- This topic has 2 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 10 months, 3 weeks ago by
.
-
Posts
-
I’ve been encouraged by all the success you guys are having. After three season starts for my trails I know we get a slow start until the weather really starts to be consistently in the 60s and above. I was beginning to worry that bluebirds have declined this season but after looking at my log for the last two seasons I find that they are right on track as far as nesting starts.
I keep detailed records of my trails for BRAW (Bluebird Restoration Assoc of Wisconsin). As of my last monitoring sweep of my 35 nest boxes I found five nesting pairs. In 2023 I had five pairs nesting the last week of May (18 nest boxes). And last year I had three nesting pairs this week in May (27 nest boxes). I can calm down and just enjoy the hikes now that I am aware things are moving right along.
I strive to put up nest boxes in “ideal” locations for my trails. A former fly ash landfill is a great spot. My town’s soccer and baseball fields are also great spots. I do want to enjoy bluebirds at home even though I live in a less than desirable, heavily wooded neighborhood. One interesting twist I learned at the 2024 Michigan Bluebird Society festival in Ann Arbor was a statement by one of the more knowledgeable presenters. When questioned about ideal locations he said that when you think you have bluebirds figured out they’ll throw you a curve. I’ve found that to be very true. An example this week… I’m building a new garage/workshop in my yard. About twelve feet away on my garden fence mom and dad bluebird have begun to build a nest. That while I am using nail guns, staplers and building walls just a few feet away. I hope they stay!
A pair of Great Crested Flycatchers are again building in their usual nest box on our front yard light pole. They are always a treat to see. They took a break from nesting there for five or six years but have been back the last three seasons. I love their call!
And of course the Wrens… the little turds are back filling every nest box around my property. I check the vacant boxes every few days and clean out the wren sticks. I leave them alone on “their” nest box by my front door. That nest is complete but no eggs yet. I hope they get with the program soon and just settle in and lay their eggs in “their” box.
WI/MI Border, about 100 miles north of Green Bay
Tim C. WI/MI border.
Cool about your Great Crested Flycatchers! I would love to have one. I just photographed one at our Metro Park last week.
I agree. I do not like House Wrens AT ALL. I’ll take a House Sparrow over a House Wren every time!!Tammy
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.