[bluebirder321]

I feel the same as you Randy! We are suppose to get possibly a foot of snow here in southern PA in the next few days. I’ve stocked up on mealworms. But I agree it’s a setback. I’ve been watching some “blues” going in and out of my nestbox inspecting it the other day when it was nearly 70 degrees. I can’t wait until nestbuilding begins. But like Gin said better for this bad weather to happen now then after eggs are laid. Still, I just want it to hurry up and get over with. I am more than ready for Spring and enjoying the “blues” in my backyard!

[bluebirder321]

Not on FB either here. – Dana

[bluebirder321]

Hi Phillyblues and Tamsea! Here too there’s a bluebird pair checking out my nestbox (I have the slot-opening nestbox.) There’s been a male and female checking it inside and out this morning. Hoping in the next few weeks they’ll start nest-building. — Dana in Lancaster PA

[bluebirder321]

Here’s the link: http://nestboxbuilder.com/pdf/stovepipebaffle.pdf

Dana

[bluebirder321]

Hi Ellen,
I would also recommend trying a stovepipe baffle to help deter snakes as well as coons, cats, and other climbing predators. I’ve included a link I found with instructions and the dimensions of the baffle. Or check with Wild Birds Unlimited and see if they carry one. Like Gin said the baffle must wobble on the pole to help keep predators from climbing around or over it. Here is the link:

Hope “your” bluebirds return soon. Keep us posted.

Dana
Lancaster, PA

[bluebirder321]

Hi Kristi, welcome! Try installing a 3/4 wooden predator guard over the entrance hole. Then in the Spring and Summer after the bluebirds build their nest make sure the nest is not built up to the entrance hole. Remove an inch or two of the nesting material from the bottom of the nest. Hopefully this will make it difficult for the grackles to lean in the hole and snatch a baby. Hope this helps!

Dana,
Lancaster, PA

[bluebirder321]

Hi David,

We are in West Lampeter Township in a community surrounded by farmland. In fact there’s a county park right down the road from us that has a bluebird trail. We moved up here from northern Maryland about 10 yrs ago. Lots of Amish here and lots of Amish produce stands in the summer on the road sides with the best tomatoes I’ve ever eaten! Your family has been in PA a very long time! That is awesome! PA is a beautiful state with it’s rolling hills, cornfields, cow pastures, and farms. We love it here! — Dana

[bluebirder321]

Zurichman,…what Carol said. Her advice and information is invaluable when it comes to bluebirds. — Dana

[bluebirder321]

Hi David,
Pretty much the same weather conditions here in PA lately until today with the Nor’Easter. There’s been a flock of about 5 or 6 bluebirds visiting my mealworm feeder and checking out the nestbox. I haven’t seen them today I’m guessing due to the heavy winds and rain. I cannot wait until Spring for them to begin nesting. Here they don’t start nest building until April. So have awhile to go yet but enjoying their winter presence in the meantime. — Dana in Lancaster, PA

[bluebirder321]

So good to hear your bluebirds have returned Tammy! I will have to try the live mealworms sometime. I read the bluebirds really love them.

Dana / Lancaster, PA

[bluebirder321]

Hi Scott,
Regarding the sparrows if they are persistent maybe try leaving the nestbox open for a few days to discourage them to look elsewhere to roost. Or try putting up a roosting box and let the bluebirds use that. Anyone else want to chime in here?

Dana

[bluebirder321]

Hi Tammy,
Mine disappear for awhile too at times during the winter months, usually when there is mild spells with the weather. Once it gets colder here and stays cold I noticed they return each day as long as I keep mealworms out for them. Along with the mealworms I also try to feed them peanut butter suet and fruit, nut, and berry birdseed mix which I get from the local food or hardware store. It gives them a little variety in their diet.

Dana
Lancaster PA

[bluebirder321]

Great advice Carol! No doubt with the summers getting hotter here in the States, (it was extremely hot here in Pennsylvania as well this summer in July and August), heat shields have become and should be just as important as predator guards on nest boxes. So sorry to hear about your friend’s loss of nestlings from the heat. It truly is heartbreaking and I hope she has better luck next year.

Dana
Lancaster, PA

[bluebirder321]

“Bluebirds everywhere”. Love to read this or hear about it! To think at one time bluebirds were so scarce they seemed only to be a creature of legend. Nowadays you can randomly see them show up someplace and it makes your heart skip a beat. I know mine skips a beat! I think we all should be proud of our efforts in helping these beautiful creatures survive and make the comeback they have. It’s a wonderful thing to know future generations can one day marvel over these delightful birds the way we have.

Dana
Lancaster, PA

[bluebirder321]

Hi Bob –
I’m in Pennsylvania and fed “my” bluebirds dried mealworms all winter long and they stayed. Had a flock of about 10-12 of them that came everyday. They also like peanut butter suet cakes, and fruit, nut, and berry birdseed mix.

Dana
Lancaster, PA

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