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The Fisherman's Wharf => Off-Topic => Topic started by: Doubles Shooter on Nov 30, 2020, 05:24 AM

Title: Bluebirds
Post by: Doubles Shooter on Nov 30, 2020, 05:24 AM
I was working out in the back yard yesterday getting the last of the winterization projects finished when 5 bluebirds showed up. They were checking out the bird house and hung out for near 20 minutes. I'm thinking it was the last family to fledge this year just stopping by. I thought they would have left a long time ago. Is this normal for them to be here this late? Never seen them this late. I live by Letchworth State park in WNY.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Raquettedacker on Nov 30, 2020, 05:39 AM
Im still hearing and seeing them around here .
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Nov 30, 2020, 07:20 AM
I took our bluebird house down for the winter. They’ve been around and battling with the sparrows. I covered the entrance to keep the sparrows out and then a woodpecker put a good sized hole in the side of the house. I’ll build a new one for spring.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Doubles Shooter on Nov 30, 2020, 07:31 AM
I took our bluebird house down for the winter. They’ve been around and battling with the sparrows. I covered the entrance to keep the sparrows out and then a woodpecker put a good sized hole in the side of the house. I’ll build a new one for spring.

Rg

I've been leaving mine up. When the weather gets cold, I've had up to 5 Downey woodpeckers gathering in it for the night. The sparrows will not be a problem. My RWS 45 will take care of them. ::)
I'm also going to build new houses with my grandson too.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Raquettedacker on Nov 30, 2020, 07:50 AM
A lot of birds will spend a wintery night in an empty house...
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Doubles Shooter on Nov 30, 2020, 07:55 AM
A lot of birds will spend a wintery night in an empty house...
Yes. Nature is truly amazing if a person takes the time to look.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: zwiggles on Nov 30, 2020, 08:01 AM
I’m in the coast of NH, but seems like ours stay here year round?
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: old man river on Nov 30, 2020, 08:08 AM
yes I have bluebirds around here  clyde ny
also they are coming to bird feeder from time to time
I have never removed  bird houses  should I ?
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: wallyworld on Nov 30, 2020, 08:32 AM
Bluebirds stick around here all winter too. Put out some dried mealworms for them near your feeders or birdhouses, a welocome treat for them on a cold winters day (chickadees too  ;))
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: zwiggles on Nov 30, 2020, 09:20 AM
Bluebirds stick around here all winter too. Put out some dried mealworms for them near your feeders or birdhouses, a welocome treat for them on a cold winters day (chickadees too  ;))

And squirrels and nuthatches too! If you guys like blue birds make one of these and throw some mealy works in there:


(https://i.postimg.cc/kDXHCNLR/0-E022283-66-D6-4-D71-9-BC8-626-DA1219031.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kDXHCNLR)


We regularly have a dozen blue birds fighting over it at lunch time. Really neat to see them so close, we have had 8 on that feeder at one time before.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: zwiggles on Nov 30, 2020, 11:31 AM
Here’s the inside view:


(https://i.postimg.cc/HrDr1wTD/F6-B062-BE-B4-C4-4-F6-B-ABC5-49-CC20-BFD112.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HrDr1wTD)
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Nov 30, 2020, 11:46 AM
That particular house is only one of a dozen we have out. It was very old and pretty much destroyed by the woodpecker. Normally I’d leave it up year round. Theres plenty of rooms available for our feathered friends.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Doubles Shooter on Nov 30, 2020, 11:52 AM
Thanks for the education all. In my 68 years I've never seen one late fall, early winter.
It took 35 years for them to use the house in my yard, but they fledged 6 litters in the last 5 years.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: old man river on Nov 30, 2020, 02:09 PM
 yup nice only problem is DAMM sparrow keeping them out of boxes
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: taxid on Nov 30, 2020, 03:03 PM
I've seen small groups of bluebirds here in northeastern Indiana in winter too. I don't recall if it was early, middle, or late though.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Raquettedacker on Nov 30, 2020, 04:10 PM
You guys keep talking about sparrows,  sure there not house wrens.  Or like what my son use to call them. Check Mark Birds...  Because thats what they look like... ;D
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Nov 30, 2020, 04:43 PM
No..these are English Sparrows. We have House Wrens around. I’m pretty sure they’re responsible for dispatching the last clutch of bluebird eggs this past summer. Nasty little birds for sure.  The sparrows fight for nesting rights. The bluebirds are serious about defending their nest box and their territory.

Fun that we’re ’re sharing bluebird scenarios going into winter.

That’s what I like about this site. Lots of common interests.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: SizeMatters on Nov 30, 2020, 05:01 PM
I saw a flock of 8 last week while hunting.  They too were going house to house checking them out.  I thought it strange but my friend said they're in that area year round.  I don't see them at my place but I don't have houses up for them.  THey'd just be snack shacks for the coons around here.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: MILLERMANKT on Nov 30, 2020, 09:24 PM
yup nice only problem is DAMM sparrow keeping them out of boxes
Same here
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Doubles Shooter on Dec 01, 2020, 06:09 AM
It took years for a pair of bluebirds to use our nest. Usually house wrens which were fun to watch. Then one year a pair finally moved in. One morning all 4 eggs were on the ground with holes in them. Sparrows. Well, I set up a snipers hide and the pellet gun made them go away. It was ten years before another pair of bluebirds moved in. Sparrows are definitely not welcome in my yard.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Dec 01, 2020, 01:59 PM
Try a slot entrance with a shallow cavity. No more than 5” inside. The sparrows dont like the shallow box and prefer a round hole entrance. Also, if the slot is full width it gives the bluebirds the advantage in chasing sparrows our of the box prior to nesting. Our best breeding pair are very aggressive and defend against all interlopers. W’ve seen them attack squirrels, crows even the neighbor’s cat. (Got to it before I could).

The other big thing is ....dont put out anything sparrows will eat. No millet, cracked corn, shelled sunflower or such. Only sunflower seeds. Sparrows have a hard time eating them.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: old man river on Dec 01, 2020, 02:21 PM
feeding blue birds
 I used to set out live meal worms in a small Custer  bowl (clear)
once they knew that they are there 
they would be on them before I could get back inside my house
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Dec 01, 2020, 02:35 PM
I get round blocks of a combination of dried meal worms and shelled sunflowe seeds. They love them.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Raquettedacker on Dec 01, 2020, 03:19 PM
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Raquettedacker on Dec 01, 2020, 03:23 PM
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Dec 02, 2020, 04:41 AM
Yup....that’s the one.
A couple years ago I ran into this style house. I altered the nest box entrance and the bluebirds had their first successful clutch. I’m going for a Peterson style box with a slot entrance. Sparrows have a hard time landing on a sloped front box with an overhanging roof. Bluebirds just dive right in.

Lots of time to get that ready before spring.

I’ve been looking at songbird roost boxes. Might make one and see who makes use of it.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Doubles Shooter on Dec 02, 2020, 06:04 AM
'Dacker, Thanks for the vids. My grandson and I are planning on making some houses over the winter and I like the idea.. I need to get out more. I've never heard of the slot style boxes.

RG, That Peterson style should work at my daughter's place. they have 5 acres of open land in farm country with a bunch of sparrows. It's had to defend. 

I also found plans for a Carolina Wren house. We have them in the back yard too.

Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Dec 02, 2020, 01:59 PM
I’m not putting out any wren houses next year. They’re nasty little birds. Have a feeling they did in the last bluebird clutch as well as another wren family in a different house. Watched the parents feeding chicks for a couple weeks and all of a sudden they abandoned the nest box. Opened it up and found 5 dead chicks..

Started on a roosting box today.

(https://i.postimg.cc/cgK3VkKW/34-BC2-A47-7-F24-40-C7-A915-1-C00134122-C4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cgK3VkKW)

(https://i.postimg.cc/y3cZNJXr/9-E7-C77-D1-3-ACC-40-B4-96-BB-72481-A080773.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/y3cZNJXr)

Decided to shingle it with little cedar shingles. I made some shingled houses a couple years ago and have a bunch of them from that project. Think I’m going to figure out a way to re-saw some on the band saw.

Lots to do to complete the box. Perches, latch, entrance hole, stain and finish.  A bit of a break from Christmas gifts. Guess it’s kind of a Christmas gift for our feathered friends.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: MILLERMANKT on Dec 02, 2020, 11:34 PM

(https://i.postimg.cc/8j5H5scC/20180620-200245.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8j5H5scC)

Here is a set of 5 bluebirds in one of my houses 2 years ago.  I think 3 survived
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: taxid on Dec 03, 2020, 05:43 AM


I wonder if that would work to keep sparrows out of a Martin house?

Why does this work?
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Dec 03, 2020, 06:57 AM
Sparrows don’t  seem to like the extra light in the box. They like a dark cavity to nest in. Bluebirds are pretty adaptable. They don’t seem to mind. It’s another reason the slot type box seems better. More light in the nest cavity.  Don’t know what the Martins would think of it.

Worth a shot though.

Woke up thinking about how to make more little cedar shingles for the roosting box. Worked out a fixture for the band saw...I think. I’ll give it a try when I get home this afternoon. I’m thinking I might put a temporary feed tray near the opening to help encourage them to investigate the roost.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Dec 05, 2020, 09:24 AM
So...my Bride doesn’t get out much these days and takes a lot of pleasure watching the birds at the feeders and bath. They love our bird bath.

I’ve been pondering  how to make a heated bird bath so they can use it all winter long. Looked around at heaters made for bird baths and they were way overpriced. Thought about an aquarium heater but they were too low a wattage. Had a few other ideas but they all ended up in the $40-50 range.

In my search I bumped into a YouTube video of a bath that used a heated pet water bowl.

Voila!

(https://i.postimg.cc/wtdcrw84/FB76-B5-EA-A695-4-EFA-A151-E3062-B5618-D5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/wtdcrw84)

Tractor Supply....$20. Holds 1 1/2 gallons of water so I filled it with rocks to give the birds something to stand on. I think they’ll appreciate me.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Raquettedacker on Dec 05, 2020, 10:21 AM
That's a great idea..
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: MILLERMANKT on Dec 05, 2020, 10:14 PM
I'm going to do the same thing. I Have one for my chickens , why not put out another one for my other feathered friends .
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Dec 06, 2020, 04:34 AM
The cashier at TS told me she used one for her chickens. When I told her what I was going todo she said she was going to buy another for the song birds.

28 out and its not frozen at all.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Dec 07, 2020, 07:19 AM
Didn’t take long for the birds and squirrels to find the water. They were in and out quite a few times yesterday. Just drinking. Too cold out for a bath I guess.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: taxid on Dec 07, 2020, 09:01 AM
Stupid question RG. What if they do the bird bath in really fridgid temps like below zero? Could it be harmful or do they immediately shake off the water?
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Dec 07, 2020, 01:41 PM
I doubt they’d take any serious dip in really cold weather, but the back of my house is white and faces due south. It’s always 10-20 degrees warmer back there.

My Bride is my observer. She says the birds are drinking a lot but not jumping in for a bath. They’re probably smarter than I think.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: taxid on Dec 07, 2020, 02:05 PM
I doubt they’d take any serious dip in really cold weather, but the back of my house is white and faces due south. It’s always 10-20 degrees warmer back there.

My Bride is my observer. She says the birds are drinking a lot but not jumping in for a bath. They’re probably smarter than I think.

Rg

 ;D
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: old man river on Dec 08, 2020, 02:53 PM
 i still have Blue birds here coming to bird feeder every day

bird feeder for blue jays sparrows juncos red breasted rose finch
mostly has sunflowers bits, crushed peanuts  pistachios 
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Dec 09, 2020, 06:31 AM
We have a wide variety of birds at our feeders. We only feed black oil sunflower. It limits the English sparrows and starlings. Our suet feeders attract all kinds of clingers. We have house finches, purple finches, gold finches, Nuthatch, juncos, titmice,grosbeaks, cardinals, downys, hairy woodpeckers, chickadees and even the occasional pileated woodpecker.

We seldom see the bluebirds at the feeders. I’ll probably put out a couple of mealworm blocks for them when I mount the roost box. I’m thinking of incorporating  feeding stations on the sides of the box to get them to investigate it.

All the songbirds have been enjoying the water dish. Glad we put that out.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Dec 19, 2020, 07:14 AM
The bluebirds found the roost box with their meal worm goodies.
2 eating on the seed platform
(https://i.postimg.cc/KK2QGN0Q/230-D4-E61-8-FDC-4-F2-F-82-C5-E3-B1-AFA1-F940.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/KK2QGN0Q)

2 more coming in for a landing.
(https://i.postimg.cc/MMZDRG2Q/C826-C4-C6-3-B79-485-A-8-B5-E-71-DD57-B834-B5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MMZDRG2Q)
There were 5 or 6 out there just a minute ago.

We’re thrilled to help them in this fridgid weather.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Raquettedacker on Dec 19, 2020, 07:21 AM
Nothing like complete success .....     :thumbup_smilie: :thumbup_smilie: :thumbup_smilie: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Dec 19, 2020, 07:37 AM
Almost...haven’t seen them go inside yet. But now they know where it is and I’ll keep their platform supplied.

By the way, the heated water dish is absolutely a complete success. All the birds drink. Even the bluebirds and squirrels.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Doubles Shooter on Dec 19, 2020, 04:14 PM
Great job. Got it done just in time.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: zwiggles on Dec 19, 2020, 09:32 PM
We have a wide variety of birds at our feeders. We only feed black oil sunflower. It limits the English sparrows and starlings. Our suet feeders attract all kinds of clingers. We have house finches, purple finches, gold finches, Nuthatch, juncos, titmice,grosbeaks, cardinals, downys, hairy woodpeckers, chickadees and even the occasional pileated woodpecker.

We seldom see the bluebirds at the feeders. I’ll probably put out a couple of mealworm blocks for them when I mount the roost box. I’m thinking of incorporating  feeding stations on the sides of the box to get them to investigate it.

All the songbirds have been enjoying the water dish. Glad we put that out.

Rg

Try putting some mealworms closer to you windows in the house, or the feeders. Our bluebirds are totally territorial with the mealworms, and hang out around the feeders and bath simply because of how close they are. Although perhaps your songbirds are a bit more competitive then ours.

And the water is awesome this time of year. I’m confident our heated bath is the reason we have so many here year round.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Dec 20, 2020, 06:28 AM
There’s a mealworm block on out feeder outside the kitchen picture window. They visit it but not like the way they went after the block I put out on the roost box. They were there several times yesterday. The song birds and jays haven’t gone near that spot. They’re much happier with the feeders. I don’t thing the jays can get at the food on the roost box. I purposely made the platform small and deeper. The bluebirds are more than content getting right in there.

The nuthatches and chickadees like the meal worm block too. The finches will go after the sunflower hearts but like the seed better. Can’t believe how many birds we had out there yesterday.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Jan 09, 2021, 06:37 AM
No less than 5 bluebirds in my yard right now. They’re feeding on the meal worm blocks at the roost house and feeder station. Really cool to see that many around. They appreciate the heated water dish as well.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: iceman260 on Jan 09, 2021, 07:46 AM
How high does a bluebird house have to be off the ground .saw a bluebird yesterday and built a house, want to put it out in an open area. Want to now how high to make the post for it.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: zwiggles on Jan 09, 2021, 08:12 AM
Height around 6-7’ but make sure it’s away from your feeders. Also make sure it’s pointed in the direction of some trees within a short flying distance. They teach the young to fly back and forth.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Jan 09, 2021, 08:34 AM
Right! Audubon Society says 6-8’. Mine is around 7’. Away from roosting areas like bushes and dense trees is important. They don’t like company when they’re nesting or claiming a territory. I’ve watched ours go after anything in the general area of their box. Squirrels, cats, other birds...even saw the pair harass a couple crows on the ground enough that they left.

Ours have big trees with low branches around our  yard. They use the low branches to hunt insects on the ground and to keep watch on the nest box.

Putting out the meal worm blocks has successfully given them a food source. We’re thrilled to see them around. Of course the downside is we have to chase the starlings off the feeders , but we do that anyway.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: iceman260 on Jan 09, 2021, 03:26 PM
Zwiggles and Rg thanks for the reply will put it on 7ft. Pole.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: yankmyline on Jan 10, 2021, 09:48 AM
An idea to keep sparrows out of nest boxes is use heavy monofilament line. Hang the line in front of the entrance hole.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: yankmyline on Jan 10, 2021, 10:52 AM
Here is a picture.
(https://i.postimg.cc/qhgDJRjy/20190419-060155.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qhgDJRjy)
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Jan 10, 2021, 12:22 PM
Not recommended by any of the bluebird societies. Too great a chance of the bluebirds getting caught. I’ve read many accounts of finding dead bluebirds strangled in line.

Just saying....

Slot entrance on a Petersen style box is the most recommended. Some folks seem to think skylights help as well. For us, we don’t feed anything sparrows will eat. Greatly reduces the population in our yard.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Jan 18, 2021, 05:37 AM
My Bride called me out to the kitchen yesterday to see a Coopers Hawk perched on our feeder pole that’s not 10’ from our kitchen picture window. Pretty cool to see. It hung out for a minute or so and then took off. Too quick to get a picture.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Bartman44 on Jan 18, 2021, 06:25 AM
I had one in my pine tree just after Christmas as I was out grilling  a steak on the deck. Was perched on a limb watching me cook and seemed content just hanging with me.

On the subject of birds, my oldest son decided to have a family bird watching contest to help pass the winter, running from New Year's Day through the end of March. We have 8 family teams and we're having fun with it. You get a point for each unique sighting and 2 points if, at the end of the contest, you were the only ones to see that species.  Last night, my wife and I were sitting next to a field at dusk up in in Washington County, waiting for groups of short-eared owls to emerge from their burrows to feed. Sure enough, here they all come out  at about 5pm like the flying monkeys in the Wizard of Oz, screeching and feeding. I've never seen that many owls (about a dozen) at once.  My youngest son and his fiancée are leading with 42 points.   
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: old man river on Jan 18, 2021, 07:46 AM
Not a blue -bird , on my walk the other day
saw my first robin on path way,
today snow!!
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Jan 18, 2021, 07:55 AM
What a great idea Bart.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: zwiggles on Jan 18, 2021, 10:31 AM
What a great idea Bart.

Rg

X2! In suitors to here if some of the birds in the list if you don’t mind? Unless I missed something with the scoring 42, is a lot of birds!

Also very cool story of the owls. I used to go every night and have a drink/smoke on a trail in the woods by my house we’re the bats would pour out of my neighbors barn, down the trail, and out in the fields to feast.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Jan 18, 2021, 02:47 PM
Ya know.......we could do something like that here. There’s a few of us, but not that many. I’d be willing to keep score and donate some of my handiwork stuff. Might be good for these dreary days of winter. Heck, it would  give me a reason to go for a walk when I’m really not inclined to.

I’d be interested in how your son framed this contest Bart. What species count etc.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Raquettedacker on Jan 18, 2021, 04:08 PM
Look up back yard bird count.
 Audubon use to send me a poster of birds in North America.  Mom use to do it...
But we can start our own....... ;D
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Jan 18, 2021, 04:31 PM
We’ve done that many years. Just thought something for our small group might be fun.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Raquettedacker on Jan 18, 2021, 04:39 PM
I'm in.......
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Jan 18, 2021, 05:03 PM
Let me give it a think. I’m off tomorrow and sure I can come up with something cooperative and fun to do.

Any suggestions are very welcome.
 Bob
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: zwiggles on Jan 18, 2021, 05:44 PM
I’m in. That sounds like fun!
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Bartman44 on Jan 18, 2021, 06:45 PM
Ya know.......we could do something like that here. There’s a few of us, but not that many. I’d be willing to keep score and donate some of my handiwork stuff. Might be good for these dreary days of winter. Heck, it would  give me a reason to go for a walk when I’m really not inclined to.

I’d be interested in how your son framed this contest Bart. What species count etc.

Rg

My son created a group "Birdwatching"  Excel spreadsheet that's housed in Google. Everyone playing needs a Google account. If you have Gmail you already have an account. You go into your account and go to "sheets" then open it up. The spreadsheet has a summary page showing each teams' totals and then tabs for each team. You select your tab, find the bird you viewed (all the birds are preloaded), then add the date and location and you are done. It updates in real time so you can check the summary page to see how the others are doing.  I can check with my son to see what list he uploaded into the spreadsheet but it's eastern birds for sure, maybe even birds of NY. There are about 500 species preloaded to choose from. It is also programmed to give you 2 points if you are the only one currently 2 have found the bird and 1 point for all others.  Another rule of our contest is that the bird must be viewed in NY so pink flamingos don't count.     
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Bartman44 on Jan 18, 2021, 07:03 PM
X2! In suitors to here if some of the birds in the list if you don’t mind? Unless I missed something with the scoring 42, is a lot of birds!

Also very cool story of the owls. I used to go every night and have a drink/smoke on a trail in the woods by my house we’re the bats would pour out of my neighbors barn, down the trail, and out in the fields to feast.

42 is good but there are many, many sub species, lots of types sparrow, gull, ducks, etc. there's about 500 species on the list. Here's what the wife and I compiled since the first of the year. Some obvious ones still to get but many are tough to identify without good binoculars or camera zoom lens. I've dusted off my old SLR camera for this and it's fun to be taking photos again with something other than a smart phone.

Here's my "2 point"  barred owl from last week.       

(https://i.postimg.cc/CR7Js07w/o1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CR7Js07w)

(https://i.postimg.cc/cggmWnSJ/list-1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cggmWnSJ)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Kk6588GD/list-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Kk6588GD)
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Jan 30, 2021, 07:19 AM
My son created a group "Birdwatching"  Excel spreadsheet that's housed in Google. Everyone playing needs a Google account. If you have Gmail you already have an account. You go into your account and go to "sheets" then open it up. The spreadsheet has a summary page showing each teams' totals and then tabs for each team. You select your tab, find the bird you viewed (all the birds are preloaded), then add the date and location and you are done. It updates in real time so you can check the summary page to see how the others are doing.  I can check with my son to see what list he uploaded into the spreadsheet but it's eastern birds for sure, maybe even birds of NY. There are about 500 species preloaded to choose from. It is also programmed to give you 2 points if you are the only one currently 2 have found the bird and 1 point for all others.  Another rule of our contest is that the bird must be viewed in NY so pink flamingos don't count.   

Went into my Google account and looked in “sheets” . Didn’t find the spreadsheet you describe. Maybe it has to be shared somehow?

Bob
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Perch-Pirate on Jan 30, 2021, 08:24 AM
I think he needs to share it. I am also not able to find it.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Jan 31, 2021, 08:55 AM
Birds have been really mowing the feed.

(https://i.postimg.cc/T5qgNdjp/EAD8973-D-2715-4-D0-F-B5-BD-E683-B35-DDAED.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/T5qgNdjp)

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Bartman44 on Jan 31, 2021, 07:10 PM
Sorry you didn't find it RG. I come from a time where the greatest technological invention was a 100 lb. tube color TV that got three channels.  My oldest son is super busy at work so I asked my youngest son today and after talking to him, it may be too complicated for a guy like me to go build shared Excel files.

Maybe everyone can just keep a record of their sightings in their own  Word document and then take a picture of the doc then post in the thread every time they have an update.   

I looked for NY bird listings and came up with a few

https://nybirds.org/RecordsChecklists.htm (https://nybirds.org/RecordsChecklists.htm)     

https://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/checklist.jsp?region=USny&list=howardmoore (https://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/checklist.jsp?region=USny&list=howardmoore)


Last, We've been using e-bird to check on recent sightings. You need to set up an account to see all the sightings (and post yours). We find the bar charts useful in the "explore section."       

https://ebird.org/home (https://ebird.org/home)

 



Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Doubles Shooter on Feb 01, 2021, 07:20 AM
Birds have been really mowing the feed.

(https://i.postimg.cc/T5qgNdjp/EAD8973-D-2715-4-D0-F-B5-BD-E683-B35-DDAED.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/T5qgNdjp)

Rg
I'm going through 50 pounds of black oil seed in a week. It isn't the tree rats either. I discourage them from coming in.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Feb 01, 2021, 01:32 PM
Can we claim them as dependents on our taxes? :w00t:

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: iceman260 on Feb 02, 2021, 05:40 PM
Not a blue bird came across this plowing snow today, pretty neat.
(https://i.postimg.cc/t7btQr0J/IMG-0582-1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/t7btQr0J)
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Raquettedacker on Feb 03, 2021, 04:46 AM
Either a coppers hawk or a sharp shinned hawk..
 Pretty cool.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Feb 03, 2021, 05:18 AM
 Could be a Broad Winged adult morph.

Pretty cool!

Back when I was driving the bucket truck, I had a juvenile barred owl land on the hood of my truck. It was obviously misplaced and confused. It wouldn’t fly. I ended up putting it in a cardboard box and driving it to a rehab home after calling the DEC to locate someone local. The lady there said it probably just fell out of the nest although I couldn’t locate one nearby. She called me a couple weeks later to say it was successfully released.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Doubles Shooter on Feb 03, 2021, 06:40 AM
Great picture. We have been sitting out back watching the feeders before when there will be a brown streak from the woods and a puff of feathers where a tweety bird was as a Kestrel nailed one for lunch. It happens so quick my wife and I just look at each other saying WOW! Nature is entertaining.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: iceman260 on Feb 03, 2021, 06:49 AM
He didn't want to leave his kill,I got within 6ft. Of him he finally flew off with the rabbit, he is a beautiful bird. Nature is both beautiful and cruel.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Feb 03, 2021, 06:52 AM
Probably a hard earned meal for him....or her.

We have a Kestrel and a Coopers  that keep an eye on our feeders too. The Coopers is bold enough to have landed on the feeder pole several times. It’s only 10’ from our kitchen picture window. My Bride loves watching them. Especially since she’s been pretty much confined to home since last March.

It’ll be nice when we can go sit outside in the afternoon and watch the critters.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Bartman44 on Feb 07, 2021, 11:00 AM
Still bird watching, it's getting me out of the house. It's getting harder to find new species as I've checked off many of the usual winter birds. Having fun with the camera too.
     
(https://i.postimg.cc/Ffxr9hR0/bb1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Ffxr9hR0)

(https://i.postimg.cc/qgFkBbkD/bb2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qgFkBbkD)

(https://i.postimg.cc/DJy20RJH/bb3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DJy20RJH)

(https://i.postimg.cc/N2KB7Txx/bb4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/N2KB7Txx)

(https://i.postimg.cc/DSknLS4q/bb5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DSknLS4q)

(https://i.postimg.cc/ft2M95YL/bb6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ft2M95YL)

(https://i.postimg.cc/jLJRDH2x/bb7.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jLJRDH2x)

(https://i.postimg.cc/6TqWXJNG/bb8.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/6TqWXJNG)
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Feb 09, 2021, 05:00 AM
Very nice Bart. Like the upside down suet feeder. I made a couple a few years ago. It deters the starlings for the most part. They can’t hang on long upside down. The woodpeckers, flicker and nuthatches have no problem with them.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Doubles Shooter on Feb 09, 2021, 06:01 AM
Very nice Bart. Like the upside down suet feeder. I made a couple a few years ago. It deters the starlings for the most part. They can’t hang on long upside down. The woodpeckers, flicker and nuthatches have no problem with them.

Rg

Great idea. That is defiantly something I'm going to do. Those starlings mob my suet and will clean out a two pound feeder in a few hours. They were so thick last summer, I actually got 4 with one shot off the top of my big feeder.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Raquettedacker on Feb 09, 2021, 06:52 AM
Glad I don’t have starlings up here.
 But I might have to buy a new pellet gun and make some squirrel gumbo..    ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Feb 09, 2021, 07:06 AM
Haven’t had any squirrel problems yet this winter. They eat off the ground and don’t seem interested in trying to get on the feeders.

I keep the pellet pistol in my upstairs hobby room. I need to figure out how to skin those starlings for fly tying material.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: zwiggles on Feb 09, 2021, 12:37 PM
We had a bluebird and a grackle (I think) face off at lunch today. The grackle would chase 5-6 off the box each time until this one blue bird decided he was hungry.

It was a fun back and forth at lunch watching them chase each other.


(https://i.postimg.cc/TKGYGJNY/68-B40845-4-FAB-444-B-AEE3-DDE314-D10-E57.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TKGYGJNY)
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Feb 09, 2021, 03:06 PM
European starling. Just ordered 3 skins for fly tying.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Raquettedacker on Feb 09, 2021, 04:50 PM
Z do you have any problems with birds bouncing off the window? 
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: zwiggles on Feb 09, 2021, 05:24 PM
Z do you have any problems with birds bouncing off the window?

For whatever reason, no not that much. Only a few of the species seem to go for the mealworms on the window, and the main set of feeders is 15’ from the house.

The bluebird/mealworm feeder is new this year, but the main feeder has been there for 15 years. Maybe they are more used to it? I have seen a few over the years bonk the windows, but only handful. When a predator or blue Jay comes in they all tend to bounce to the forest on the other side of the lawn.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Mac Attack on Feb 09, 2021, 05:52 PM
What exactly is the obsession with Bluebirds guys?
There is zero meat on them.

 8)
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Feb 10, 2021, 06:24 AM
Z do you have any problems with birds bouncing off the window?

Mostly doves. They’re not very smart from what I can tell. Every once in a while we can see a perfect dove shadow on the picture window in the kitchen.

No obsession Mac. Just enjoyment.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Feb 17, 2021, 02:23 PM
Well this could go in  the “little wood shop” thread, but it’s for the Bluebirds.
“Our Bluebird buffet”

I got tired of chasing the starlings off the platform feeder. They devour the mealworms and suet pellets. So, I made a bluebird feeder. The entrance is only 1 1/2” so the starlings can’t get in. The smaller birds like the wrens might make use of it too.

(https://i.postimg.cc/v1t9L9Py/95586990-453-D-4021-BF31-A4-CDC7-C46764.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/v1t9L9Py)
One side of the roof is removable for filling and cleaning. The house should be pretty water and snow proof.
(https://i.postimg.cc/7b6705Sv/8-F8-A2104-8-F67-45-D3-A175-56-C06-BCB2881.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7b6705Sv)

(https://i.postimg.cc/yDqSMntB/ADF7-A54-B-3-C44-4-F0-D-B89-C-A9856-EC92-C11.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yDqSMntB)

(https://i.postimg.cc/7bWzVqN5/5-FF66666-7-E63-48-CD-87-D6-C91-AA28-C41-B6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7bWzVqN5)

There’s a pan of mealworms, sunflower chips, chopped dried cherries and mealworm suet pellets for them. We’ve had up to 7 bluebirds at out feeders and water dish this last week. We’ll see if they get used to it.

Giving them a food source in the winter is helpful. We’ll take it down when spring and bugs arrive.
Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Raquettedacker on Feb 17, 2021, 04:39 PM
Very nice feeding/water station..... :thumbup_smilie: :thumbup_smilie:
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Feb 17, 2021, 04:50 PM
I made the feeder completely out of stuff I had laying around. It was a challenge I set for myself.

We’ve been really happy with how much the birds use the water dish. Best item I’ve added to the winter feeders.  Only thing I’ve found is that you need to clean it thoroughly about every 4-5 days. Man it gets pretty gross if you don’t.

$20 worth of enjoyment for my Bride and I. And....the birds love it.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Feb 18, 2021, 09:41 AM
Well the bluebirds found the feeder. One went right in and chowed down. Only problem was it couldn’t find its way out. The entrance hole was too high and it couldn’t get to it. I had to go out and release it...which was kind of cool. I’ve never held a live bluebird before. It was remarkably calm.

Anyway I added a platform in the feeder to raise the floor  so they can pretty much walk right out with ease.

We’ll see how they do with that.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Mar 10, 2021, 05:22 AM
Put up a new nest box for the bluebirds yesterday.

(https://i.postimg.cc/w1fY06WQ/8-D8981-DD-8-FA1-4093-8492-EBD8-A4-FF5917.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w1fY06WQ)
 I decided to go with a Peterson style box this time. We were sitting out and within 2 hours there was a pair in and out of the house checking it out. I think they approved.

They’ve been using the feeder I put out
(https://i.postimg.cc/zbfsh4wP/645-EF649-90-EC-4-CBD-B894-7990927-AC19-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zbfsh4wP)
 I removed the plexiglas from one side and installed some dowels to make 1.5 x 1.5” openings. They still weren’t too sure about it so I added a couple perches for them to land on. Now 2 of them use it regularly. I’ll sink a post near the nest box and move it over there sometime soon to give them a food source when they decide to take up residence. The only challenge then is to keep the damned starlings out of it.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Raquettedacker on Mar 10, 2021, 05:25 AM
Nice job...👍
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Mar 10, 2021, 05:28 AM
Yeah, I like the blue birdhouse👍

Bob
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: zwiggles on Mar 10, 2021, 05:26 PM
Very nice indeed!
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Mar 12, 2021, 03:01 PM
Saw my first flock of killdeers down by the canal this morning.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: yankmyline on Mar 20, 2021, 07:56 PM
I have a pair of bluebirds starting to build a nest. During the winter 5 to 8 bluebirds would come to my mealworm feeder every day. Once the pair started nesting they chased the others away.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Mar 21, 2021, 09:20 PM
Yeah, the nesting pair have been chasing the others away for the last couple weeks. It’s normal territorial behavior. They seem to be more accommodating at the feeder box for some reason. We have 6  or 7 around .

They really like the heated water bowl as do all the other birds. Our best addition to our winter feeding stations. So far.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: MILLERMANKT on Mar 25, 2021, 01:42 PM
Not a Bluebird , but I had a male Scarlet Tanger checking out a couple of my birdhouses. For some reason I dont see many of them. He was beautiful
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Mar 25, 2021, 02:58 PM
I see them sometimes along the canal when fishing in the summer.
 They’re pretty special.
Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Bartman44 on Apr 22, 2021, 06:47 PM
My bluebirds didn't come back this year but my son has 2 nesting pairs in his back yard. Took this shot sitting on his deck. Cool bird, they're not shy. 
 
(https://i.postimg.cc/yk01kZtF/BB1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yk01kZtF)
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Apr 23, 2021, 04:24 AM
Ours have moved into the new house and are defending it very well this year. I definitely think the Peterson style box has made a difference. The sparrows just don’t like it and the bluebirds are very happy about that.

We’re still plagued by the starlings trying to get at the mealworms in the bluebird feeder. But, I’ll be taking that down in a few weeks when the bug population is more accessible to the bluebirds. There’s only one pair around now. Our nesting pair has claimed the territory and run the others out of town.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Doubles Shooter on Apr 23, 2021, 05:57 AM
We have a pair checking out the house in the back yard. Also there is a Chickadee also going in and out of it. No nesting material in in yet.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Apr 23, 2021, 06:26 AM
We’ve had chickadees in our houses before. One pair was using a wren box till the wrens kicked them out. I burned all the wren houses after figuring out they were responsible for destroying one of the bluebird clutches. Nasty little birds those house wrens.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Doubles Shooter on Apr 24, 2021, 03:32 PM
I almost built some some wren houses this winter until learned more about them. Cute, but.....
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Raquettedacker on Apr 24, 2021, 03:58 PM
Chickadees like some wood chips in there house.,   ;) ;). 
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Raquettedacker on Apr 24, 2021, 03:59 PM
Wrens will fill a house up just so other birds don’t use it..
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Apr 24, 2021, 04:15 PM
Chickadees like some wood chips in there house.,   ;) ;).

I might be able to fins some wood chips around here ;)

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Raquettedacker on Apr 25, 2021, 12:48 PM
Not bluebirds but took my wind chimes down the other day because of the wind... This was on the back side of the top..

(https://i.postimg.cc/dLy8yDnR/30-EC984-E-0-B55-447-C-9868-AA8-D1857-C7-B3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dLy8yDnR)
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Skifisher on Apr 25, 2021, 12:55 PM
We’ve had chickadees in our houses before. One pair was using a wren box till the wrens kicked them out. I burned all the wren houses after figuring out they were responsible for destroying one of the bluebird clutches. Nasty little birds those house wrens.

Rg

Are wrens the same species as sparrows? My neighbor has a chicken coop, and the population of sparrows has exploded! Any suggestions as to how to get rid of them?
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Raquettedacker on Apr 25, 2021, 01:59 PM
Are wrens the same species as sparrows? My neighbor has a chicken coop, and the population of sparrows has exploded! Any suggestions as to how to get rid of them?

  No but sparrows will kill other nesting birds..  Glad I live in am higher elevation where they dont live.. ;D
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Apr 25, 2021, 02:11 PM
Not bluebirds but took my wind chimes down the other day because of the wind... This was on the back side of the top..

(https://i.postimg.cc/dLy8yDnR/30-EC984-E-0-B55-447-C-9868-AA8-D1857-C7-B3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dLy8yDnR)

Someone thought it was home.

English sparrows can be trapped and disposed of. They’re an invasive.  Check out sparrow traps.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Doubles Shooter on Apr 26, 2021, 06:13 AM
Are wrens the same species as sparrows? My neighbor has a chicken coop, and the population of sparrows has exploded! Any suggestions as to how to get rid of them?

If you can, They make for good hunting practice with a pellet or BB gun. Set up a sniper's hide and have fun. They are not a protected species.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Apr 26, 2021, 06:30 PM
Our male bluebird is becoming extremely territorial. Pretty sure they have eggs in the nest already.We’ve seen him dive on squirrels, chase starlings from the bluebird  feeder and yesterday a sparrow was trying to take a bath in the birdbath and he came out of nowhere to chase it away.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Bartman44 on May 04, 2021, 07:35 PM
Our male bluebird is becoming extremely territorial. Pretty sure they have eggs in the nest already.We’ve seen him dive on squirrels, chase starlings from the bluebird  feeder and yesterday a sparrow was trying to take a bath in the birdbath and he came out of nowhere to chase it away.

Rg

I stopped at my son's last night to drop off some homemade chowder and have a beer on his deck and his bluebirds rule his yard. He's still putting out meal worms in the feeder and if any other birds come anywhere near the feeder he comes out of nowhere and pounces on the them. Fun show to watch.

(https://i.postimg.cc/Hr6fKJ7b/h2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Hr6fKJ7b)

(https://i.postimg.cc/yD1MvhWV/h3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yD1MvhWV)

(https://i.postimg.cc/KRDXPpGq/h4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/KRDXPpGq)
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: hunts2long on May 05, 2021, 05:59 AM
Bart, great pictures. Good timing on the middle one....h2l
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on May 05, 2021, 08:57 AM
Our pair do the same. Just watched them chase a couple starlings off the feeder and out of the yard. The best is watching them dive on the squirrels.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Raquettedacker on May 05, 2021, 09:08 AM
Yeah that’s cool. Nice job 👍
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: zwiggles on May 05, 2021, 10:15 AM
Out bluebirds have their first clutch of young chirping away now. Hopefully the cold weather coming up doesn’t ruin it.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Raquettedacker on May 05, 2021, 05:05 PM
Saw my first mean ol little house wren when I got home today....
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on May 05, 2021, 05:29 PM
We ate dinner watching our pair make trip after trip to the mealworm feeder. No doubt that they have chicks in the nest. It’s been a weird spring. Warm, cold, warm, cold,... not much for bugs.....hope they get this clutch reared successfully.  If they do. There will be more this year.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on May 10, 2021, 06:06 AM
So far so good. The pair are feeding all day long. It’s a constant battle with the starlings.

The bluebirds are funny. If the feed tray is getting they’ll perch out there and stare in the kitchen window at us.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on May 17, 2021, 06:30 AM
One should fledge any day now. Maybe even today. Mom and Pop have basically stopped taking food to the box and are hanging outside. I think they’re trying to encourage them to take the plunge.
 We can see them in the box opening.
Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Doubles Shooter on May 17, 2021, 07:30 AM
Finally getting action in my nest box. The nest is maybe half finished. I had to discourage a couple sparrows, but they got the message fast.
For some reason, our birds seem to nest later in the season. Last summer they raised 2 broods.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on May 17, 2021, 01:05 PM
Ours are out and in the trees. Mom and Pop have been hitting the feeder and flying off into the top of one of our big maples.
Haven’t spotted any of the chicks as yet. At this point they’re still really camouflaged.

I’ll clean out the nest box and give it a good scrub before they want to nest again.
Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Bartman44 on May 18, 2021, 06:42 PM
Well my son's didn't fair so well. He came home from a fishing trip the other night, noticed no activity, and found three little ones dead on the ground. He said a house sparrow invaded the nest, apparently they are deadly on bluebirds. We were saddened  but nature is cruel.  The good news is that his other pair are doing just fine.     
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on May 18, 2021, 06:47 PM
What type of house is he using?
The Petersen style I built this year foiled the sparrows completely. We’ve yet to find our chicks in the trees, but mom and pop have been running back and forth to the tree tops feeding them.hard to spot them.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Doubles Shooter on May 19, 2021, 09:51 AM
It looks like we have eggs in the nest. I've been stuck in the hospital that last 4 days with some heart problems and haven't been able to guard against sparrows. My wife thought she saw one on the nest box yesterday. I had her peek today to see what kind of nesting material was in it. She carefully opened it and saw that female hunkered down there. She closed it and backed off. I'm hoping to be released today or tomorrow so I can guard it.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Perch-Pirate on May 19, 2021, 11:29 AM
I hope you feel better Doubles...take it easy when you get out. A nice comfy spot in the shade with a pellet gun watching over the nesting area!!!
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Doubles Shooter on May 19, 2021, 03:30 PM
I hope you feel better Doubles...take it easy when you get out. A nice comfy spot in the shade with a pellet gun watching over the nesting area!!!
That is the plan, however it will be a bit longer. I went in for atrial fibrillation which they fixed, but tests today have me scheduled for quadruple bypass next week. Still plan on guard duty when I get out. Thanks for the thoughts. Bob
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Bartman44 on May 20, 2021, 04:53 AM
What type of house is he using?
The Petersen style I built this year foiled the sparrows completely. We’ve yet to find our chicks in the trees, but mom and pop have been running back and forth to the tree tops feeding them.hard to spot them.

Rg

Honestly don't know one from the other. The pictured boxes came with my son's house when he bought it.  I'm sure he'd be willing to upgrade the box so I'll do some research on the Peterson style. Thanks.
 
(https://i.postimg.cc/9rHr7ncm/bb12.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9rHr7ncm)
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: hunts2long on May 20, 2021, 05:35 AM
DS, get well soon, you are in my thoughts...h2l
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: iceman260 on May 20, 2021, 07:13 AM
DS get well soon thoughts are with you.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Doubles Shooter on May 20, 2021, 08:37 AM
Thanks everyone. My wife said she will guard the bluebirds till I get mobile. She's good with the pellet gun.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on May 20, 2021, 11:00 AM
This is a Peterson box.

(https://i.postimg.cc/5HMP0BZz/1-A0-E1-A88-304-C-4-A3-C-AF3-F-18-C66439-F75-A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5HMP0BZz)

Here’s mine.


Hope you get better soon. We’ll be thinking about you.

Rg
(https://i.postimg.cc/NKv87gpq/B1-CAADF2-F6-D9-4-ED1-908-E-5-F10-D3033-CDC.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/NKv87gpq)
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: MILLERMANKT on May 20, 2021, 10:40 PM
Heal quickly DS
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on May 21, 2021, 07:15 AM
Just spotted the 4 bluebird chicks in the tree top. They all look very healthy and well fed.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on May 25, 2021, 12:07 PM
Took the bluebird house down. The sparrows were trying to nest in it. I’ll wait a few weeks and put it back up.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on May 28, 2021, 02:08 PM
Bluebirds are around but busy I guess.

Saw 2 bald eagles on my walk today. I knew there was one around. But 2 perched in a tree was exceptional. Gotta start taking my camera.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: zwiggles on Jun 01, 2021, 09:51 PM
We saw our bluebirds and their chicks at the feeders today. I had seen them up in the tree tops, but seeing them at the feeders was neat. Their brood and a couple of baby grackles seem to be all over the meal worms. It’s funny watching them ask to be fed even though the food is right in front of them.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Jun 02, 2021, 02:42 PM
Our flock came through a bit ago. Chicks are still spotted but showing some blue on their backs.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: old man river on Jun 02, 2021, 05:23 PM
  FEED ME !!
(https://i.postimg.cc/SjDKFtxq/blue-birds.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SjDKFtxq)

Busy mom  there are 3 new ones all total
 feeding them freeze dried and real meal worms
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Stickbait on Jun 02, 2021, 06:56 PM
Ours haven’t fledged yet. Dont even know if they’ve hatched yet!! But dads ever vigilant for danger.



(https://i.postimg.cc/K1B78hqq/586954-F5-6-E41-4-D55-8-DFF-94181-ADA869-B.png) (https://postimg.cc/K1B78hqq)
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Jun 03, 2021, 07:11 AM
I’ve been meaning to add a perch atop the bluebird house. Great idea.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Jun 07, 2021, 08:34 AM
Was watering the gardens this morning and our nesting pair were perched on the fence near the post. So I put the house back up. 20 minutes later the female was taking in nesting material and the male was guarding the territory. Guess they’re ready!

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: Beekeeper1099 on Jun 07, 2021, 03:56 PM
Very nice rg.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: zwiggles on Jun 07, 2021, 10:09 PM
I’ve been meaning to add a perch atop the bluebird house. Great idea.

Rg

X2!
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: yankmyline on Jun 17, 2021, 02:25 PM
I have a pair nesting now. They got a late start. I checked the nest last weekend and she has laid four eggs but they aren't blue. She laid white ones.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: yankmyline on Jun 17, 2021, 02:33 PM

(https://i.postimg.cc/pyQ5q94Z/20210609-111148.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/pyQ5q94Z)
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Jun 17, 2021, 03:00 PM
Awesome. We’re waiting to see if our pair will nest again. They’re still tending the first clutch, but I saw the male chase one of the chicks the other day and he’s been defending the nest box every day.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: zwiggles on Jun 17, 2021, 10:00 PM
Nice! I think ours have moved nest boxes, but are starting their second clutch of the year. We also have a Carolina wren nesting in an impatient we have hanging on the front porch. They are neat birds to watch as well. Hopefully they can successfully hatch out theirs as well.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Jun 18, 2021, 08:10 AM
Watch those wrens my friend. They’re nasty little birds and will kill the bluebird chicks if they don’t destroy the eggs first. When we had wren houses up ( all gone now) one pair killed 5 of the other pair’s chicks.

Pretty sure they were responsible for the demise of one clutch of bluebird eggs as well. Found them on the ground and in the nest box with little holes pecked in them.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: yankmyline on Jun 19, 2021, 07:10 AM
Bad news this morning. Went to check the nestbox and I tapped on the side but the female didn't move. I opened the box and the female was dead and two chicks dead. The other two eggs didn't hatch. I don't know what happened, there was no signs of injury. The female did have some kind of slime on her belly. That is the first time there's been a problem.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Jun 19, 2021, 08:17 AM
That’s a shame. Personally I’d replace the box with a new one. Hard to say what kind of contamination might be in there.

Rg
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: taxid on Jun 21, 2021, 08:00 PM
I cleaned up the Purple Martin house my dad built 5 years ago and made the openings smaller to keep out the sparrows and starlings that have been nesting in it. My dad just didn't have the time to deal with it due to the health issues of my mother and the constant supervision she needs.

Starling and English Sparrows have lost interest but a bluebird keeps checking it out. (No PM's yet). I believe the openings are too small for the bluebird also. The openings are now crescent shaped and only 1 3/16th inches high at the highest point.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: zwiggles on Jun 21, 2021, 08:23 PM
Watch those wrens my friend. They’re nasty little birds and will kill the bluebird chicks if they don’t destroy the eggs first. When we had wren houses up ( all gone now) one pair killed 5 of the other pair’s chicks.

Pretty sure they were responsible for the demise of one clutch of bluebird eggs as well. Found them on the ground and in the nest box with little holes pecked in them.

Rg

Hmm, I would be surprised if the Carolina wrens would mess with the bluebirds. I know house wrens do, but Carolina wrens are extremely poor fliers, and they actually seem to avoid the bluebirds overall.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: zwiggles on Jun 28, 2021, 07:28 PM
So the Carolina wrens have hatched out of our hanging flower pot in our farmers porch, and these might be my favorite encounter yet with birds. All 3 of the eggs/chicks turned into fledglings today in the heat and took out from the hanging flower plant we had on our farmers porch. 3 cute little fluff balls bombed around the porch all afternoon and I spent quite a bit of time watching them. Once I sat in a chair for a bit they didn’t even notice me.

The parents seemed to rip open the nest today (maybe because if the excessive afternoon heat?) and forced them out I would assume. I got out of work, and the little buggers were under my feet as I stepped out the door. They are really awful flying birds, and the chicks were incredibly entertaining to watch as they figured out how to fly. Eventually this evening mom and dad corralled them into the top of our hanging Katsura tree and I think they may survive day one, and hopefully continue the momentum.


(https://i.postimg.cc/0zv5NyFR/0-B31-FFC4-9-FC6-4-C41-A820-730-E4-DC8-D760.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0zv5NyFR)

(https://i.postimg.cc/YGvMPGGg/C257-C056-26-F1-48-B2-80-E9-B72554-FCDEBA.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YGvMPGGg)
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Oct 10, 2021, 10:41 AM
So a couple months ago after our bluebirds hatched out, the sparrows were trying to take over the house. The bluebirds were too busy with their little ones and couldn’t spend the time to defend their home.

So I took the front off the house. Put it back on yesterday and this morning, not only were they in the house, but defending it against a bunch of sparrows. Less than 24 hours since I put the front back on.
Title: Re: Bluebirds
Post by: rgfixit on Nov 07, 2021, 06:39 AM
Bluebirds are hanging around.
(https://i.postimg.cc/zbZYNFCd/F1-B5-EC64-5-A2-C-4754-8714-4-E583-D3-C18-FB.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zbZYNFCd)

They like that mealworm block.