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BLUF: I have three Eastern Bluebird eggs in the nest box as of this afternoon (27 February). There were no eggs in the afternoon on the 24th, so she must have started on the 25th.
Details: Those who read my introductory post and previous posts know I set up a nest box last summer and it was almost immediately taken by a pair of house sparrows. I took measures, and long story short, prevented them from completing a nest in the box. In the meantime I’ve tried various feeders and food to both attract as well as feed the bluebirds. In the meantime, I was worried about the House Sparrows tying to take the box again. I know some will understand the doubt and overthinking that a newbie suffers.
Well, a I found the beginnings of a nest in the box around 16 days ago. I as worried because I had seen other birds interested in the nest box, and a chickadee entering the box on multiple occasions. A day or so after that I observed a female bluebird carrying nest material and entering the box. Bluebirds! Yes!
The nest looked completed about 7 days ago, maybe sooner than that. When I didn’t see eggs on the 24th I started to worry, that doubt and overthinking, still. Had they given up? Did something happen? Did they decide the box isn’t suitable? Well, I did see the male and female around and at the feeder, and I did see the male looking in at the opening. I just have to wait and see.
So, today, 3 eggs, I’m tickled as can be, but still full of doubt and overthinking it. Just have to wait and see.
BTW I noticed new growth coming out on the Wax Myrtle a week or so ago, and there is new growth coming out on the Beautyberry, and the Coral Honeysuckle, as well. It will be interesting to see if there is a timing correlation with the Bluebirds next year and in following years. There is no action yet from the American Wisteria, however. In the past they didn’t start coming out until a week or two into March. I’m also waiting to see if the Passion Vine I planted last summer survived the winter. I really want that to establish itself.
Four eggs now.
I watched the box this morning and observed the female arrive and then leave about 45 minutes later. I then check the box, knowing she wasn’t there, and observed the new egg.
AIH. Congrats! You must live in the South?
So, there’s a good chance that House Sparrows or other House Sparrows will become a problem again.
First of all I would put up a sparrow spooker as soon as possible. I’ll try to get you some directions or a link that explains it soon but company is coming over this morning. It will hopefully discourage any house sparrow from trying to take over that box.Secondly. You’re going to have to start trapping house sparrows. They are non-native, invasive, aggressive Little Birds. They will go in and destroy eggs and throw them on the ground, peck babies to death and even kill adults.
Being able to trap is a process. I was only able to start doing it after I saw time and time again the destruction that house sparrows cause.Tammy
See if you can access this link. You don’t have to make the vertical pole short. Just make it longer and screw it onto the back of your box. I’ll send a second explanation too.
https://imgflip.com/i-page/9lx5v2Tammy
@tamsea Thanks. Yes, I’m in the South, Gulf Coast NW Florida.
I tried looking at the site you posted and a notification comes up that it is private. I’ll do some research.
BTW I knew the pair would defend the nest, but it is something else to observe. I saw the male chase away a Woodpecker and a Mockingbird, and he chased away a group of Starlings. He chased a Starling off into the distance. I say it is something to see because ordinarily the bluebirds are meek. They readily give way when other birds come to the feeder. And the Woodpecker arrives at the feeder like a guided missile and scatters the other birds. The Starlings are like a gang, and they’re maniacs, driving the other birds away just with their rude presence. For the bluebird it is all different right now. He didn’t even let the Woodpecker land on the feeder before he was after it.
I’ll figure out how to post it. I’ve done it before. I have a Bluebird Presentation to do tomorrow evening, along with other responsibilities so hopefully I can do it after tomorrow.
Yep, those bluebirds aren’t very meek when they have eggs! Glad your enjoying it all!!Tammy
@tamsea. Thanks.
I’ve been watching the nest site and I’m not seeing house sparrows. Fingers crossed. I’m trying to avoid foods that attract them. In fact, I observed the bluebirds eating the suet nuggets — still surprised seeing the little bird gulping one down — so I plan to taper off the berries and bugs mix that includes seeds, and will feed a mixture that is heavy on the suet nuggets with some dried black soldier fly larvae thrown in.
BTW On the bluebirds defending the nest site, I noticed they don’t bother the doves, finches and warblers. They also don’t come after me when I’m nearby. I asked Copilot if the bluebirds know that house sparrows are a danger and Copilot answered yes and that bluebirds will defend the nest site against them. I’m wondering if that is true.
They do know which birds are a threat and which ones aren’t. But they will scare all birds away when they have babies. They’ll fuss at you too.
You won’t necessarily see a HOSP at your box before there is an issue. It will just suddenly happen. If you have house sparrows in your yard you will have problems eventually….probably sooner than you think. But hopefully not.
I reread your first note here and I realize that you already know what House Sparrows can do.Tammy
Does this link work for a sparrow spooker. https://nestboxbuilder.com/pdf/spooker.pdf
Tammy
That one worked. If you attach it to the back of your box like the bottom left photo, add about 3 inches to the pvc pipe. The streamers are strips of Happy Birthday signs from Walmart. The ones that are sliver and shiny on the back.
Tammy
The link works.
There are fewer birds at the feeder in just the couple days I tapered off the bird seed and just feed the suet nuggets with some black soldier fly larvae mixed in. Still no house sparrows. The bluebirds are still present, however, which is good.
The female seems to be incubating now. The past days were too chilly to sit on the porch and watch the nest box to see the female leave so I could check the box. However, I did see her peeping out a couple times, and I did catch her on the feeder once and watched her fly from there back to the nest box.
Five eggs total. It was 5 on the 2nd and there haven’t been any more eggs. This morning I watched and waited until I observed the female leave, then I visited the nest box. Still five.
I don’t know if it is my imagination, but I think the orange/buff color of the female’s breast is much deeper and brighter. To my eye it really stands out. She is stunning.
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