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Was going to post on a new topic but this one seems appropriate. Had an early hatching due to mild weather here in Mobile. The chicks have fledged and I cleaned out the nest box yesterday. To my surprise the parents are building a new nest this morning. Perhaps the male is addicted to Viagra.
Lubricator
This is the 3rd year I’ve had bluebirds use this box. I have lived here 20 years and never saw a raccoon. We have squirrels and sometimes they climb the stairs to feed on the tray of sunflower seeds which disturbs the birds. It’s not afraid of the male bluebird anymore. However, I am the perfect scarecrow. That SOB can’t get back down the stairs fast enough. They sure are hard to discourage but they have never come near the nest box.
The chicks are over a week old and I expect they will fledge in around a week to ten days. This makes it 5 breedings in two years. Maybe they will do it 3 times this year seeing they were so early.
Thank David for posting photos.Lubricator
They stop by occasionally in winter. They roost on the curtain rod I installed as a perch and check out the nesting box.\
We had a very mild winter here in Mobile, Alabama which I believe is the reason they built a nest so early in February. The eggs hatched last week and the chicks are getting fed often by the parents.Lubricator
The chicks are fine. They survived the cold spell. The parents are still feeding the young ones frequently. Thank you for your concern. The weather here is warming.
Lubricator
Having a cold spell but I think the babies survived it. The parents are still feeding them. I don’t know how many chicks as I can’t see the nest. Unable to post a photo. If I’m E-mailed I will reply with a photo…..
henrylawrence2000@yahoo.comLubricator
I’m in Mobile, Alabama. I’ve only had my nesting box up 4 years and have had bluebird chicks the previous 2 years. This is by far the earliest the bluebirds have laid eggs. I think the very mild winter we had is a factor.
Lubricator
Got babies this morning. Both parents are bringing food for the little ones. Can’t tell how many chicks are in there. Can’t see the top of the nest.
Lubricator
Bluebirds haven’t tried the homemade suet I put out so I threw it out and made some changes.
Ingredients
• 1 cup Crisco vegetable shortening
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup nuts, chopped
• 1 cup Quaker oats
• 1 cup birdseed
• 1/2 cup raisins, chopped
• 1 cup dried mealworms
Directions
1. Melt 1 Crisco vegetable shortening bar and 1 cup peanut butter (on microwave less than 1 minute).
2. In the food processor, chop and mix 1/2 cup chopped nuts, 1 cup Quakers oatmeal, birdseed, and some chopped raisins or cherries. Don’t add the mealworms yet.
3. Allow the peanut butter and Crisco to cool before mixing with dry ingredients. Stir well.
4. Sprinkle in mealworms (as much as you think is enough). Mold into squares or balls and freeze for 24 hours.
5. Place in bluebird feeder and hope they eat this suet.Lubricator
Just saw the male bring a worm for the female in the nesting box. Now I’m certain she has laid eggs.
Lubricator
The female bluebird has stayed in the box the past 3 days. I’m sure she’s laying eggs. The male visits on occasion.
Lubricator
The bluebird nest is complete. I’m now waiting for the female to stay in the box and incubate eggs. The pair visit daily but remain on the perch. We still have mild weather. Will post when eggs are laid.
Lubricator
The bluebirds have not showed up past 3 days. The nest is completed so I presume they’ll return when she’s ready to lay the eggs. The weather in Mobile has been very mild this winter. The mowers cut the grass today. First time I can remember them doing it in February. The pine warbler visitor sang for me the other day. Beautiful. Almost like a canary.
Lubricator
Good tip, David. Thank you. The nest is finished but the female is not staying in it yet. Just visits from time to time.
When she remains in the nest and the male is feeding her I will post it. This is unusual for this time of year.Lubricator
