First bluebird of the season in SE PA

[tamsea]

Susan. “Trapping them would be useless–there are hundreds of them everywhere. ” That’s not at all true. You can’t believe the difference it will make if you trap. When I first started hosting bluebirds I had at least 50 or more HOSP in my backyard anytime I looked. I started trapping. One year I trapped 406 and another 352. In 2015 I trapped only 81.(Don’t know where my recent numbers are). And now when I look outside I see maybe 10…not 50plus. And now I rarely have house sparrow attacks. I still trap with a Van Ert trap and a DRST. Do it.

Tammy

[phillyblues]

Where did they go!!!! My bluebirds are nowhere to be found. Around all winter, investigating the boxes in March and April, a pair looked ready to build. Now nothing around in two weeks.

[David in Stafford,VA]

This year has been very erratic for the bluebirds in the mid-Atlantic states. The cool weather may have upset them and they might have moved to a warmer nesting area. Mine were late this season also. Be patient. they might just be out house hunting again as the weather warms.

David
Stafford, VA

[Carol – Mid-Mo.]

Tammy is absolutely correct about the HOSP & trapping – necessary thing. I always have 1 or 2 boxes which I trap in while the blues occupy a different box – works really well.

Also, David is right on about the weather – never seen such a slow season start and now here in Mid-Missouri we have gone from winter kind of weather straight into summer, supposed to be 90 degrees today. My blues decided to try my neighbor’s tree cavity earlier but something happened there and now they are back home where they belong, mama incubating 5 eggs, so try to be patient & good luck!

[phillyblues]

Well I don’t know what happened but again this year no bluebirds nesting. They hung around over the winter, a pair showed up and were around all of March and April. Then nothing since April 29. So depressing. Another dud!! Why would they take off?

• This reply was modified 6 years, 9 months ago by phillyblues.

[phillyblues]

I have trapped a few each year the past three years and see a difference (knock on wood). It’s enough that I think the hosps avoid the boxes on my property for the most part. Seemed pointless back then, but I do think it helped my hosp problem a bit. They are still everywhere around my block, but now they tend to stay away. Oh and I sprinkle holy water around my property and boxes…no joke.

• This reply was modified 6 years, 9 months ago by phillyblues.

[Carol – Mid-Mo.]

Now, that is a great idea, phillyblues – I’ll need to remember this!

[tamsea]

That’s great phillyblues! Whatever it takes. Hey…were you on the old forum with us (yuku)?

Tammy

[phillyblues]

No, I don’t think I was ever on that forum, Tammy.

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