Bluebirds at the other bird's feeder

[David in Stafford,VA]

Here is a first for me. Today, after the blues finished their mealworms, 4 of them came to the nuts and fruit feeder for the other birds in the yard and woods. This one was joined by 3 others at times on the feeder. I saw this one eating shelled sunflower and safflower seeds and I believe he got some of the dried fruit that is in the mix.

David
Stafford, VA

[phillyblues]

Cool. I actually saw a mealworm feeder(dry?) The other day by perky pets. It looks like a normal plastic tube feeder (blue). I wondered if it actually works.

[Carol – Mid-Mo.]

Fun fun – David – thanks for the pic.

[David in Stafford,VA]

FUN, yes. But I am getting a bit concerned that they are spending so much time at the feeder. And it is not just the 4 birds that I saw before. It appears that the whole flock of 9 or more are out there chasing the smaller finches, Chickadees and others away. I do have a hopper feeder on order and it should arrive in a week or so. That may divert them from this feeder so the small birds can get the food also.

David
Stafford, VA

[Carol – Mid-Mo.]

Is a hopper feeder like a cage feeder, David? Yes, those other small birds do need a chance also. My two cage feeders where I feed suet are empty in about 4-5 minutes with all the bluebirds, juncos, sparrows, etc. around. Larger cardinals, etc., try to get in but can’t – they have a BOSS feeder to go to! (Those numerous cardinals are absolutely gorgeous against the white snow)

Has anyone had scouters checking out nests yet? My son in Texas says they are at his dwelling house by large numbers – he lives in a suburb with lots of homes and I don’t believe he will do too good getting BB to nest. This would be his first time trying at his home area – he does have a small lot on a lake where they do nest – but I worry because he is not there much to monitor well.

Come on spring!

[David in Stafford,VA]

Carol, here is he feeder that I ordered (except it only has the feeding perch on one side, not 2 like this one. It has an adjustable spring to account for the weight of the heavier birds. I had one before that was very effective in keeping the blackbirds and starlings away but the squirrels still found a way to hang from the pole and not get on the perch to feed. I am going to pole mount this one with a baffle to keep them away.

I have had the blues that come to my feeder go into the nestbox but no “couples” yet. Still too cold. I still have the old box up but will replace it after the snow goes away.

David
Stafford, VA

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