worms? I know they will eat insects. Will a closed feeder prevent this from happening? I was thinking of cutting a hole in a milk jug to place worms in for a cheap closed feeder any thoughts on this even if my idea is a bad one. Thanks

Steven Marx
Cleburne, Tx
smarx"at"hpnc.com
File: ATT00003.html

Subj: Re:
Date: 1/22/00 12:34:15 PM Central Standard Time
From: skimlatte"at"juno.com
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: skimlatte"at"juno.com
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu

Hi Steven
I'm relatively new to the site, too - but, we have horses up here in southern wisconsin on about 35 acres and our pasture area is where first started seeing them. I've found that the greatest attractor to the BBs is water and nest boxes. I don't know about other bird competition for nest boxes in your area so I can't comment on whether or not you need to/should pair them Our main competition here are Tree Swallows. We have an occassional wren try to claim a box, but usually our other boxes are full with either Tree Swallows or BBs at that time. Before we started reading about BBs- we just stuck some BB nest boxes up on the wood fence posts in our pasture - and had no trouble getting the blues to use them. Once we read some books, went to a couple of BB workshops and
read other liturature - we put up more nest boxes in our yard for our enjoyment. When we did that - we noticed the tree swallows showing an interest - so we put more up and started pairing them.

Despite the controversy created by offering mealworms - we do it for our enjoyment and the blues will definitely reward you with their interest!

Good luck
Kim
Brooklyn, WI
Balmy 14 degrees - cloudy - snow expected

On Wed, 19 Jan 2000 22:11:15 -0600 "steve marx" writes:
I am new to the list and appreciate the great information I have been
reading already. I hope I made be so bold as to ask a question
being so new but I would like to start attracting bluebirds. It is
mid January but 70-80 degrees here in north central texas d/fw area.
I have about 10 acres with about 3 on the front of the property
that is pasture and the rest wooded directly behind. The tree line
is about 60 feet away from the open pasture and fence line. Can I
put a nesting box in the pasture area? should I pair them? Also is
there anything I can do now to start to attract bluebirds as I
havent seen any around. Maybe put out meal worms in a feeder? I
also called our pet store and they had different size meal worms
which ones are the best? (sm,med,lg). Thanks for the list and
allowing me to ask questions as a beginner. I am a long time bird
watcher and bird feeder as I live in the woods and have many
different inhabitants, but I am really excited about bluebirds and
would like to become more involved in their nesting and survival.
Steven Marx
Cleburne, Tx
smarx"at"hpnc.com

Subj: Re: antother question
Date: 1/23/00 1:09:52 PM Central Standard Time
From: smarx"at"hpnc.com (steve marx)
Sender: owner-BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Reply-to: smarx"at"hpnc.com
To: bdarnell"at"centurytel.net, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu (BLUEBIRD-L)

Thanks for the info Bill. Its not very encouraging to know that the crows will eat the bulebird.
-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Darnell
To: smarx"at"hpnc.com ; BLUEBIRD-L
Date: Friday, January 21, 2000 4:12 PM
Subject: Re: antother question

No question that a crow will eat mealworms if they find them. They will also eat the Bluebird if they can catch it. I saw one eating a Robin last spring.
Bill
Savannah, TN

I have another question about feeding with mealworms be it for whatever reason. I have quite a few crows that like to hang around the pasture won't they eat the worms? I know they will eat insects. Will a closed feeder prevent this from happening? I was thinking of cutting a hole in a milk jug to place worms in for a cheap closed feeder any thoughts on this even if my idea is a bad one. Thanks

Steven Marx
Cleburne, Tx
smarx"at"hpnc.com

Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2000 19:48:45 -0600
From: "Maggie Trussler" meow"at"elknet.net
To: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Subject: New member

Hi everyone. My name is Maggie and I just joined this list. I live on a farm in southcentral Wisconsin on 85 acres of mixed woods and fields. I want to start a bluebird trail on our farm but am not sure if around the edges of the fields would be a good place or not. We lease the fields out and the farmer we lease to usually grows corn or soybeans. Do bluebirds need more open area than that?? Otherwise I guess I'll have to be content with several birdhouses in our yard instead of a trail. Also I wanted to know if anyone knows of any bluebird organizations in the southern Wisconsin area.

Thanks in advance :)

maggie trussler
Sleepy Woods Farm

"One can never have too many cats"
meow"at"elknet.net

Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2000 03:39:29 -0800
From: "W.Guglieri" wendyg"at"jps.net
To: meow"at"elknet.net, BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Subject: Re: What is a trail?

Maggie:

Greetings and welcome to the List from Wendy Guglieri in Rescue, California. You will get lots of helpful advice from many folks much more learned than I, but I just wanted to clear up one little point.

You wrote: "Otherwise I guess I'll have to be content with several birdhouses in our yard instead of a trail."

Maggie, if you put up a single properly built, and well placed bluebird nestbox in your yard, and monitor it consistantly, you have a "trail". Albeit a very small one, but a trail none-the-less. Don't ever think that having just a couple of boxes is such a minor thing. We have some active members on this List who have no nestboxes up where they live - the habitat isn't suitable. Until this year I had only 3 boxes on my many acres. So hopefully you can set up a larger trail if that's what you want, but if not - enjoy the trail that you do have.

Again, welcome, and happy birding. wg

Date: Tue, 22 Feb 2000 09:15:42 -0500
From: "Bruce Burdett" blueburd"at"srnet.com
To: meow"at"elknet.net
Cc: BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Subject: Not at home.

Maggie, et al,

I think it's worth repeating, again and again, for the benefit of the newcomers:

NONE of my Bluebird houses is in our yard, or even visible from our house. Our lot is much too wooded. But last summer I had 52 houses (26 pairs) scattered all over the township, ALL on other people's property. And I haven't even BEGUN to saturate the town. If I had gumption enough, I could run 300 houses or more, and maybe I will someday. "A man's reach should exceed his grasp....etc. etc. "

My Message: - Don't be deterred by the fact that your own "yard" does not have suitable Bluebird habitat. As Wendy said, one single house, well built, well located, and well monitored, is a "trail". Start SOMEWHERE, and go on from there.

I expect you'll hear from Ann Wick, out in WI. (Are you there, Ann?)

Bruce Burdett, NH Bluebird Conspiracy, Sunapee NH

Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2000 16:30:53 -0400
From: Haleya Priest/Thom Levy hpandtl"at"crocker.com
To: "BLUEBIRD hpandtl"at"crocker.com" BLUEBIRD-L"at"cornell.edu
Subject: NEWBIES

Haleya Priest Amherst MA

Hello Newcomers - I just discovered these super NABS Fact Sheets on very peritent topics to bluebirding.. This URL is not yet listed on the REF GUIDE but I suggest these NABS Fact Sheets are THE place to start....

NABS Fact Sheets

http://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/facts.htm

Getting Started with Bluebirds
Nestbox Specifications
Monitoring Bluebird Nestboxes
Predator Control
House Sparrow Control
Mealworms

New Bluebirders Problems/Solutions (Part 1)

New Bluebirders Problems/Solutions

New Bluebirders Problems/Solutions (Part 2)

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