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Bluebird nestbox and trail signageDate: Mon, 07 Feb 2000 08:09:10 -0600 Have any of you trail owners (monitors) developed a placard warning against tampering with Bluebird boxes or nests? If you have I would like to have what you are putting on them. I wish to make up some. Thanks, to ya'll and happy Bluebirding this coming season. Dan McCue Camden, TN 70 miles due west of Nashville. Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2000 10:28:55 -0500 Hi Dan and all, Last year I went to the Bluebird Festival in Michigan, (talked about on this list a couple of weeks ago). I purchased a set of copper embossed tags, size 1/2" x 2 3/8 ". Wording is "Bluebird nest box Tampering violates federal law. " They are great and were not expensive. Sorry I cannot give you any more details as to the source but perhaps someone else on the list is associated with that Festival and can help. Ruth Edwards, Westport, MA. Date: Mon, 07 Feb 2000 10:21:37 -0600 Hi Dan! I have copper tags that I got from the Bluebird Recovery Program of Minnesota. They say: BLUEBIRD NEST BOX I just nailed one to the front of each box. If you want the address to order some, just let me know. Mary Roen, River Falls, WI Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2000 14:45:51 -0500 Hello, dear Bluebird People! If I weren't so computer illiterate, I would forward a copy of my sign placed on trail boxes about 3 yrs. ago after some fool smashed the box w/female BB brooding 4 - 8 day old nestlings. When I checked in following a.m. I found female and 1 nestling dead, smashed box on ground. Three nestlings cold but revived in my cupped hands blowing warm air on them. Placed survivors in new box w/old nest male fed w/help of mealies. Here is the wording on sign placed on all boxes: NOTICE; It is a Federal Offense to molest or destroy any protected species of wildlife. THE EASTERN BLUEBIRD IS A PROTECTED SPECIES. There are persons watching for any acts of destruction who will immediately notify me of the location and identity of such perpetrators. (my name & tel. no. also appeared) ++++++++ Combined w/publicity in local paper w/photo of dead birds on ground w/smashed box got a lot of attention. The signs were encased in plastic & stapled to front or side of box. NO MORE VANDALISM!!!! Hope this helps. I used strong words but was absolutely livid! The moral of the story is DON'T MESS WITH MY BLUEBIRDS!! In Western MD the pairs are staying close to their boxes. Female was wing-waving today but no courtship feeding (thank heaven, snow still on ground and little natural food supply.) Betty Nichols, Middletown, MD Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2000 17:37:41 EST Hi List I just print some off on label paper and am going to try to over spray with something to keep them from running. I use PVC boxes so maybe it will not work on wood. Bob Wilson http://www.crosswinds.net/~bluebirdbob/
Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2000 19:19:16 EST Clarence Christie here in Potterville Michigan. Have used the placards on all my 100+ box's for many years, never once had a problem with vandalism. I'm not sure if that's the reason, but what the heck, it's surely worth the effort. The cost is about only about 15 cents per box, which is about the price of one galvanized screw! My suggestion to everyone is to "GO FOR IT," got nothing to loose and everything to gain! BLUEBIRDS IN MICHIGAN, WE LOVE THEM! Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2000 23:51:41 EST At a very popular county lake park I installed a bluebird trail and used a very nice hand painted sign attached to a pole with a bluebird box above it. It was worded, "Disrupting the nests of Bluebirds is punishable by state and federal laws." These words were painted over our flags "stripes" very bold letters and this turned out to be a favorite feeding and nesting site of bluebirds. Also at the concession stand/bulletin area a couple of brochures were placed under glass explaining about the bluebirds. I found it best to wear some type of "bluebird" shirt while checking these boxes because I would be harassed by people using the park. They believed I was "disrupting" the nesting bluebirds. Hi Keith, We do monitor at a state park with many separate areas in it. We have put signs on the boxes and have seen kids and others read them and still open a box or two..not as much though. Guess we should do the display in several areas.. Anything is possible. .Boy you are right about that shirt stuff.. I have been confronted quite a few times.. but at least people spoke up.. Said "Do you hate birds?" See me taking out a nest or something. Usually I use that as an opportunity to teach.. show them and talk a little to them about things.. But a shirt would probably stop that.. Now what? Shirt or no shirt? Kathy Clark
Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2000 22:35:36 -0800 Kevin Putman, Yuba City, CA I'm seeing a little bluebird activity around the nestboxes. On the subject of tags: I've been looking around a bit for some kind of identification tags for my nestboxes. In addition to the "no tampering" tags already mentioned, I'd like to get some tags that I can number for each box. I was thinking that it would be really great if there was an official NABS identification tag--aluminum, copper, whatever--that had a space for numbering (stamp or etching), or some other local info. The only tags that I've found on the web are from places that make id tags for industrial purposes, etc., and these are rather expensive unless bought in huge quantities. NABS already makes a sticker of some kind for nestboxes, I'm told, but I'm thinking of something that would be very long-lasting. A metal tag like this could be a kind of advertisement for NABS also--perhaps with website info or address. It could be a useful promotional tool. For example, the tag might read: Bluebird Nestbox #__________ Or something along these lines. Are others interesed in this? KP Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2000 06:43:56 -0600 Keith Kridler Mt. Pleasant, Texas Metal stamp sets with letters or numbers can be found at many good hardware stores. The metal tags would not be that hard to number your self and custom tags could be purchased in bulk. A good source might be your local veterinary office since they buy numbered dog and cat tags for rabies. I am sure that one of these companies furnishing these metal tags could make a custom "bluebird" tag. I do think the better solution would be the new vinyl labels being done by the larger landscape companies. They come in a variety of sizes and all font sizes available to the computer could be used. Pictures of "bluebirds" or any cavity nester could be imported and printed on a corner or state logos could be used. These vinyl labels are guaranteed for X number of years. And along with warnings it would be better to tell about the birds and why the boxes need to be monitored. Vandalism: I do not consider it vandalism when I know one of my boxes has been opened and the eggs and young are still OK. Here again by placing the box within reach of any small adult you are inviting a curious person! By explaining what is in the box and how to open it and check the box and how to correctly re-close the box thus saving a vital part of another one of our fellow species. You might just light a fire of conservation in another person. The other easy option is simply to use Dick Purvis and Linda V. method of hanging boxes in the tree tops and avoid the temptation. KK Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2000 04:48:26 -0800 (PST) Wayne Kellogg For those of you seeking number tags here is what I use. If you go to a farm supply store see if they have ear tags for cattle. They are a small brightly colored tag that is attached to a cows ear for identification. These should not be hard to find in almost any area except downtown Chicago. Very inexpensive and will last a lifetime if attached with a galvanized nail or screw. Happy Birding, Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2000 07:56:50 EST Hi all, I deleted the original strand of this conversation..so forgive me if I'm repeating what others have said. You mentioned a NABS tag. I would LOVE it if there were a plastic NABS warning sign that could be attached to the boxes. Our boxes carry a sign that says something like It's against the law to disturb or tamper with these boxes. Anyone doing so will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. (The signs were made on our computers at school, and laminated. At this point the print has either run off or faded off.) I can get the exact wording from the computer..but would love to have a more durable and official sign. Again, if I'm repeating anything anyone said...sorry. Take care. Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2000 05:46:46 PST For many years, we've identified boxes on the trails with the name[or letter abbreviation] of the trail and the box number using a heavy duty aluminum foil [weatherproof] tag with a light cardboard core. You emboss these yourself using a ballpoint pen of other blunt stylus. They can then be tacked ot stapled to the box for ID purposes. They are known by the trade name of Aluma-Boss and the tags are commonly used in the horticultural/nursery industry. They last 5-10 seasons and are easy to replace especially which a box relocation is required. They are inexpensive [500 3"x7/8" tags/ties $36.81+shipping]and come with light aluminum wire ties. We get ours from A.M. Leonard, Inc., 241 Fox Drive, Piqua, OH 45356. Orders are toll free: 800.543.8955/ FAX 800.433.0633 / www.amleo.comfor on-line ordering. This is a very well-known and reputable company with excellent customer service. Dean Sheldon, Huron County, OH/Ohio Bluebird Society
Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2000 09:12:37 -0600 Wayne - Dan McCue of Camden, TN Guess I'm cheap or something BUT I have used for years a plastic tag cut with a hole saw (pilot drill in center) from the bottom of cheap white plastic trays purchased from walmart. These long trays are 3 for about $1.49 (??) I use a 1 1/2 inch round saw. Cut these slugs out, then put them on a wire tie and number them in the field with an indelible black marker with the number I give this box (corresponds to my log book) and use the hole to screw it to the box (the screw that assists in holding my box bottom to the side) This works great for a numbering system. Maybe somebody has a better method, I would like to hear from others that may have a better system. Oh yes, since I carry the marker in my pocket, I can go over the number (about every year as it fades out.) Dan ...
Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2000 10:19:33 -0600 The copper tags described in several postings are available from the Bluebird Recovery Program, % of Mary Kalinoski, 1411 Camwood Trail S., Baxter, MN 56425.They are 10 to a package for $2.50 which includes postage. When we recently re-ordered, the price had to be raised slightly from that quoted by others from last Summer's BBRP newsletter.
Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2000 09:44:05 -0800 You know, Kevin, I'd like to see it taken a step further. One of the certainties in today's data management rich environment is that the more information we can gather about a particular subject, the more informed a decision can be made about the outcome and/or progress of that subject. I think it would be great if NABS or some other central and respected organization would undertake the generation and coordination of a US wide numbering system for each box. With the information that we turn in on our Individual Nestbox Record form (Note: AFAICT; this form is unique to the California (CBRP) program, but is probably substantial similar to those used by the other states), this would help coordinate our results in a hierarchical manner from an individual local to a full on national scale. This would have the added benefit of permitting us to accurately track both BB irruptions, migrations, and other population fluctuations. It would permit us all to share in the status and results of the efforts of those of us that undertake the task of managing BB nest box trails. Since I've recently undertaken the task of "adopting" an unmonitored nestbox trail, I've already implemented such a system for my own use. That's because I expect to find and add other trails to it, and to install additional nest boxes as I become more proficient at this. And I didn't want to get my results mixed up. So I devised a simple numbering system. It wouldn't be too hard to expand its scope at all. In fact, simply adding the states abbreviation to the front of my system would be all it takes. I might have to embellish the back end a bit, because I never allowed for more than 26 locations of 999 boxes. I know, I know, ... thinking too small again...(:-)! Also, I think this kind of information should be made readily available to all BB'ers. That means that it should be "on-line" (what else would a computer geek think of, hu?). As it is, I've taken my 1970's technology paper Individual Nestbox Record report and made it an on-line doc. All I do is enter the data in my record, and the form will be generated for sending to whomever is delegated to handling those things. Kind of clumsy and clunky. But it's the existing mechanism, and it seems to be working. As I learn a bit more and get my own methods refined, I expect to "rock-the-boat" a bit and see if I can't help the guiding powers that be into the just missed tail end of the 20th century (:-}! I don't recall any recent posts on this subject, but I've slithered into my flame suit just in case... So "fire" away...! Dusty Bleher ----- Original Message ----- Kevin Putman, Yuba City, CA I'm seeing a little bluebird activity around the nestboxes. On the subject of tags: I've been looking around a bit for some kind of identification tags for my nestboxes. In addition to the "no tampering" tags already mentioned, I'd like to get some tags that I can number for each box. I was thinking that it would be really great if there was an official NABS identification tag--aluminum, copper, whatever--that had a space for numbering (stamp or etching), or some other local info. The only tags that I've found on the web are from places that make id tags for industrial purposes, etc., and these are rather expensive unless bought in huge quantities. NABS already makes a sticker of some kind for nestboxes, I'm told, but I'm thinking of something that would be very long-lasting. A metal tag like this could be a kind of advertisement for NABS also--perhaps with website info or address. It could be a useful promotional tool. For example, the tag might read: Bluebird Nestbox #__________ Or something along these lines. KP Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2000 18:03:04 PST From: Nabluebird"at"aol.com Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2000 11:22:56 -0600 Bill Darnell, Savannah, TN, 70+*, very windy. Any migrating birds such as Martins will get a lift from this south wind! Some time back, tags for numbers on boxes was discussed on the list. I have found a good answer. Use old Venetian blinds! I found a discarded pile which are almost one inch wide. They cut easily with knife or scissors. They take the permanent marker ink real well. Just cut to the length you want, lay it with cupped side next to box, and shoot a staple in each end to hold it. Even if you had to buy the blinds at Wal-Mart, $5 to $7 would buy you enough tags to last a very long time. ---- That wind is really howling. Some of our Bluebirds could be in Ohio by now! Bill
Date: Thu, 12 Apr 2001 09:11:15 -0400 For field identification and record-keeping purposes, we mark all of our boxes with a trail key and number. Over the past two nesting seasons, I have used the Sanford KING SIZE Permanent Marker [Item No.15000] for the permanent identification of these boxes. It is far superior to anything else that we have used over the years. I mark new boxes and re-mark old ones each spring. I find that the Sanford marking lasts a full year with only moderate fade. You can find this at any office supply outlet [Office Max, Staples] and a larger drug/department stores [Wal-Mart/K-Mart, etc]. This is not the super-gigantic marker...it is medium in size and the container is light brown with white stripes all along the barrel of the marker. It comes in a bubble pack. We find it to be an excellent product for these marking purposes. Dean Sheldon, Huron County, OH Date: Thu, 12 Apr 2001 09:34:49 -0500 Hey Dean & all, I stamp a letter and a number into a copper strip which I then nail to a discrete location on each nest box. I suspect that the copper strip marker will long out last the box. Just tossing another idea out there. By the way, the female incubating the 5 eggs showed up yesterday in the late
afternoon. Even the male blue was happy to see her as he kept checking the I have a second box in which a third bluebird egg was laid this morning, No eggs in the Carolina chickadee nest yet. Nest is complete with moss, grass and fur. Three of my 7 nest boxes have had no nesting activity for a couple weeks now. I will consider relocation of the 3 if inactivity continues. Bob Sitarski Date: Mon, 16 Apr 2001 09:46:25 -0500 Hi All--- I print off labels with a laser printer then laminate them with self-adhesive laminating sheets. Then I just staple them to the boxes. I have labels that are on their third year with no sign of fading. This is also handy if I move a box to another section of my trail and have to relabel it accordingly. I just pull off the old label and stick on the new one. Jay Gilliam -----Original Message----- For field identification and record-keeping purposes, we mark all of our boxes with a trail key and number. Over the past two nesting seasons, I have used the Sanford KING SIZE Permanent Marker [Item No.15000] for the permanent identification of these boxes. It is far superior to anything else that we have used over the years. I mark new boxes and re-mark old ones each spring. I find that the Sanford marking lasts a full year with only moderate fade. You can find this at any office supply outlet [Office Max, Staples] and a larger drug/department stores [Wal-Mart/K-Mart, etc]. This is not the super-gigantic marker...it is medium in size and the container is light brown with white stripes all along the barrel of the marker. It comes in a bubble pack. We find it to be an excellent product for these marking purposes. Dean Sheldon, Huron County, OH From: bluebirdlist"at"netscape.net Does anyone know where I can buy signs to put on my boxes or in my field that explains what the boxes are and that it's a crime to vandalize them? Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2002 05:06:10 -0400 I was going through my Rockler's (woodworking tools etc.) catalog the other
day and noticed they have branding irons made to order with whatever script you
want. Most woodworkers would want their name, etc. but the the idea hit me that
it would make a great **permanent** mark on a nest box. The cost may be a factor
as they start at about 50 bucks but they'll last forever. I'm giving it some
serious thought. Go to www.rockler.com Regards, -- From: "Mary Beth Roen" mbroen"at"hotmail.com Hi! The Bluebird Recovery Program of Minnesota sells copper tags that can be attached to the nest box that say: BLUEBIRD NEST BOX They are sold in packages of 10 for $2.50. If you are interested in purchasing some you can write to: Bluebird Recovery Program I have these on all of my nest boxes, however they do darken with time and need to be buffed up again to show off better. Hope this helps! Mary Roen, River Falls, WI From: Nancy Bocian [mailto:msboc"at"charter.net]
Does anyone have the general wording for warning signs for bluebird houses? I lost all that information at work and need to make new signs. Today at school there was a party near a house with bluebird babies in it. A child from a different class dropped ice cubes in the nest. I didn't realize it until I saw water dripping out the bottom. I took the babies out and patted them dry. They are not fully feathered at all; they have most of their feathers in sheaths and still have some bald spots. I had to take an ice cube off of one. I made a new nest out of pine needles which I placed in one of those nest cups. Both babies were moving when I put them back. Parents have been to the nest since then. It's a 78 degree sunny day here. Do you think they'll be okay? I blame myself for not replacing signs that had been lost to weather and time. Nancy Newtown, CT From: Maynard R Sumner [mailto:m-r-sumner"at"juno.com]
Nancy, I do not think a sign would have helped. Some times a sign will get some kids doing it more. I try to put signs on all my boxes to keep the good kids out. It is like putting a lock on your door. It only keep the a good person out, not a bad person. Most of the boxes I have had someone get into had a sign on it. Maynard Sumner Flint, MI From: Evelyn Cooper [mailto:emcooper"at"bayou.com]
It seems to me like you need to find a way to make it harder for the nestbox to be opened along with putting up signs. I think if they cannot open the nestbox unless they have a certain type of screw driver, that would serve even better than signs that say "Do No Disturb" and what the law says. (Which should be included too) Evelyn Cooper Delhi, LA From: Paula [mailto:PaulaZ"at"columbus.rr.com]
Nancy, It sounds to me like you did everything you could. Replacing the wet nest with a dry one was a very good move. I have lost birds to hypothermia due to wet nests from rainstorms several times. I always replace wet nests if I find one and have had good outcomes doing so. If you know the child that did this, a little educational talk (not mean, just factual) would be good for the child and any friends standing around listening. On my trail this spring, I found a piece of unopened bubble gum in a TRES nest. Why? No idea... Paula Z Powell (Central) Ohio |
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