Bluebird tragedy

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  • #9052
    Chris
    Participant

      Raccoons tore down the nestbox and devoured the young overnight. Had to be a group of them, brought the birdhouse down and opened the door. The nestlings were roughly 12 days old.

      I fed them so many mealworms yesterday in the 47 degree rain. I went to Walmart this morning and got mealworms as soon as they opened at 7 a.m., pulled in the driveway and saw the scene.

      I saw the adults this morning, they had one last meal and departed, as if to say, “Chris, you failed us!”

      Chris
      SW Ohio

      #9053
      phillyblues
      Participant

        Oh no! Terrible news. Did you have a predator baffle up by any chance, Chris? It’s a wonder any of these birds survive. We love learn and get back up again. Luckily they’ll nest again…maybe 2 more times.

        • This reply was modified 3 years, 6 months ago by phillyblues.
        #9059
        Chris
        Participant

          No. This particular house was on wooden post that was a property marker, about 8 inches in diameter. Its been up for probably 12 years, had virginia creeper growing up it. It was kinda big to try to wrap something around it, and being near the road i didnt want to draw attention to it.

          I do have either PVC or the homemade stovepipe baffles around the steel posts i have other birdhouses mounted on, they are just all occupied by chickadees and wrens.

          The first nesting this season was in a box on a steel pole with stovepipe, and the dad was killed by a red shouldered hawk. The mom i presumed got a new mate and nested in what was available.

          • This reply was modified 3 years, 6 months ago by Chris.
          #9068

          Chris, I saw that nestbox in your other post and as Carol said was inviting trouble. Any climbing critter (snake, racoons, squirrels, cats. etc.)can just climb right up those vines and the wooden pole with ease. It would still be a good nestbox if you would mount it on a slick steel or PVC pole and use a baffle to protect it from climbers.

          David
          Stafford, VA

          #9072
          Chris
          Participant

            On an encouraging note the parents were checking out another box. They still were coming to get mealworms, the mother was collecting two or three at a time and flying off.

            Chris

            #9074
            Sassy
            Participant

              Hi Chris:
              I know how you feel. Lost one set of Bluebirds to a bear last year and I was broken hearted but in just a short time mama had built anther nest and all was right with the world. I see your birds are doing the same, so all’s well that ends well.

              • This reply was modified 3 years, 5 months ago by Sassy.
              #9076
              Chris
              Participant

                I saw the raccoon last night, looking out my window. I set a havahart with marshmallows, he got the bait but didn’t trigger the trap. He stood on his hind legs, somewhat like a bear, and drank the sugar water out of my oriole feeder, on a sheperd’s hook. Tilted it up like a jug of beer. He must weigh at least 20 lbs.

                Resetting trap tonight, relocated birdhouses with baffles.

                Chris

                #9086
                blue diamonds
                Participant

                  Chris, so sorry this happened…..it’s a birdwatcher’s nightmare‼️ I hope they build again in the safe box you have ready for them. It’s a good sign they still came for the mealworm treat. Best wishes.

                  Judy – Michigan

                  #9087
                  Chris
                  Participant

                    Thanks. They restarted in a Peterson box in the backyard, waiting for the first egg.

                    Chris

                    #9095
                    Carol – Mid-Mo.
                    Participant

                      Hope that Peterson box (and hopefully predator controls like sparrow spooker, wren guards, greased pole, etc.) will do the trick, Chris.

                      #9098
                      Chris
                      Participant

                        I’m prepared on all counts except the wren guard, ive never used those but reading up on them. Stovepipe baffle installed, i have a sparrow spooker and waiting for the first egg.

                        #9099
                        Carol – Mid-Mo.
                        Participant

                          Yes, if you do have House Wrens in your area at all, they are as big a predator as are the HOSP. They usually go after the BB eggs – throw them on the ground to break. I have had this happen before a very few times when I didn’t get the wren guard up in time. The wrens are a protected by law bird so we need to heed this – just try to keep them out of the box – no trapping!

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