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Two nestings, for me, each with five eggs and five fledglings. No issues. Always nice to have 10 new blues, but the pair has been lounging around for over a month, and no third nest. They never show interest despite plenty of favorable weather remaining. Same every year.
Randy
Bedford, New HampshireDavid, I have never used a feeder during the nesting season. I always feed a small handful, on the ground directly beneath one of my beech trees, about 25 feet from the nestbox. It has been part of their routine for years, and I never did anything to “train” them, per se. They are always scanning the ground for insects, so there was really nothing for me to do. I just made certain they saw me place them there, the first time, and that was it. They always bring the fledglings to the same spot under the tree, as well. Feeders necessitate a bit of training, as they are up in the air, but they will do just fine.
Randy
Bedford, New HampshireI am not certain, Connie; I have elected to minimize disruption for this particular pair. They seem a bit “fragile”. I could see them packing up and moving to Boca Raton if I bother them too much.
Randy
Bedford, New HampshireA new nesting pair for me, this year; I’m not certain what happened. My regular tenants had been around the box all Spring. This little lady is a youngster, and so is her mate. She’s cute, and has her own routine. Stays put when I open the box. There were three eggs yesterday, and late this afternoon, she was incubating and wouldn’t leave the box. I’m guessing she has four in the nest. We’ll see how they make out…
https://photos.app.goo.gl/P52kUxKk11DAJYLUA
Randy
Bedford, New HampshireHi, David and Connie! Happy to hear things are off and running. We have had beautiful weather all Spring, here in NH, and it has actually been hot for the past week. My pair came back early, and built their nest right away. Egg three tomorrow morning by 0830. They seem as professional as ever. Could have sworn papa blue gave me a “whassup” head nod, earlier this Spring. :)
Randy
Bedford, New HampshireCongratulations, David! Hungry, indeed! Or singing. Or protesting, in unison, the runaway pricing of live mealworms in the market… Yeah, probably hungry.
Randy
Bedford, New HampshireIf there is a more joyous sound than that of bluebird parents calling to their fledglings, this would be the first I am hearing of it. Congratulations, Cari!! I am so happy for you!
Randy
Bedford, New HampshireBeyond happy for you, Connie! I hope this pair rewards you, many times over, for your patience! I bet you are going to have a great season!!
Randy
Bedford, New HampshireVery happy to hear, Connie!! I am so glad that you have genuine interest from the pair! It has been a strange season, thus far, but things are certainly looking up. Keep us informed, and tell your papa blue to stop getting in the way of mama’s nest building! :)
Randy
Bedford, New HampshireI trained them on rehydrated dried mealworms a couple of years ago. Now they come immediately. My live mealworms couldn’t escape on motorcycles, at this point.
Randy
Bedford, New HampshireHey, David!
I do not use a mealworm feeder; I place mealworms on the ground beneath a beech tree, in the same spot every time. My Blues not only come immediately to the spot, but they remember the drill, year-over-year. I give them just enough to feed the nestlings, and to have a few for themselves. No other bird, of any kind, has ever identified the spot. Long periods without worms never deter my pair from returning for their treats.Randy
Bedford, New HampshireJust catching up with this string… Looking good, David! Congratulations! Hatching any day, right? I noticed that you have neither a sparrow spooker, nor a wren guard. No need in your area? Truth be told, I have virtually no pressure from HOSPs or HOWRs, either. I put them up, just to be safe, and… to feel better about myself. :)
Randy
Bedford, New HampshireHi, Connie!
All is well with my pair. Returned from vacation to find three eggs in the box. I tend to leave this pair alone, as they are real pros, so I just got around to checking the box again this evening. There are still just the three eggs, so we are between days 12 – 14. Nothing much for me to do, except enjoy the show. Three nestlings will be a walk-in-the-park for these two. Only real “activity” is the occasional “dust up” with the three hawks or the bad-attitude owl. Quite a relaxing start to the season in NH.Randy
Bedford, New HampshireI’m sorry, Connie, but remember it is still so early in the season. Lots of “baseball” yet to be played. You will have a happy nesting pair, before you know it!
Randy
Bedford, New Hampshire
