Some newbie observations

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  • #27782
    AIH
    Participant

      I’m in the Florida Panhandle, very near the coast. We are experiencing our first cool nights of Fall. It has been a hot Summer, and dry.

      I posted for the first time a while back after setting up my first bluebird house and seeing it almost immediately taken by house sparrows. I made nesting difficult for the sparrows and took down the seed feeders. The sparrows moved on. So did all the other birds, including the few bluebirds I had been seeing visiting the yard. That is the way it has been now for the summer months. I only saw a bluebird once or twice, perching on the fence, dropping down to the ground, then flying off.

      On to the news. Yesterday I noticed a bluebird investigating the opening of the birdhouse and then perching on the top of the house. It was morning, windy, and chilly. I noticed another bluebird being chased away from the Beautyberries by a mockingbird, and the bluebird landed on the edge of a birdbath for a few moments before flying off.

      Is this breeding behavior? This late in the season? I did a search and read that it isn’t common, but it also isn’t unheard of.

      The bluebird interested in the birdhouse was back again mid-day today, perched on the top of the house. I watched for few minutes and then went out to put fresh water in the birdbaths and accidently scared him off. I saw just the one.

      At any rate, I’m tickled to see bluebirds after barely seeing them for so long, regardless of anything else. I can’t walk by a back window without making sure to glance out at the birdhouse.

      Everyone, have a good one.

      • This topic was modified 3 weeks, 2 days ago by AIH.
      • This topic was modified 3 weeks, 2 days ago by AIH.
      #27785
      Ilovebluebirds
      Participant

        I’m glad you are seeing bluebirds/bluebird again. Its in the 30’s here in Alabama. I saw about 5 or 6 bluebirds checking out my bluebird house a few weeks ago. They were actually trying to run each other off. I feel like it is some that nested this season and they are territorial and try to run the others off or maybe its the fledglings. I do have mealworms in a plastic gourd that a pair visit every day. I do limit the dried mealworms but I see them off and on all day. Happy Bluebirding..
        :bluebird6: :bluebird: :BlueBirds-baby3:

        #27786
        AIH
        Participant

          Thanks.

          I’m figuring out how to feed dried mealworms. I have one of those feeders with clear sides and round openings to limit access to bluebirds and smaller. I tried removing one of the sides to hopefully allow the bluebirds to more easily figure out that food is present inside, but the mockingbirds immediately cleaned out the dried mealworms. I think if I use an open type of feeder, the same will happen.

          The other day when I noticed the bluebirds, I also noticed one perched on top of this feeder. I didn’t see him investigating, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t when I wasn’t looking.

          • This reply was modified 3 weeks, 2 days ago by AIH.
          #27788
          Ilovebluebirds
          Participant

            I have a plastic gourd that I hung out for a bird to nest in but when they didn’t I put dried meal worms in and the bluebirds went in to investigate for building a nest but then they found the meal worms. It is on a nail and actually swings a bit when they enter. I also had to put an ant mote to keep ants out. I also have a wooden bluebird house they build their nest in. A gourd is really for martin’s, I think. No other birds have ever tried to enter.

            I know many people use the feeders you refer to but I guess it just takes time for them to figure it out.

            #27789
            tamsea
            Moderator

              AIH, bluebirds are just curious right now and maybe looking to see what is available for Feb, and March when they start nesting. They aren’t nesting right now.
              Bluebird love the jailhouse type feeder. There should be a photo of one to your right. It’s easier for bluebirds to get in and the mockingbirds etc can’t get in. I use live mealworms. It’s a little bit of a hassle and more expensive but better for them.
              Ilovebluebirds, do you have martins?

              Tammy

              #27791
              AIH
              Participant

                I believe we have migratory Purple Martins come through our area, but I haven’t noticed them. Maybe it is because they typically stay up high and I’m not looking for them. I do notice the Robins, of course. Who could miss the Robins!

                Thanks for the tip on the jailhouse style feeder. I’m going to look for one ASAP.

                #27792
                Ilovebluebirds
                Participant

                  I live in Alabama and I do know people in Alabama who have the Martin houses set up but I don’t have that. I only have the one that the mealworms are in. :bluebird:

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