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First of all…confession. I feed my bluebirds way to many mealworms. Well, really it is my husband’s fault. It Really is. He can’t say no. So much so that Mr Blue hits his wings up against our windows when he needs it refilled. This is his first year to do this. It’s hilarious.
We were traveling a lot too and although it worries me especially in the winter months…they do fine. We were retired but my hubby had to take back his business unexpectedly a month ago so won’t be traveling hardly at all. :( I suggest you get the mealworm feeder that is advertised on this site. You will find it at other online stores too so you can check prices. It’s expensive but really well made. I was surprised how well made it was.Tammy
Where do you live? (state) That tree swallow could have died from old age or a cold snap. Swallows are very fragile and there aren’t insects for them when it’s too cold or there’s constant rain. 3 days of cold weather might mean the death of them.
Tammy
That is not a tree swallow nest. Now, it may be an abandoned so you’ll have to wait and see. There’s no egg under that little bit of fluff?
Tammy
Sialis.org says “You can install a 1.125″hole guard to keep House Sparrows and other larger birds (including bluebirds) out after the chickadee starts to build a nest, preferably after the first egg is laid to ensure that they have bonded to the box.” I’m pretty sure I use a 1 1/4″ that I get at wild birds unlimited. Put it on the inside of the box.
Tammy
Renee. Wow!…a Prothonotary again! I would love to have one. How many years ago did you have your first one make a nest in your box? It seems like yesterday but I bet it was quite a few years ago. I remember that time.
Tammy
You may not need a spooker while you have the wren guard up. The problem is both house sparrow and wren have probably already scoped out that box so they know it’s there. Wren guards work best when the wren doesn’t realize there’s a hole there. The wren guard deterred my friends wrens and her HOSP. As soon as she had to remove the wren guard the HOSP were interested so up went the spooker. I think that’s what I would do.
Tammy
Wow….a scuffle with finches? In all my years with bluebirds I’ve never had my bluebirds feel threatened by finches! But starlings..yes! It’s 50 here right now. Dipping lower tonight. Brrr.
Tammy
We were all shocked with that 8 egg count…glad you corrected it! Although I did just hear of someone having 7. We’ve known people to add foam insulation, umbrellas, etc to their nestboxes in the south. If you are on Face Book get on a Texas bluebird group or google your Texas Bluebird Society and I bet they have suggestions.
Tammy
Aww, Carol. That’s a sweet surprise. Glad you have the experience to know what to do with extra tall nests and pretty much everything else that comes your way. :)
Tammy
I have a nest with 5 babies but my daughter who lives near me has had a bluebird pair coming to her nestbox, disappearing, showing up again and disappearing again. Just today she said that the pair are defending a box. So…hopefully that happens to you.
Tammy
That’s great phillyblues! Whatever it takes. Hey…were you on the old forum with us (yuku)?