Comments for Welcome to The Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania's Blog http://www.thebsp.org/blog Where it's all about Bluebirds and other Nest Cavity Birds accross Pennsylvania and Elsewhere Mon, 23 Aug 2010 04:01:03 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 Comment on blue bird babies in August by Moderator of this Blog http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2010/08/23/blue-bird-babies-in-august/comment-page-1/#comment-1808 Moderator of this Blog Mon, 23 Aug 2010 04:01:03 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=270#comment-1808 Hi Linda, Welcome the the BSP Blog, No it is not unusual to have nestlings late in the year. With seasonal and climate changes birds are starting to nest later and in places they have never nested before. Enjoy your nestlings and keep us informed if they fledge. Hi Linda,
Welcome the the BSP Blog, No it is not unusual to have nestlings late in the year. With seasonal and climate changes birds are starting to nest later and in places they have never nested before. Enjoy your nestlings and keep us informed if they fledge.

]]> Comment on Help in Cove Point by jam http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2010/08/05/help-in-cove-point/comment-page-1/#comment-1799 jam Mon, 09 Aug 2010 01:33:51 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=260#comment-1799 Thank you for your comment. This was their second brood. The bluebird house is attached to our home, no pole. I am going to put in a screw in the door, so you won't be able to open the door easily. This might help. The parents are still returning for breakfast, lunch and dinner of mealworms. Hopefully they will return in the spring to have a family. Thank you for your comment. This was their second brood. The bluebird house is attached to our home, no pole. I am going to put in a screw in the door, so you won’t be able to open the door easily. This might help. The parents are still returning for breakfast, lunch and dinner of mealworms. Hopefully they will return in the spring to have a family.

]]> Comment on Help in Cove Point by Moderator of this Blog http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2010/08/05/help-in-cove-point/comment-page-1/#comment-1797 Moderator of this Blog Sat, 07 Aug 2010 18:32:35 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=260#comment-1797 Hello Cove Point, There are many Predators of the night that prey on our nestling’s while we are comfortable in our homes and sound asleep. As landlords we offered a home for the bluebirds to nest and raise their family. And in doing so we should make it as safe as we can for them. There are some very simple steps that can be taken to help deter climbing predators of the night. Predators guards will deter climbing and will aid in the safety of the bluebirds and their attempt of a successful fledged. Please visit my website concerning this subject and many others topics at ambassadorforthebluebirds.com or http://livingroomtunes.com/newambassador/ Harry Hello Cove Point,

There are many Predators of the night that prey on our nestling’s while we are comfortable in our homes and sound asleep. As landlords we offered a home for the bluebirds to nest and raise their family. And in doing so we should make it as safe as we can for them. There are some very simple steps that can be taken to help deter climbing predators of the night. Predators guards will deter climbing and will aid in the safety of the bluebirds and their attempt of a successful fledged. Please visit my website concerning this subject and many others topics at ambassadorforthebluebirds.com or http://livingroomtunes.com/newambassador/

Harry

]]> Comment on Abandoned Bluebirds Eggs by Moderator of this Blog http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2010/08/05/abandoned-bluebirds-eggs/comment-page-1/#comment-1796 Moderator of this Blog Sat, 07 Aug 2010 18:17:39 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=256#comment-1796 Hello Juana, I, along with many Landlords are left puzzled concerning nest abandonment. There are many possible reasons for this. Predators, Cats and Dogs roaming the nest box area, or nest box competition, (causing them to build a dummy nest) or non fertile eggs and possible immature females at first time laying. Regardless before we landlords remove the nesting material and especially nests that have eggs in them, we must be sure it is abandon. Because they have been known to postponed incubation for several weeks after they have completed their clutch. If more then six weeks go by and I have not seen a bluebird near or on the nest box then I conclude that it is abandon. For me after 6 weeks I am comfortable with my decision to remove the nesting material or just the eggs. Also an another factor in handling the eggs. Turning the eggs over 180 degrees can cause embryo damage as well. Nest abandonment with no eggs happens to me more often than I like, especially when the weather gets hot and it is the second or third nesting of the year. It could be because a predator got one or both of the birds, usually the female. If the male stays around and the female is not seen than this is most likely the cause. Or it could be because the nest boxes are too close to another nest box because bluebirds are territorial and will build a dummy nest to keep it from another pair. Nest boxes should be 100 yards or more apart. One thing for certain! To eliminate predators of the night; a nest box should be mounted on a galvanize pole 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter with predator guards in place. Please read my blog concerning Night Predators at ambassadorforthebluebirds.com Nest abandonment can still be a mystery. But the question remains, should we remove the nest? And even the used ones? Read on! Documentary studies at the School of Biological Sciences University of Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky 40506. Associated with The USA Department of Forestry University of Kentucky showed that Eastern Bluebirds chose boxes containing old nests in 38 of 41 instances in which these boxes were paired with empty ones. Other species nesting in bluebird boxes chose boxes containing old nests in four of five instances. This result conflicts with the prevailing opinion that cavity-nesting birds avoid boxes that contain old nests. This study showed bluebirds prefer re-working old nest material to building a completely new nest. Being the case one must ponder are we doing the right thing by removing nesting material new (abandonment nest) or a used one from our nest boxes. If to suggest we do it to control nest parasites, then what about natural nest cavities? As for nest parasites, they can be controlled without removing the nest. Read my blog concerning Parasites and Blowflies at ambassadorforthebluebirds.com or http://livingroomtunes.com/newambassador/ I am left wondering, should I be removing the nest from my nest box if abandon. I usually remove the old nest because it’s so foul inside the nest box by the time the nestling’s fledge and will only attract blowfly infestation. Harry Hello Juana,
I, along with many Landlords are left puzzled concerning nest abandonment. There are many possible reasons for this. Predators, Cats and Dogs roaming the nest box area, or nest box competition, (causing them to build a dummy nest) or non fertile eggs and possible immature females at first time laying. Regardless before we landlords remove the nesting material and especially nests that have eggs in them, we must be sure it is abandon. Because they have been known to postponed incubation for several weeks after they have completed their clutch. If more then six weeks go by and I have not seen a bluebird near or on the nest box then I conclude that it is abandon. For me after 6 weeks I am comfortable with my decision to remove the nesting material or just the eggs. Also an another factor in handling the eggs. Turning the eggs over 180 degrees can cause embryo damage as well.

Nest abandonment with no eggs happens to me more often than I like, especially when the weather gets hot and it is the second or third nesting of the year. It could be because a predator got one or both of the birds, usually the female. If the male stays around and the female is not seen than this is most likely the cause. Or it could be because the nest boxes are too close to another nest box because bluebirds are territorial and will build a dummy nest to keep it from another pair. Nest boxes should be 100 yards or more apart. One thing for certain! To eliminate predators of the night; a nest box should be mounted on a galvanize pole 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter with predator guards in place. Please read my blog concerning Night Predators at ambassadorforthebluebirds.com Nest abandonment can still be a mystery. But the question remains, should we remove the nest? And even the used ones? Read on!

Documentary studies at the School of Biological Sciences University of Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky 40506. Associated with The USA Department of Forestry University of Kentucky showed that Eastern Bluebirds chose boxes containing old nests in 38 of 41 instances in which these boxes were paired with empty ones. Other species nesting in bluebird boxes chose boxes containing old nests in four of five instances. This result conflicts with the prevailing opinion that cavity-nesting birds avoid boxes that contain old nests. This study showed bluebirds prefer re-working old nest material to building a completely new nest.

Being the case one must ponder are we doing the right thing by removing nesting material new (abandonment nest) or a used one from our nest boxes. If to suggest we do it to control nest parasites, then what about natural nest cavities? As for nest parasites, they can be controlled without removing the nest. Read my blog concerning Parasites and Blowflies at ambassadorforthebluebirds.com or http://livingroomtunes.com/newambassador/

I am left wondering, should I be removing the nest from my nest box if abandon. I usually remove the old nest because it’s so foul inside the nest box by the time the nestling’s fledge and will only attract blowfly infestation.

Harry

]]> Comment on Will adding a birdbath near bluebird house put babies in danger? by Moderator of this Blog http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2010/08/05/will-adding-a-birdbath-near-bluebird-house-put-babies-in-danger/comment-page-1/#comment-1795 Moderator of this Blog Sat, 07 Aug 2010 17:40:34 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=252#comment-1795 In my opinion bluebirds and birdbaths go together. I would recommend to move the bath at least 60 to 80 feet away from the nest box and somewhere in an open area of the yard. Birds are very cautious when taking a bath near wooded or bushy areas they prefer an open area because of predators lurking about. Also moving water in the birdbath works great in attracting bluebirds. For more fact about bluebirds please visit my website ambassadorforthebluebirds.com or http://livingroomtunes.com/newambassador/ Harry In my opinion bluebirds and birdbaths go together. I would recommend to move the bath at least 60 to 80 feet away from the nest box and somewhere in an open area of the yard. Birds are very cautious when taking a bath near wooded or bushy areas they prefer an open area because of predators lurking about. Also moving water in the birdbath works great in attracting bluebirds. For more fact about bluebirds please visit my website ambassadorforthebluebirds.com or http://livingroomtunes.com/newambassador/

Harry

]]> Comment on Help with winter sparrows by Moderator of this Blog http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2010/08/05/help-with-winter-sparrows/comment-page-1/#comment-1794 Moderator of this Blog Sat, 07 Aug 2010 17:25:52 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=233#comment-1794 As I read your post you say sparrows nested successfully in your nest box. Please do not permit sparrows to completely have a successfully nesting experience. House Sparrows are the most common problem blue-birder’s have. This invasive species introduce in the 1800’s has become the most abundant bird in North America. Do to the fact it bonds with the nest box and will defend it aggressively, We must find a way to deal with it. The house sparrow is not a protected bird, so you may dispose of it. The male house sparrow during the breeding season has only one thing on his mind: Procreation. Continuously destroying his nest, he becomes increasingly frustrated, aggressive, from my experiences, frequent house sparrow nest removal, without permanent removal of the house sparrows, is NOT a viable house sparrow control method. I was creating a vindictive and frustrated house sparrows. I now trap the house sparrow and dispose of it. I have found the Van-ERT Universal Sparrow trap works best. You can find it at; http://www.vanerttraps.com/universal.htm Please do not let house sparrows fledge from your nest box. As for your bird feeder and attracting to many sparrows do not buy cheap bird feed that has mil-lid or cracked corn in it. My suggestion use only black oiled sunflower seeds. Please visit my website for more interesting facts concerning Bluebirds at ambassadorforthebluebirds.com http://livingroomtunes.com/newambassador/ Harry As I read your post you say sparrows nested successfully in your nest box. Please do not permit sparrows to completely have a successfully nesting experience. House Sparrows are the most common problem blue-birder’s have. This invasive species introduce in the 1800’s has become the most abundant bird in North America. Do to the fact it bonds with the nest box and will defend it aggressively, We must find a way to deal with it. The house sparrow is not a protected bird, so you may dispose of it. The male house sparrow during the breeding season has only one thing on his mind: Procreation. Continuously destroying his nest, he becomes increasingly frustrated, aggressive, from my experiences, frequent house sparrow nest removal, without permanent removal of the house sparrows, is NOT a viable house sparrow control method. I was creating a vindictive and frustrated house sparrows. I now trap the house sparrow and dispose of it. I have found the Van-ERT Universal Sparrow trap works best.

You can find it at; http://www.vanerttraps.com/universal.htm

Please do not let house sparrows fledge from your nest box.

As for your bird feeder and attracting to many sparrows do not buy cheap bird feed that has mil-lid or cracked corn in it. My suggestion use only black oiled sunflower seeds.

Please visit my website for more interesting facts concerning Bluebirds at ambassadorforthebluebirds.com http://livingroomtunes.com/newambassador/

Harry

]]> Comment on Bluebird nestling mortality in 2009 by Moderator of this Blog http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2010/08/05/bluebird-nestling-mortality-in-2009/comment-page-1/#comment-1793 Moderator of this Blog Sat, 07 Aug 2010 17:08:04 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=250#comment-1793 The Bluebird population is growing year to year because of conservation efforts through the many Landlords and monitoring of these nest boxes. Most of my studies indicate that 70% of Bluebird fledglings do not make it through the first year. On average, 40% die in the first 30 days after leaving the nest. This is when the fledglings are most vulnerable. After 90 days the juvenile’s chances increase. But another 30% do not make it through the first year. If I recall correctly, if they survive the first year the mortality rate drops to 20%. Now much depends on weather, availability of food, experience/age of the parents, geographic region, urban vs. rural areas, disease, pesticides and predators, etc. So the percentile varies. In general, the more physically developed the young are when they leave the nest, the greater their chances are of survival. The quality of parental care, the number of siblings competing for that care, and the timing of fledging are also important factors. Bluebirds dealing with nature, life become a challenge and so often the obstacles are so over whelming, but the bluebirds have met them head on; their perseverance is an example of that in the last 200 years. Of all the obstacles they must face, nesting sites should not be one of them. We can help increase the bluebird success rate by taking the first step, becoming a Landlord to these wonderful birds. If you would like to read more facts concerning Bluebirds please visit my website at ambassadorforthebluebirds.com http://livingroomtunes.com/newambassador/ Harry The Bluebird population is growing year to year because of conservation efforts through the many Landlords and monitoring of these nest boxes. Most of my studies indicate that 70% of Bluebird fledglings do not make it through the first year. On average, 40% die in the first 30 days after leaving the nest. This is when the fledglings are most vulnerable. After 90 days the juvenile’s chances increase. But another 30% do not make it through the first year. If I recall correctly, if they survive the first year the mortality rate drops to 20%. Now much depends on weather, availability of food, experience/age of the parents, geographic region, urban vs. rural areas, disease, pesticides and predators, etc. So the percentile varies.

In general, the more physically developed the young are when they leave the nest, the greater their chances are of survival. The quality of parental care, the number of siblings competing for that care, and the timing of fledging are also important factors.

Bluebirds dealing with nature, life become a challenge and so often the obstacles are so over whelming, but the bluebirds have met them head on; their perseverance is an example of that in the last 200 years. Of all the obstacles they must face, nesting sites should not be one of them. We can help increase the bluebird success rate by taking the first step, becoming a Landlord to these wonderful birds. If you would like to read more facts concerning Bluebirds please visit my website at ambassadorforthebluebirds.com http://livingroomtunes.com/newambassador/

Harry

]]> Comment on I am new here by jwatroba http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2010/08/05/i-am-new-here/comment-page-1/#comment-1789 jwatroba Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:14:30 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=255#comment-1789 Yes-I have had luck with pairing nest boxes. Bluebirds have nested in one box and the tree swallows have successfully nested in the adjacent box. However, bluebirds are territorial so they will not usually tolerate another bluebird pair in their vicinity. If there is adequate space between the single nest box and the paired boxes, that may work well. Yes-I have had luck with pairing nest boxes. Bluebirds have nested in one box and the tree swallows have successfully nested in the adjacent box. However, bluebirds are territorial so they will not usually tolerate another bluebird pair in their vicinity. If there is adequate space between the single nest box and the paired boxes, that may work well.

]]> Comment on 2011 13th Annual BSP Conference by ambassador http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2010/04/14/2011-13th-annual-bsp-conference/comment-page-1/#comment-1728 ambassador Sun, 18 Apr 2010 15:15:18 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=245#comment-1728 Last year at the 2010 Bluebird Conference, the Attendees enjoyed the Penn Stater Hotel so much they asked to return. Last year at the 2010 Bluebird Conference, the Attendees enjoyed the Penn Stater Hotel so much they asked to return.

]]> Comment on 2009 Bluebird Conference by ambassador http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2009/07/29/2009-bluebird-conference/comment-page-1/#comment-498 ambassador Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:04:44 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=207#comment-498 I for one, will not miss this event. It sounds AWESOME! See you there, Harry Schmeider - Butler County, PA I for one, will not miss this event. It sounds AWESOME! See you there,

Harry Schmeider – Butler County, PA

]]> Comment on Second Nesting by Maribee http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2009/06/15/second-nesting/comment-page-1/#comment-497 Maribee Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:57:39 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=191#comment-497 Just fledged three babies from this nest! (two uncracked eggs left behind unhatched....). :) Just fledged three babies from this nest! (two uncracked eggs left behind unhatched….). :)

]]> Comment on What is going on at my house ???? by KCBSP http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2009/07/12/what-is-going-on-at-my-house/comment-page-1/#comment-496 KCBSP Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:46:56 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=203#comment-496 Hi MoodyBlue I'm glad you finally got bluebirds in that box. Just to let you know House Sparrows will bond to their nestbox not to their mate. If one trapped the female in the nestbox, the male House Sparrow will be out there trying to get a new mate and is very successful at it. I'm surprised they gave up without a fight right now. If the House Sparrow returns please put up a 2nd nestbox or please just do it now in case they return. Please do not let them keep it. Remove nests and eggs of them right away. If they become bothersome write again please. I hope you let us know how it all turns out. Kathy Hi MoodyBlue

I’m glad you finally got bluebirds in that box. Just to let you know House Sparrows will bond to their nestbox not to their mate. If one trapped the female in the nestbox, the male House Sparrow will be out there trying to get a new mate and is very successful at it. I’m surprised they gave up without a fight right now. If the House Sparrow returns please put up a 2nd nestbox or please just do it now in case they return. Please do not let them keep it. Remove nests and eggs of them right away. If they become bothersome write again please. I hope you let us know how it all turns out.

Kathy

]]> Comment on What is going on at my house ???? by ambassador http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2009/07/12/what-is-going-on-at-my-house/comment-page-1/#comment-495 ambassador Mon, 13 Jul 2009 01:38:27 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=203#comment-495 Dear MoodyBlue, First things first, Never let Sparrows fledged from a Bluebird Nestbox! Never!!! This situations sounds like a second nesting attempt. Let nature take its course, One of the females will eventually pair up with the male and when this happens that female will chase away the other females. If some of the females have a speckled look then they are juvenile birds from this years brood. It took me several years to have bluebirds nest in my backyard. This spring 2009 and early summer have been very wet and cold in Pa. I lost most of my spring nestlings due to this reason. I invite you to please read my Blogs on my website at ambassadorforthebluebirds.com Harry Butler County Pa. Dear MoodyBlue, First things first, Never let Sparrows fledged from a Bluebird Nestbox! Never!!! This situations sounds like a second nesting attempt. Let nature take its course, One of the females will eventually pair up with the male and when this happens that female will chase away the other females. If some of the females have a speckled look then they are juvenile birds from this years brood. It took me several years to have bluebirds nest in my backyard. This spring 2009 and early summer have been very wet and cold in Pa. I lost most of my spring nestlings due to this reason. I invite you to please read my Blogs on my website at ambassadorforthebluebirds.com

Harry Butler County Pa.

]]> Comment on Are bluebirds bothered by road noise? by Phil http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2009/07/07/are-bluebirds-bothered-by-road-noise/comment-page-1/#comment-494 Phil Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:21:06 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=200#comment-494 It's at our church, whose property backs up to a big bank (earthen, not $$$) that goes up to 83. So there's plenty of safe parking and fledging space. Can't really even see the road from down where the church lot is, but you sure can hear it. Guess if I do put up some boxes, it also means I'll have to go to church every week to monitor them. It’s at our church, whose property backs up to a big bank (earthen, not $$$) that goes up to 83. So there’s plenty of safe parking and fledging space. Can’t really even see the road from down where the church lot is, but you sure can hear it. Guess if I do put up some boxes, it also means I’ll have to go to church every week to monitor them.

]]> Comment on Are bluebirds bothered by road noise? by KCBSP http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2009/07/07/are-bluebirds-bothered-by-road-noise/comment-page-1/#comment-493 KCBSP Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:56:08 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=200#comment-493 Harry's right, Phil. They don't mind the noise. Just watch where the entrance hole is pointed towards. Fledge them away from 83 towards some shrubs or bushes. Will you be able to access it off 83 or must you pull off of it to monitor? Kathy Harry’s right, Phil. They don’t mind the noise. Just watch where the entrance hole is pointed towards. Fledge them away from 83 towards some shrubs or bushes.

Will you be able to access it off 83 or must you pull off of it to monitor?

Kathy

]]> Comment on Bluebird Fanatic Part IV by KCBSP http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2009/06/20/bluebird-fanatic-part-iv/comment-page-1/#comment-492 KCBSP Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:53:46 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=195#comment-492 Hi Tammy, I'm sure he will find another mate. The singing is to attract one as I'm sure you know. I have a second nesting in the yard right now. Aren't they just beautiful? I watch them wing wave etc. It's cute. Anyways the other day a Blue Jay landed on the bluebird's box that has 4 eggs in it. Mr. Bluebird came closer and saw this, and he just started swooping that Blue Jay like mad at least 5 times, and the Blue Jay then left. I got a kick out of that! Kathy Hi Tammy,

I’m sure he will find another mate. The singing is to attract one as I’m sure you know.

I have a second nesting in the yard right now. Aren’t they just beautiful? I watch them wing wave etc. It’s cute.

Anyways the other day a Blue Jay landed on the bluebird’s box that has 4 eggs in it. Mr. Bluebird came closer and saw this, and he just started swooping that Blue Jay like mad at least 5 times, and the Blue Jay then left. I got a kick out of that!

Kathy

]]> Comment on Are bluebirds bothered by road noise? by ambassador http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2009/07/07/are-bluebirds-bothered-by-road-noise/comment-page-1/#comment-491 ambassador Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:14:28 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=200#comment-491 Hi Phil, The road noise will not affect the bluebirds. Harry Schmeider / Butler County Please visit my website: ambassadorforthebluebirds.com Hi Phil,
The road noise will not affect the bluebirds.

Harry Schmeider / Butler County
Please visit my website: ambassadorforthebluebirds.com

]]> Comment on Bluebird Fanatic Part IV by Tammy http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2009/06/20/bluebird-fanatic-part-iv/comment-page-1/#comment-490 Tammy Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:22:26 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=195#comment-490 Wow I never even thought of that. It only stands to reason. I hope this Lone Blue(as I call him) finds a female soon. I feel bad for him. This morning he was perched on top the box just singing away. Thanks for the help,and the advice on the nest. Bluebird Fanatic Wow I never even thought of that. It only stands to reason. I hope this Lone Blue(as I call him) finds a female soon. I feel bad for him. This morning he was perched on top the box just singing away. Thanks for the help,and the advice on the nest.

Bluebird Fanatic

]]> Comment on Second Nesting by Maribee http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2009/06/15/second-nesting/comment-page-1/#comment-489 Maribee Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:24:03 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=191#comment-489 I never got to the point of addling... One sparrow nest was knocked over by a runaway horse (Amish-ville here) and one knocked over in a storm... and no efforts to re-nest though I righted both within hours. I started having success with my repeating trap and have caught 16 juvie sparrows and two adult males. I feel bad for the juvies and wish I had more of the bad guys! My yard was pretty peaceful until tonight, when several adult males showed up again. Oh, so frustrating, and stressful! 3 of the 5 eggs of the second nest hatched and youngin's are doing well... I have an aggressive mom and pops and one baby from the first nesting is doing some defending too! Lots of feeding and protecting, so I'm hopeful for these three. But of course I worry all the time. Wish someone would have told me how stressful bluebirding can be! I never got to the point of addling… One sparrow nest was knocked over by a runaway horse (Amish-ville here) and one knocked over in a storm… and no efforts to re-nest though I righted both within hours. I started having success with my repeating trap and have caught 16 juvie sparrows and two adult males. I feel bad for the juvies and wish I had more of the bad guys! My yard was pretty peaceful until tonight, when several adult males showed up again. Oh, so frustrating, and stressful! 3 of the 5 eggs of the second nest hatched and youngin’s are doing well… I have an aggressive mom and pops and one baby from the first nesting is doing some defending too! Lots of feeding and protecting, so I’m hopeful for these three. But of course I worry all the time. Wish someone would have told me how stressful bluebirding can be!

]]> Comment on Bluebird Fanatic Part IV by Maribee http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2009/06/20/bluebird-fanatic-part-iv/comment-page-1/#comment-488 Maribee Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:18:59 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=195#comment-488 That's what I'd guess too :( :( Poor you and poor Poppa Blue. You can save that nest, though, in case you have other broods with insect infestation in the future... That’s what I’d guess too :( :( Poor you and poor Poppa Blue. You can save that nest, though, in case you have other broods with insect infestation in the future…

]]> Comment on fledging by Maribee http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2009/06/22/fledging/comment-page-1/#comment-487 Maribee Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:17:26 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=198#comment-487 I'm no expert, but from what I've read, if you can't secure his safety while watching, put him back in the box. He might be the runt and need some extra time. Mealworms will only help him now, too! Good luck, this is so stressful I'm sure! I’m no expert, but from what I’ve read, if you can’t secure his safety while watching, put him back in the box. He might be the runt and need some extra time. Mealworms will only help him now, too! Good luck, this is so stressful I’m sure!

]]> Comment on Second Nesting by Phil http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2009/06/15/second-nesting/comment-page-1/#comment-486 Phil Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:16:05 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=191#comment-486 How did you make out? I've started changing my strategy on my bb trail from removing sparrow nests to doing what you're doing; leaving the nest and addling the eggs and coating them with corn oil. Seem like that makes them less vengeful than removing the nest, but it may just depend on the particular sparrow. I also string thin monofilament fishing line on either side of the entrance hole, 2" out from the hole. I think that also helps discourage the sparrows. Phil How did you make out? I’ve started changing my strategy on my bb trail from removing sparrow nests to doing what you’re doing; leaving the nest and addling the eggs and coating them with corn oil. Seem like that makes them less vengeful than removing the nest, but it may just depend on the particular sparrow. I also string thin monofilament fishing line on either side of the entrance hole, 2″ out from the hole. I think that also helps discourage the sparrows.

Phil

]]> Comment on Bluebird Fanatic Part IV by Phil http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2009/06/20/bluebird-fanatic-part-iv/comment-page-1/#comment-485 Phil Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:48:26 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=195#comment-485 Sounds like the female was killed. Sounds like the female was killed.

]]> Comment on Bluebird Fanatic Part IV by Tammy http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2009/06/20/bluebird-fanatic-part-iv/comment-page-1/#comment-478 Tammy Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:10:11 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=195#comment-478 I actually took the nest out as I did the last one(the one that was a half hearted pathetic effort). On taking it out it was the most perfect nest with a nice cup. I still haven't a clue as to why this has happened 2 times. Since then I have 1 lone male BB that has showed up. He was at another of my wooden boxes, and then decided to hang out at this one, but I see no female at all. It seems the BB's that were around, and would come in and eat mealworms have disappeared, and there are a pair & this lone Male that come in but do not come in to eat til I am well away from the mealworms. This one male is always going in & out of my PVC box & checking it out, and chasing any bird away that gets close. Did you find out anything?? Very puzzling. I was hoping this male would hook up with a female & they would nest there. I actually took the nest out as I did the last one(the one that was a half hearted pathetic effort). On taking it out it was the most perfect nest with a nice cup. I still haven’t a clue as to why this has happened 2 times. Since then I have 1 lone male BB that has showed up. He was at another of my wooden boxes, and then decided to hang out at this one, but I see no female at all. It seems the BB’s that were around, and would come in and eat mealworms have disappeared, and there are a pair & this lone Male that come in but do not come in to eat til I am well away from the mealworms. This one male is always going in & out of my PVC box & checking it out, and chasing any bird away that gets close. Did you find out anything?? Very puzzling. I was hoping this male would hook up with a female & they would nest there.

]]> Comment on My friends don’t understand by KCBSP http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2009/04/22/my-friends-dont-understand/comment-page-1/#comment-475 KCBSP Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:00:56 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=166#comment-475 Maribee, BSP is coming up with a new booklet we will be selling in the near future on our online store. There will be a section on house sparrows. I'll ask that we make new information handouts and that something be posted on our website. In the meantime at www.nabluebirdsociety.org there are information sheets you can print off. I'm sorry I am so late in replying. Kathy Maribee,

BSP is coming up with a new booklet we will be selling in the near future on our online store. There will be a section on house sparrows. I’ll ask that we make new information handouts and that something be posted on our website. In the meantime at http://www.nabluebirdsociety.org there are information sheets you can print off. I’m sorry I am so late in replying.

Kathy

]]> Comment on fledging by KCBSP http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2009/06/22/fledging/comment-page-1/#comment-474 KCBSP Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:47:16 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=198#comment-474 Do you know if the baby can fly? What happened since then please? Was there more babies in the nest and they are all doing okay? How old were the babies in the nest when they left it please? It is good that Papa is checking on him. Often they will keep on feeding them where they are. Kathy Do you know if the baby can fly? What happened since then please? Was there more babies in the nest and they are all doing okay? How old were the babies in the nest when they left it please?

It is good that Papa is checking on him. Often they will keep on feeding them where they are.

Kathy

]]> Comment on Bluebird Fanatic Part IV by KCBSP http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2009/06/20/bluebird-fanatic-part-iv/comment-page-1/#comment-473 KCBSP Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:45:11 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=195#comment-473 Hello Tammy, I just saw your post this evening. What is happening today? Did you leave the nest intact? I truly don't know the answer to this one, but I'd let it go and see what occurs. I'll ask around to others I know who may have some idea. Kathy Hello Tammy,

I just saw your post this evening. What is happening today? Did you leave the nest intact? I truly don’t know the answer to this one, but I’d let it go and see what occurs. I’ll ask around to others I know who may have some idea.

Kathy

]]> Comment on My friends don’t understand by tg4799 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2009/04/22/my-friends-dont-understand/comment-page-1/#comment-466 tg4799 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:16:41 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=166#comment-466 Hi myalic, Its nice to see your passion. One of the hardest parts about caring about environmental concerns (or anything, really) is to meet other people where they are in their knowledge and concern. As other folks are educated, as you have been, they may slowly move up the continuum of caring and action. You may have to accept that they may not, as well. I encourage you to focus on the positive. Many folks are overwhelmed with 'being green' and being told what is harmful and destructive. If you have a chance to monitor a bluebird trail or have a box in your yard, invite others to accompany you in checking on the birds. Nothing invokes the heart like a tiny bluebird, the antics of a chickadee, or the speed and grace of a swallow. Pennsylvania State Parks also has opportunities to volunteer for bluebirds and other cavity nesters, through our Cavity-Nesting Trails Volunteer program. Some parks have trails lacking monitors and some parks may be willing to start a new trail. Feel free to contact a park near you, or myself, tagettig at state dot pa dot us Thank you and good luck, Tara- Cavity-Nesting Trails Coordinator Hi myalic,
Its nice to see your passion. One of the hardest parts about caring about environmental concerns (or anything, really) is to meet other people where they are in their knowledge and concern. As other folks are educated, as you have been, they may slowly move up the continuum of caring and action. You may have to accept that they may not, as well.
I encourage you to focus on the positive. Many folks are overwhelmed with ‘being green’ and being told what is harmful and destructive. If you have a chance to monitor a bluebird trail or have a box in your yard, invite others to accompany you in checking on the birds. Nothing invokes the heart like a tiny bluebird, the antics of a chickadee, or the speed and grace of a swallow.
Pennsylvania State Parks also has opportunities to volunteer for bluebirds and other cavity nesters, through our Cavity-Nesting Trails Volunteer program. Some parks have trails lacking monitors and some parks may be willing to start a new trail. Feel free to contact a park near you, or myself,
tagettig at state dot pa dot us
Thank you and good luck,
Tara-
Cavity-Nesting Trails Coordinator

]]> Comment on Bluebird Fanatic Part II by Tammy http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2009/04/21/bluebird-fanatic-part-ii/comment-page-1/#comment-423 Tammy Wed, 03 Jun 2009 01:19:22 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=163#comment-423 It didn't work out unfortunately. The next thing I know the pair of bluebirds are nesting 2 doors down in a box, and a wren is stripping my box of its nesting material. I cannot get any bluebirds to nest in my yard, much to my dismay. I have a few pairs that come in to eat my mealworms in a container on top of the box, but not to nest just to eat. They have become quite tame though, and know when I feed them, and I no sooner turn my back to walk away, and they are coming in for a landing to eat. I think I could get them to eat out of my hands. I was thinking maybe I should move the feeding cup off the bluebird box, and maybe then they would see it more as a nesting box than a place to feed. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I got some beautiful pictures of my feathered friends, and will try to get them posted, but will need my daughters help for this task. I enjoy watching these beautiful bluebirds eating mealworms on the perch, and then in the evenings they are in the trees and swooping down in the grass for bugs. I sit in amazement and ask myself how long this has been going on in my backyard, but I just never took the time to look. Bluebird Fanatic It didn’t work out unfortunately. The next thing I know the pair of bluebirds are nesting 2 doors down in a box, and a wren is stripping my box of its nesting material. I cannot get any bluebirds to nest in my yard, much to my dismay. I have a few pairs that come in to eat my mealworms in a container on top of the box, but not to nest just to eat. They have become quite tame though, and know when I feed them, and I no sooner turn my back to walk away, and they are coming in for a landing to eat. I think I could get them to eat out of my hands. I was thinking maybe I should move the feeding cup off the bluebird box, and maybe then they would see it more as a nesting box than a place to feed. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I got some beautiful pictures of my feathered friends, and will try to get them posted, but will need my daughters help for this task. I enjoy watching these beautiful bluebirds eating mealworms on the perch, and then in the evenings they are in the trees and swooping down in the grass for bugs. I sit in amazement and ask myself how long this has been going on in my backyard, but I just never took the time to look.

Bluebird Fanatic

]]> Comment on New at Blue Birding by Maribee http://www.thebsp.org/blog/2009/05/23/182/comment-page-1/#comment-419 Maribee Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:14:55 +0000 http://www.thebsp.org/blog/?p=182#comment-419 Oh, I'm wondering if I have the heart for this bluebird business! It is NOT good for the blood pressure or the graying of hairs! I ordered a repeating trap for the sparrows. Don't think I can use a Van Ert because my boxes are top opening and I can't imagine how I can mount one. Wonderful work with your trail, Phil! Oh, I’m wondering if I have the heart for this bluebird business! It is NOT good for the blood pressure or the graying of hairs!

I ordered a repeating trap for the sparrows. Don’t think I can use a Van Ert because my boxes are top opening and I can’t imagine how I can mount one.

Wonderful work with your trail, Phil!

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