Hi fellow BB watchers.  Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving.  Well here it is the end of November and I still have Blue birds hanging around my yard and BB houses. There are 4 or 5 of them and I have never had them this long, they used to leave in or around September.  I'm in Northern Oakland County.  Should they decide to stay for the Winter, I was wondering what they will feed on.  I know some of you say yours eat scrambled eggs...some eat raisins....mine did not seam to like the dried mealworms.  Wife won't let me keep 10,000 live ones in the frig that is in the house, and the frig in the garage will freeze things in the winter.   Anyone have any suggestions on feed and what about roosting ?  The BB houses are empty and clean, so I was wondering if I should fill one up with some straw or dryer lint or something for them to stay warm in.  No I don't use fabric softner and we use all organic laundry soaps so that should not be an issue for any toxic chemicals.

 

Jeff

Hi Jeff,

I noticed 5-6 bluebirds at our place in Southwest Michigan too last weekend. They were going in and out of the houses, they seemed to be eating hawthorne berries and sumac from what I could see. I read recently that they can winter over. Keep me posted on what you find out.

Leslie

This is not something that I witnessed yet, but I have been told of a nesting
pair that came back to the Traverse City area (in Northern Michigan). I guess I
need to plan my Spring Break time repairing my nest boxes and deciding where
they are going to be placed. I have decided to move the majority to another
area.

Any other siteings?

Wow, well I am glad you were able to catch him. I am not a supporter of
trapping/killing house sparrows, but I do not deal with it like you do. I have a
few house wrens and that is about it. I live/maintain a very open area with
multiple ecosystems that everyone is pretty happy. I would like less tree
swallows though. I don't love birds that want to dive bomb me (tree swallows) or
yell at me while I am feeding them (red-wing blackbirds).  But I know my plight
is better than others.

I also had a poor nesting season last year. The area I had the majority of my
boxes is a huge open field/wet land area. They did not mow the are like usual so
I think that had a big impact. I also had issues with wasps. I used soup and
everything, but they found a way still to nest in my boxes. I am going to move
the majority of my boxes to a new area that I have been having continuous
success in.



--- In MBSbbnestboxcentral@yahoogroups.com, c fitzpatrick <gdfitzmich@...>
wrote:
>
>
> I can't speak for northern Michigan where it's colder, but I live in southeast
Michigan (Oakland County) and have seen a pair of bluebirds at a PVC nestbox in
my 7 acre backyard off and on all winter.  I don't think they ever went too far.
The same thing happened last year and that was a terrrrrible winter down here. 
They are true survivors.  I hope this breeding season will be better than last
after eliminating two dozen house sparrows that breed in the tall spruce trees
in this rural area.  An aggressive male HOSP killed 5 bluebird nestlings last
summer.  I was able to trap and kill him and the BB's went on to have a
successful nesting after that.
>
>
> To: MBSbbnestboxcentral@yahoogroups.com
> From: missy3681@...
> Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2012 21:57:08 +0000
> Subject: [MBSbbnestboxcentral] 1st bluebird of 2012 in Traverse City area!
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> This is not something that I witnessed yet, but I have been told of a nesting
pair that came back to the Traverse City area (in Northern Michigan). I guess I
need to plan my Spring Break time repairing my nest boxes and deciding where
they are going to be placed. I have decided to move the majority to another
area.
>
> Any other siteings?
>

Hello! I thought this would be an interesting topic for everyone and one that I
am going to be working on over Spring Break next week.

I work in our local school district in Traverse City and am planning on trying
to set up some bird boxes there.

I have included a link that should show the front of the building. It does not
show the grounds though.

http://www.tcaps.net/StudentPrograms/MiddleSchoolInformationGrades68/MiddleSchoo\
lLocations/tabid/2001/Default.aspx

The school is on a hill surrounded by pine trees. There are some wet land/swampy
areas on the campus where we have some nice walking areas, but within trees and
in the back of the property. There is a large hill far from the school, but
viewable if you were standing in the picture (at the link). It is open, but has
some lines of trees behind it.

I am using them for extra opportunities to teach our middle school students
about birding and ornithology in general. It is not in our curriculum, but is a
nice step into their active learning and real life experience.

So what I need from our great experts here:

What do you think are the best boxes for monitoring any cavity nesting birds?

Do you think we should try some mealworms,etc? (my class had to name and take
care of mealworms this year. One student named their slowpoke)

Any good spots or tips for a school or public setting and monitoring boxes?

Just noticed on my way to work Thursday April 9th that one of my bluebird boxes
had a nesting pair. The poor bluebirds were getting dive bombed by three tree
swallows. So the next day, my husband came out with my 2yr old son and I and we
placed a couple more nesting boxes up. I was able to get my bluebirds to move
from a field area with no mowing, to a maintained field. Last year I had two
sets of fledgings die and I think this was a large reason. It is in an extremely
large area so I could not do independent feedings. We will see about that for
this year...

 

Just noticed on my way to work Thursday April 9th that one of my bluebird boxes had a nesting pair. The poor bluebirds were getting dive bombed by three tree swallows. So the next day, my husband came out with my 2yr old son and I and we placed a couple more nesting boxes up. I was able to get my bluebirds to move from a field area with no mowing, to a maintained field. Last year I had two sets of fledgings die and I think this was a large reason. It is in an extremely large area so I could not do independent feedings. We will see about that for this year...

 

I have 20 pairs of boxes no more than 15-20 ft apart and haven't had any problems with swallows harassing bbs.  I think it helps that the bbs usuually start nesting earlier and that the tss usually only raise one brood/season.  They often will nest side by side.  So far 4 bb nests, 2 with eggs already, and no TS nests yet.  --- On Mon, 4/16/12, Tom Comfort <comfort@...> wrote: From: Tom Comfort <comfort@...> Subject: Re: [MBSbbnestboxcentral] 1st bluebirds of the year To: "MBSbbnestboxcentral@yahoogroups.com" <MBSbbnestboxcentral@yahoogroups.com> Date: Monday, April 16, 2012, 5:44 PM   If you keep promoting tres w multiple boxes. You will lose the bbs Tres will nest 30 ft apt Sent from my iPod Tom Comfort 231-676-0565 On Apr 16, 2012, at 4:22 PM, "Melissa" <missy3681@...> wrote:   Just noticed on my way to work Thursday April 9th that one of my bluebird boxes had a nesting pair. The poor bluebirds were getting dive bombed by three tree swallows. So the next day, my husband came out with my 2yr old son and I and we placed a couple more nesting boxes up. I was able to get my bluebirds to move from a field area with no mowing, to a maintained field. Last year I had two sets of fledgings die and I think this was a large reason. It is in an extremely large area so I could not do independent feedings. We will see about that for this year...

 

 Our  bbs fought off the sparrows and are still fighting with the swallows but they have 4 eggs in the nest.  Looks like the swallows will build their nest again in the bluebird feeder that is not too far away from the bluebirds nest.  This has happened for the past three years and after the swallows establish their nest there are no problems.  Hoping it doesn't get too cold for the bbs eggs.  I have not had a nesting this early in the season so don't know what to expect from such an early nesting with cold nights. 

 

LuAnne

Berrien County

---

From: "John S. Harville" <john_s_harville@...>
To: MBSbbnestboxcentral@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, April 16, 2012 9:58:07 PM
Subject: Re: [MBSbbnestboxcentral] 1st bluebirds of the year

 

I too have a less than great record with paired boxes.  Occasionally it works for me but more often it hasn't.  Neither bird likes it and it is stressful for both.  It is best workable if the BB has established a nest before the posse of tree swallows show up, not always the case.  BBs don't always prevail under these circumstances either.  Otherwise, tree swallows will do everything they can to keep BBs and anything else away from and out of the second box.   

 

My thoughts are that personality can be the difference as to whether BBs will prevail, or not.   Over the years you will note that BBs have individual personalities, just like people.  I've had milquetoasts that roll over and play dead at the sight of a tree swallow, and conversely, one in recent memory that went after a crow that was just flying through his zone.  If you get lucky and get one of these more aggressive males, then your chances of good things happening are much greater.  

 

John Harville

Berrien County 

 

If indeed single boxes are now the way to go, should I still put them at least 200 ft apart?  I'm assuming that I could put them a bit closer to allow more room for swallows to nest, too. --- On Tue, 4/17/12, carolyn osolind <osolindc@...> wrote: From: carolyn osolind <osolindc@...> Subject: Re: [MBSbbnestboxcentral] 1st bluebirds of the year To: MBSbbnestboxcentral@yahoogroups.com Date: Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 3:49 PM   Ours bbs with 4 eggs have also fought off the tree swallows. Only lasted a few minutes though.  I haven't seen any problems with the sparrows yet. Our bbs over-wintered with us, and had their eggs by the end of March. Now they're also in competition with the Robins for the mealworms!  I too am concerned about the cold nights.  Carolyn Livingston County On Tue, Apr 17, 2012 at 3:24 PM, <laschwank@...> wrote:    Our  bbs fought off the sparrows and are still fighting with the swallows but they have 4 eggs in the nest.  Looks like the swallows will build their nest again in the bluebird feeder that is not too far away from the bluebirds nest.  This has happened for the past three years and after the swallows establish their nest there are no problems.  Hoping it doesn't get too cold for the bbs eggs.  I have not had a nesting this early in the season so don't know what to expect from such an early nesting with cold nights.    LuAnne Berrien County From: "John S. Harville" <john_s_harville@...> To: MBSbbnestboxcentral@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, April 16, 2012 9:58:07 PM Subject: Re: [MBSbbnestboxcentral] 1st bluebirds of the year   I too have a less than great record with paired boxes.  Occasionally it works for me but more often it hasn't.  Neither bird likes it and it is stressful for both.  It is best workable if the BB has established a nest before the posse of tree swallows show up, not always the case.  BBs don't always prevail under these circumstances either.  Otherwise, tree swallows will do everything they can to keep BBs and anything else away from and out of the second box.      My thoughts are that personality can be the difference as to whether BBs will prevail, or not.   Over the years you will note that BBs have individual personalities, just like people.  I've had milquetoasts that roll over and play dead at the sight of a tree swallow, and conversely, one in recent memory that went after a crow that was just flying through his zone.  If you get lucky and get one of these more aggressive males, then your chances of good things happening are much greater.     John Harville Berrien County

Okay, I am entering into this conversation as a newcomer and novice to all of this so go easy on me..
I put up 3 boxes at our place in Three Oaks, MI. 5 years ago and have had only one occupied for all of the years. The others were taken over by tree swallows. This year, I saw the bluebirds throughout the winter but now they are not around.
I clipped out some wasps nests inside the box a few weeks ago and I am wondering why they have not returned. Last year, they didn't nest until June though. The tree swallows fought them throughout the spring months for the one house but finally the bluebirds took over and nested. This year, the tree swallows are sitting on top of the other two houses but not the designated bluebird house which is odd. Another fact, the houses are placed facing east, in an open area, with a low tree or bush 30 feet to the east. They are in a prairie too. Can anyone help me understand this better?

----- Original Message -----

From: Lawrence Hennessey

To: MBSbbnestboxcentral@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 10:14 PM

Subject: Re: [MBSbbnestboxcentral] 1st bluebirds of the year

 

Thanks.  The largest of the 2 parks that I have boxes on is almost a full quarter section (160 acres) so there should still be room for plenty of boxes.  I have 24 boxes now and I usually get 3-4 bb nests at a time and 8-9 ts nests, as well as the odd chickadee nest.    --- On Tue, 4/17/12, Tom Comfort <comfort@...> wrote: From: Tom Comfort <comfort@...> Subject: Re: [MBSbbnestboxcentral] 1st bluebirds of the year To: "MBSbbnestboxcentral@yahoogroups.com" <MBSbbnestboxcentral@yahoogroups.com> Cc: "MBSbbnestboxcentral@yahoogroups.com" <MBSbbnestboxcentral@yahoogroups.com> Date: Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 10:00 PM   At least 300 feet Mine are 300 yds min If tres take the box set another 15ft away Sent from my iPod Tom Comfort 231-676-0565 On Apr 17, 2012, at 3:33 PM, Lawrence Hennessey <henlar@...> wrote:   If indeed single boxes are now the way to go, should I still put them at least 200 ft apart?  I'm assuming that I could put them a bit closer to allow more room for swallows to nest, too. --- On Tue, 4/17/12, carolyn osolind <osolindc@...> wrote: From: carolyn osolind <osolindc@...> Subject: Re: [MBSbbnestboxcentral] 1st bluebirds of the year To: MBSbbnestboxcentral@yahoogroups.com Date: Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 3:49 PM   Ours bbs with 4 eggs have also fought off the tree swallows. Only lasted a few minutes though.  I haven't seen any problems with the sparrows yet. Our bbs over-wintered with us, and had their eggs by the end of March. Now they're also in competition with the Robins for the mealworms!  I too am concerned about the cold nights.  Carolyn Livingston County On Tue, Apr 17, 2012 at 3:24 PM, <laschwank@...> wrote:    Our  bbs fought off the sparrows and are still fighting with the swallows but they have 4 eggs in the nest.  Looks like the swallows will build their nest again in the bluebird feeder that is not too far away from the bluebirds nest.  This has happened for the past three years and after the swallows establish their nest there are no problems.  Hoping it doesn't get too cold for the bbs eggs.  I have not had a nesting this early in the season so don't know what to expect from such an early nesting with cold nights.    LuAnne Berrien County From: "John S. Harville" <john_s_harville@...> To: MBSbbnestboxcentral@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, April 16, 2012 9:58:07 PM Subject: Re: [MBSbbnestboxcentral] 1st bluebirds of the year   I too have a less than great record with paired boxes.  Occasionally it works for me but more often it hasn't.  Neither bird likes it and it is stressful for both.  It is best workable if the BB has established a nest before the posse of tree swallows show up, not always the case.  BBs don't always prevail under these circumstances either.  Otherwise, tree swallows will do everything they can to keep BBs and anything else away from and out of the second box.      My thoughts are that personality can be the difference as to whether BBs will prevail, or not.   Over the years you will note that BBs have individual personalities, just like people.  I've had milquetoasts that roll over and play dead at the sight of a tree swallow, and conversely, one in recent memory that went after a crow that was just flying through his zone.  If you get lucky and get one of these more aggressive males, then your chances of good things happening are much greater.     John Harville Berrien County

Thanks Kurt. I will look for them again this weekend. We don't use it much and have no animals, the grasses are low. I will try moving one of them too. After reading the comments from others, I think it is interesting that my pair have nested so late in the season in past years too.

 

It sounds like I need to give up the paired house concept and spread them farther apart.  When we set up the boxes 20 yrs ago the prevailing wisdom was to put them in pairs 200 ft. apart.  Over the years the bb numbers have stayed about the same but there's been an increase in ts nesting, possibly due to too high a nest box density.  I still get 4-6 successful bb nests/yr. but I think that's the limit that the area can support.  Another reason for more boxes in my location is vandalism (I lose 3-4 houses/yr.) and since it's in a public park it's impossible to keep lots of people from admiring the bb chicks and interfering with the nesting.  I've taken to moving the houses far from the established trails and screwing them shut tightly as soon as nesting begins.  --- On Wed, 4/18/12, Tom Comfort <comfort@...> wrote: From: Tom Comfort <comfort@...> Subject: Re: [MBSbbnestboxcentral] 1st bluebirds of the year To: MBSbbnestboxcentral@yahoogroups.com Date: Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 9:10 AM    24 boxes > 8-9 bluebird nests ? I suggest re-evaluating the locations and try for 20 nests More boxes is not better.  Try getting more bluebirds with fewer boxes and have fewer problems as well. Not wanting to offend LH but this theory is what is leading to many frustrated bluebirders.   ** Keith Radel's talk in MN said to start with an average of fledging 3 bluebirds per box/ location (if paired).  Awards were given for the Bluebirder of the Year that got seven per location. My last year was 168 bluebirds for 30 boxes  (only 3 were paired) and I lost 4 nests to Wrens.   Please,.. consider fewer boxes not more tc ----- Original Message ----- From: Lawrence Hennessey To: MBSbbnestboxcentral@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 10:14 PM Subject: Re: [MBSbbnestboxcentral] 1st bluebirds of the year   Thanks.  The largest of the 2 parks that I have boxes on is almost a full quarter section (160 acres) so there should still be room for plenty of boxes.  I have 24 boxes now and I usually get 3-4 bb nests at a time and 8-9 ts nests, as well as the odd chickadee nest.    --- On Tue, 4/17/12, Tom Comfort <comfort@...> wrote: From: Tom Comfort <comfort@...> Subject: Re: [MBSbbnestboxcentral] 1st bluebirds of the year To: "MBSbbnestboxcentral@yahoogroups.com" <MBSbbnestboxcentral@yahoogroups.com> Cc: "MBSbbnestboxcentral@yahoogroups.com" <MBSbbnestboxcentral@yahoogroups.com> Date: Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 10:00 PM   At least 300 feet Mine are 300 yds min If tres take the box set another 15ft away Sent from my iPod Tom Comfort 231-676-0565 On Apr 17, 2012, at 3:33 PM, Lawrence Hennessey <henlar@...> wrote:   If indeed single boxes are now the way to go, should I still put them at least 200 ft apart?  I'm assuming that I could put them a bit closer to allow more room for swallows to nest, too. --- On Tue, 4/17/12, carolyn osolind <osolindc@...> wrote: From: carolyn osolind <osolindc@...> Subject: Re: [MBSbbnestboxcentral] 1st bluebirds of the year To: MBSbbnestboxcentral@yahoogroups.com Date: Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 3:49 PM   Ours bbs with 4 eggs have also fought off the tree swallows. Only lasted a few minutes though.  I haven't seen any problems with the sparrows yet. Our bbs over-wintered with us, and had their eggs by the end of March. Now they're also in competition with the Robins for the mealworms!  I too am concerned about the cold nights.  Carolyn Livingston County On Tue, Apr 17, 2012 at 3:24 PM, <laschwank@...> wrote:    Our  bbs fought off the sparrows and are still fighting with the swallows but they have 4 eggs in the nest.  Looks like the swallows will build their nest again in the bluebird feeder that is not too far away from the bluebirds nest.  This has happened for the past three years and after the swallows establish their nest there are no problems.  Hoping it doesn't get too cold for the bbs eggs.  I have not had a nesting this early in the season so don't know what to expect from such an early nesting with cold nights.    LuAnne Berrien County From: "John S. Harville" <john_s_harville@...> To: MBSbbnestboxcentral@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, April 16, 2012 9:58:07 PM Subject: Re: [MBSbbnestboxcentral] 1st bluebirds of the year   I too have a less than great record with paired boxes.  Occasionally it works for me but more often it hasn't.  Neither bird likes it and it is stressful for both.  It is best workable if the BB has established a nest before the posse of tree swallows show up, not always the case.  BBs don't always prevail under these circumstances either.  Otherwise, tree swallows will do everything they can to keep BBs and anything else away from and out of the second box.      My thoughts are that personality can be the difference as to whether BBs will prevail, or not.   Over the years you will note that BBs have individual personalities, just like people.  I've had milquetoasts that roll over and play dead at the sight of a tree swallow, and conversely, one in recent memory that went after a crow that was just flying through his zone.  If you get lucky and get one of these more aggressive males, then your chances of good things happening are much greater.     John Harville Berrien County