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Thank you Mark and Carol. I’m not changing my box because I think the one I have is more attractive to wrens and HOSP. It’s because I can’t use a wren guard with the v-shaped roof. Unfortunately, my back yard is small and I can’t move the box any further away from the trees than it is. The one I have set up now isn’t right next to a tree, but I can’t move it any further away.
Carol
East TennesseeI’m not changing my box because I think the one I have is more attractive to wrens and HOSP. It’s because I can’t use a wren guard with the v-shaped roof. Unfortunately, my back yard is small and I can’t move the box any further away from the trees than it is.
Did you mean to say “I’m changing my “bird house” to an approved EABL “nest box” because my WBC/WBU “bird house” is more attractive to wrens and HOSP then it is to bluebirds.”
In reading all the previous posts it’s apparent that you’ve done your fair share of due diligence in considering both the Gilbertson PVC and having already ordered a Gilwood. So make the Gilwood your EABL permanent “nest box” going forward.
Let the wrens and HOSP have the “attractive” WBC/WBU “bird house”. FWIW, Bluebirders never/ever use an enclosure that’s called a “bird house” with a “gabled” roof. You need to use an approved EABL “nest box” design and let the wrens and sparrows use that “attractive bird house” with its gabled roof.
Then in 2022, when/if necessary you’ll experiment with a wren guard, sparrow trap, and/or spooker for a most interesting learning experience. Unfortunately such are the unpleasant tasks facing an endearing homeowner making use of even the best designed EABL nest box in their beautiful backyard.
Zip-a-dee doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay ... www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoEojphw7kk
Mark,
The nest box that I currently have set up is an approved EABL nest box from Wild Birds Unlimited. I use a Van Ert Trap and a sparrow spooker. It does not have a gabled roof. The roof has a v-shape instead of being flat. I did not call it a bird house with a gabled roof. Those were your words. You put “nest box” in quotes as if to say that’s not what I call it. I always call it a nest box. If I said “bird house” at some point I do know better. I consider your reply to me to be rude. Maybe that wasn’t your intention.
I have fed birds in general for about 25 years and have had nest boxes set up for at least ten years. I studied Sialis.org for a long time before setting up my first nest box. I joined this group when it was the original Bluebirdnut group on the old web page many years ago. I have only lost one nest in the years I’ve had the nest box(es) set up. That made me sad and I took down my boxes for several years. I put one up again last year.
HOWR are a big problem in the area of East TN where I live. This is from TN.gov. “Status in Tennessee: The House Wren is a common breeder in northeastern Tennessee, an uncommon but regular breeder elsewhere in East Tennessee and Middle Tennessee, and a rare breeder in West Tennessee. It is fairly common during migration statewide. The House Wren is generally present in the state from mid-April to mid-October.”
I could write more but don’t feel like I owe you a more detailed explanation.
I hope I’m doing this correctly, but I’m trying to insert a link to my nest box set up so you won’t think my box has a gabled roof. It is in no way a decorative box. https://imgur.com/H16QYiZ
Carol
East TennesseeI guess you can’t edit your post more than twice. I was reading it again and realized that I’ve provided nest boxes for bluebirds for more like 15 to 20 years than the “at least ten years” that I stated in the above post.
Carol
East TennesseeFor some reason I am unable to edit my posts anymore. I don’t remember this happening in the past.
Mark, FYI WBU stands for Wild Birds Unlimited, which is a bird store in my town and also throughout the US. I’m not sure what you meant by WBC/WBU but am well aware it was a dig at me.
Carol
East TennesseeI want to apologize to everyone else in this thread. I don’t normally respond to anyone in such a way, but I felt like Mark was extremely rude to me. It wasn’t necessary to reply to me in the sarcastic manner that he did. I will try not to post in this thread again, at least not in response to him.
Carol
East TennesseeMy apology Carol, as i now see i was rude. Reread your post [at top of page] again … sounds like you will use the Gilwood you ordered for bluebirds and the WBU approved EABL nest box for wrens. At my age i don’t always get it right the first time … please forgive me. FWIW WBC stands for Wild Bird Center … https://www.wildbird.com/assets/1/18/DimRegular/WBC-TTBB1.jpg … they say it’s for bluebirds.
I’m 77 and an avid bluebirder since retiring 12 years ago. I’ve tried attracting bluebirds in my yard, but between the sparrows and wrens gave up as it was a non-productive frustrating experience. That’s when I decided to go with a Bluebird Trail of 10-12 boxes in neighboring golf course and parks. I use my adult electric Liberty Trike outfitted with large rear storage container for monitoring, annual upkeep, repairs and replacement.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving, Mark
Zip-a-dee doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay ... www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoEojphw7kk
Thank you for the apology Mark. I guess we each misunderstood the other. What I meant in the first sentence of my post was that I’m changing my nest box because of the v-shaped roof and not because I think it’s more attractive to wrens and HOSP. I can see where the way I worded it could be misinterpreted.
I’m actually adding a second nest box. They both will be Gilwoods and will both have wren guards that will work after the bluebirds lay the first or second egg.
A bluebird trail is a big undertaking. I imagine it would be quite rewarding.
Carol
East Tennessee2021 was not a good year in MN due to thousands of dead bluebirds due to prolonged freezing temps in states where our EABLs winter over. Not uncommon for members of BRPM to experience at least a 50% decline in nestling fledges from previous years.
That said one nurturing Bluebird Lady who calls them “my” bluebirds did herself proud in ‘21 … https://wildriveraudubon.com/eastern-bluebirds-in-wild-river-state-park/ … IMO, her bluebirds sense her loving caregiving and managed to keep themselves from freezing.
Thus my belief that women bluebirders have an advantage due to their nurturing instincts.
Much Success to You,
In Twenty Twenty-TwoZip-a-dee doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay ... www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoEojphw7kk
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