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Hi Sassy,
I’m about to grab some coffee and go monitor the situation. I was asking about the Gilbertson PVC nestbox. If you google it you’ll see what it looks like. It’s suppose to be sparrow resistant. I already have a slot-opening nestbox and up until this year it’s worked great. I’ve had 2-3 broods of bluebirds fledge from that box each summer without very many problems. I just ordered a Van Ert Sparrow Trap that Carol recommended. I’ll be putting it to good use once it gets here via the mail.Hi Lisa,
See my reply to Carol. When I saw the male H.Sparrow aggressively go after the bluebirds and chase them away it made me furious. Not gonna let him win this battle.Carol,
I took your advice and just ordered a Van Ert Sparrow Trap online. There’s a YouTube video I found that shows you how it works and how to capture the bird after it’s been trapped inside the nestbox. Is there a humane way of disposing of it? Or I was thinking I can relocate the H.sparrow to the park and release it. I just want him out of my yard. I’ll have to wait a few days for the Van Ert Trap to be delivered. It can’t get here soon enough. – Regards, DanaJudy –
The more bluebirds the merrier! It’s great to know their populations continues to rise! It’s one of the best hobbies for anyone who loves nature to get involved in. And it really does make a difference.Hi Rich –
I have a pair interested in my nestbox too already. I’m in Lancaster, Pa. Like you I have never seen them this interested so early on. I’m guessing the mild winter we have had here may have something to do with it. Last year I didn’t get a pair nesting until May. We had an ongoing cold spell thru April last year so in that case I’m glad they waited.Hi Carol and Sassy – Yes, the bluebirds are still around. They have now started defending the nestbox from other birds. Yesterday morning they were dive-bombing a starling that had landed on the roof of the box. I was watching out the living room window quietly cheering them on. There are other bluebirds still coming to my mealworm feeder but this particular pair seems very interested in the nestbox. I can’t wait for nest building to start but that is still weeks away. – Regards, Dana
blue diamond:
My pleasure! I think your idea of tallying up the number of babies fledged at the end of the season is a great idea! 92 fledglings is awesome!! That’s almost 100 more bluebirds added to the population as a whole! I think it would be fun to do this tally at the end of summer again next year. It’s nice to get an idea of what progress we all here are making helping our beloved “blues”.If I remember correctly I think I had a total of 9 fledge from my slotted nest box. During the 2nd nesting my bluebird pair had 3 fledglings hanging around from their 1st brood/nest which took place at another location. So if you add those 3 babies to the 9 that fledged from my box that would make it a total of 12.
Connie,
My bluebirds disappear this time of year too. Mealworms do not seem to keep them around. I think this time of year they switch to berries while still feeding on live insects. What I do is wait until the weather turns cold. Usually by November or December they’ll show up again usually as a family flock of 8-10 birds (the young will have their adult plumage by then) and eat up as many mealworms as they can. After that they will stick around as long as I keep the mealworms coming. I feed them dried mealworms (sprinkled with some calcium carbonate) as I cannot afford the live ones. They also like peanut butter suet. Hope this helps.
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.
