Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Hi Carol –
It could be that the parents are filling up the fledglings on more insects and less mealworms as insects are still very plentiful. Also this time of year it’s possible the bluebirds may be starting to form family flocks and move about to different areas to forage for food. It’s hard to tell whats happened but I’m with you in hoping they are safe.Dana,
Lancaster PAHi dlibby –
Welcome! I live in Pennsylvania and didn’t have a nesting this year unfortunately. I’m thinking I got my new nestbox up alittle too late. Bluebirds here start nesting in April. A lone male bluebird showed up at the end of June. He stuck around for about 3 or 4 weeks but wasn’t successful in attracting a female and has since moved on. I’m hoping for better luck next year. Congratulations on the fledging on those baby “blues”!! And again welcome to the forum!Dana
Lancaster, PAHi David,
Regarding my profile picture I got it off of Google by doing a image search on “bluebirds in flight”. I don’t have any pictures of my own of bluebirds. I don’t have the kind of camera you can zoom in on them unfortunately, and I don’t own a smart phone. Hopefully it’s not copyrighted, if it is I will remove it. Hope all is well with your baby “blues”. I’m guessing they are close to fledging by now if they haven’t already.All the best,
Dana
Lancaster, PAWow Carol such great news!!!
That’s one thing I love about bluebirds, their determination to keep trying to bring about and raise their young no matter what odds are against them at times. I guess this is true of most species. I enjoy reading and hearing stories like this especially when it comes to bluebirds. Keep us posted!Dana
Lancaster, PA
Hi Nicole!
I do too although it’s starting to get late in the season. Keeping my fingers crossed but at the same time hoping for better luck next year.Dana
Lancaster, PAHi Gin –
So true! It would be worse if the babies didn’t make it out. And good point about all the females being occupied not to mention paired up for the season. I think the male bluebird in my yard lost his mate early in the season. He’s been bonded to our nestbox going on a month now. He still chases away any bird that comes near it. I think he is still hoping a lonely female will come his way. I am too! Thanks so much for your reply and welcoming me here. Appreciate your advice.All the best,
Dana in Lancaster, PAHi Rich,
Like Carol and David said prior to this post it’s totally normal to feel sad when they leave. It makes one wish summertime could last much longer.Dana,
Lancaster, PAHi David –
We are surrounded by farm communities (lots of Amish here). That is really neat to hear you are from around here. Mount Joy isn’t too far from here. Small world! I think Lancaster County is one of the prettiest counties in Pennsylvania. I love it here! You sound like you have been “bluebirding” for a long time. I tell ya once you see a bluebird, something about them fill you with joy. Once you are hooked its usually for life. I love having the “blues” year round here. Thanks so much for your reply and also for welcoming me. Have a great day!Dana in Lancaster, PA
That’s great news Cheetie! I’d like to add when cleaning out the old nest after the baby blues have fledged I use a spray bottle with scalding hot water. It helps break down any fecal matter the babies left inside that often gets caked on the insides of the box. The hot water will also kill any mites or other insects and wash them out of the nestbox as well. Once its cleaned out, simply leave the nestbox open for a couple hours to dry. Once it’s dry inside close it and it will be ready for the bluebirds when they return for their next brood. Most of the time if the bluebirds had success with their 1st nesting in your nestbox they may return for a 2nd nesting.
Dana,
in PAHi Carol –
Thanks for your reply! I agree with what you mentioned about if it was earlier in the season he may have better luck attracting a female as well as there might still be a chance for him to get lucky…we will see what happens. If not, there is always next year. Plus I get the “blues” year round here in thanks to the mealworms! Thanks also for welcoming me to the forum! I look forward to posting and making new friends here.All the best,
Dana in Lancaster, PA
