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Hi phillyblues,
I’ve had a slot box for the past 4 years and have had bluebirds successfully fledge babies from it every year. Have never had a problem with HOSPs or wrens so far. Our yard is adjacent to an open field that’s kept mowed. And the nest box is out in the open as well. Reasons I like the slot box: Adult birds seems to have an easier time entering and exiting the box without trying to wiggle thru a round hole, the slot opening allows for more ventilation on hot days. I have also witnessed both the male and female bluebirds entering and exiting the box at the same time when feeding the babies — one bird goes in while the other exits. This cannot be done with a round hole box. And in the event if there ever is a HOSP attack the slot box allows for the adult bluebirds to escape.Hey David that is great to hear about your bluebirds! Mine are working on their 3rd brood as well. Usually its just 2 broods each year. I’m super happy about them having a 3rd brood!
I agree Renee. I think this cold Spring has really made it hard for the birds. It almost seems as if some species are putting off nesting to wait for warmer weather. I live in PA and it only was 52 degrees here today in the middle of May and been raining non-stop. Normally temps are in the 70s or 80s this time of year here. Its been colder this Spring then last year at this time.
Hi Connie,
The bluebirds have been hanging around since I have been feeding them mealworms non-stop. I believe they chose to nest elsewhere for their 1st brood this time around. They come for mealworms and will fill their beaks full of mealworms and fly off. They obviously are feeding their babies from their 1st brood wherever they may be. With the weather here being so cold and rainy they come every day, all day to feed themselves and take some to their babies. I’m hoping once the babies fledge they’ll come on over to join their mama and papa and have a mealworm feast. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that if not this pair then maybe another pair of bluebirds will want to use my nestbox for at least a 2nd brood. This has been the coldest Spring ever and I worry it will effect the 1st broods of “blues” this year here in PA and the Northeast. We really need to be vigilant with feeding mealworms to help the parent birds feed their young when insects are hard to come by.Hi philly – it really is depressing when the blues are not around. I still have none here yet this year. I’m wondering if the weather could be playing a role.
Hi philly! I’m in Lancaster and haven’t gotten any blues this season either so far. First time no nest in 4 yrs. I recently replaced the nestbox as I noticed the roof has become leaky. So gonna see what happens with the new nestbox up. As blue diamond mentioned it’s still early. Will keep my fingers crossed. Best of luck to you as well!
Same here David and Connie. I seen a pair of bluebirds investigating my nestbox 2 days ago but no nest yet. It must still be too chilly, rainy? Although today and tomorrow suppose to be warmer here in Pa…60s and 70s. By the way, Gin congrats on the 5 bb eggs!
Hi Carol and Tamsea,
Thanks for your advice! I sprinkled some mealworms around the outside of the cup as tamsea suggested. One of the male bluebirds has figured out how to get in and out of the feeder. The others blues are still figuring it out. They either flutter around the feeder, or land at the bottom and poke their heads thru the openings but don’t go in. I guess its a learning process for them. I’m just happy to see one of them has gotten inside. Hopefully he can show his buddies how its done.Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
