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And of course, detailed info on feeding here on Bluebirdnut Feeding Bluebirds
Steve, NE Florida
Steve, NE Florida
Sialis has a page discussing the topic of mealworms that’s informative. All the best to you and the bluebird family. Feeding Mealworms to Bluebirds
Steve, NE Florida
Steve, NE Florida
It is interesting to know the participant’s general geographical location relative to their experiences.
Steve, NE Florida
Steve, NE Florida
Thank you for the comments. I did install the former box June 14 approximately 65’ from the new approved box, not in direct line of sight and separated by a grouping of several trees and Saw Palmettos. Interestingly, within maybe 10 min of reinstalling the decorative box at the new location, the adult pair and at least one fledgling were excitedly checking out the box (video) for about 10-15 minutes with the male and female entering on one occasion each.
After the initial intense curiosity, none of the bluebirds have been seen approaching the former box. Actually, I’ve seen no birds at this box and it seems it is being totally ignored by the many varieties in the “neighborhood” (yard).
Tammy, reference your mention of blocking entrance to the decorative box, I was in the process of cutting a wooden “door” to prevent access as a precaution and peace of mind. Thanks. I have procrastinated getting that completed.
For information purposes, as of yesterday June 19, mom was for the first time, actively bringing in nesting material to the new box during the morning hours. Both adults have been active daily. The, I guess “juveniles” (fledged May 25) are still around frequently, almost always when the parents are present. Yesterday I saw four perched together on the privacy fence, very cool. Its been fun to watch (and video). I even have them landing on the box on rare occasions and at least twice, the adults “shooed” the young away.
Steve
Steve, NE Florida
Steve, NE Florida
My wife and I are retired and able to monitor the backyard routinely throughout the day and have a panoramic view from the interior of our home. The backyard is open and measures about 120’ wide and 100’ deep, bordered on the back by a wooded area. I appreciate your concerns mentioned and noted.
I also wonder if the former box, if mounted as described, although not in direct sight, would create confusion for the pair given it was used for the recent successful clutch (fledged May 25). And the male has already been bringing material to the new box.
Thanks.
Steve, NE Florida
Steve, NE Florida
I think this question is still relevant to this thread… Would it create any issues reinstalling the previous, nonconforming box in my backyard, positioned 65 feet away from the new approved bluebird box? The two boxes would be separated and views of each other blocked by a group of trees and palmettos.
I’m aware of the instructions to place bluebird boxes 100+ yards from each other, but this former box, as mentioned above, isn’t a bluebird box. It was a nicely handcrafted gift and also, I thought some other breed of bird might use it. Edit: We do have a variety of birds and so far fortunate to not have any house sparrows. Did have one isolated occasion when a curious chickadee landed on the former box while active. The male quickly ran it away.
As a reminder (see above) this original box was removed June 2 and replaced with the approved box. The pair has been active in the yard through yesterday and dad has been bringing nesting material to the new box. I did check the interior yesterday (June 13) and the nest is quite large. The fledglings were also still present as of yesterday.
Steve, NE Florida
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This reply was modified 11 months, 2 weeks ago by
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This reply was modified 11 months, 2 weeks ago by .
Steve, NE Florida
Update… Happy to report that after the new box was installed on 6/2/2025, within 5 hrs both the female and male were checking out the box to include the interior. Through this morning, 6/11, both are routinely in the yard area each day with the male frequently bringing nest material. The female is rarely on or in the box and only once seen bringing a small twig into the box (video).
My wife and I have been able to verify there are fledglings from the previous box. On 6/4 two fledglings were with the female on the ground and another (6/9) landing with the female on top of the new box while the male was bringing in nest material. This morning, 6/11, a fledgling was with the female perched on the privacy fence, following her to the ground and then back up to the perch.
Pleased with the pattern so far and hope there will be another clutch.
Steve, NE Florida
Steve, NE Florida
Haha yep, I had done the prep, but wanted some feedback from the forum before doing the switch. They’ll never guess I’d been there.
Steve, NE Florida
Steve, NE Florida
Switch made. Without bogging down too much in the details, I don’t think it was the worst of circumstances (granted, from a rookie’s perspective), but given the criteria on this site and others, it was warranted switching out the boxes even if it disrupts the pair for the time being. It will be interesting to see what unfolds.
Steve, NE Florida
Steve, NE Florida
Thanks so much. For several reasons you’ve mentioned, the current box isn’t appropriate, primarily because I can’t easily access the interior of the box and the design, while very clever and attractive, makes the pair and young vulnerable to predators. After researching bluebirds, I was actually surprised and then concerned when the bluebirds took interest beginning mid April, later producing young.
I can switch the boxes out fairly quickly so I believe I’ll roll the dice. I’ll let the forum know of the results.
Steve, NE Florida
Steve, NE Florida
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This reply was modified 11 months, 2 weeks ago by
