Rachel, A quick pull on their neck and they are done for. House Sparrows do not belong here at all and they are not humane at all when they raid the nest box of a pair of Bluebirds. They grab the skull of the female most often as she tries to defend her nest inside the cavity. Then they slowly pinch and pinch until the female Bluebird is dead. I have even see where they have built their nest over the dead body of the female Bluebird and her eggs. Because of this I feel no pity at all for them and no it is not their fault they are here but that is no reason to tolerate them in any fashion. Once you trap and destroy these no good birds for a few seasons you start noticing how many more native American birds are starting to show up at your feeders and that is a wonderful thing. Getting rid of House Sparrows and Starlings helps all native birds not just the bluebird and because of my trapping and killing them native birds of all kinds are very common here...Mike

Thanks all for the nice comments. :) For terrene and all the other Bluebird lovers here, we are very happy to report that all 5 of Missy and Mr.B's first brood did fledge successfully on the morning of April 27th. We've posted a video of the happy event here: Birds Blossoms & Butterflies VOL 4 RE: New Photos from Kenn & Temple Posted by: gymell (My Page) on Fri, Apr 30, 10 at 12:39 Nice captures - song sparrow and tufted titmouse are two I'd definitely like to add to my yard list! Post a Follow-Up Your Name: Your Email Address: Subject of Posting: Message: Optional Link URL: Â Â Â Name of the Link: Return to the Bird Watching Forum

Sure! I could tell something wasn't right because the skin along their backs was very yellow and wrinkly looking. Quite some time ago, I read that yellow, wrinkled skin is a sure sign that nestlings are dehydrated. Their skin should be smooth and light pinkish in color. I'm kicking myself that I can't remember exactly where that was - I'm thinking it was somewhere on this forum or maybe on the Sialis site. After I did a few feedings, I did notice that the color and texture of their skin began to change. As far as what happened to the parents, I've thought of everything from pesticides, to hawks, to cats. When we returned from vacation, we were astonished to see an adult male bluebird sitting on the nest box. He peeked inside several times, gave a loud "turr-lee" call, and flew off. We thought maybe, just maybe, this was "our" male but he never stuck around long enough for us to find out by doing a "mealworm test."* Since then we've heard distant bluebird calls and have seen adult birds in our yard from time to time. I can't help but wonder if these are the parents. I'll just never know. *Both birds were trained to come to a feeder. A new male or female would be clueless about it.

I don't feel like a "real" bluebirder because the Bluebirds don't nest here (too wooded) but I am thankful that there are others who do provide nestboxes and are devoted to helping Bluebirds survive and thrive in the US. I am also very thankful that the Bluebirds grace me with their presence by visiting the suet log daily during the colder months. They are usually waiting in the morning for me to fill the log and the tray with suet crumbles, making their twangy noises in the trees. They are special birds and a pleasure to watch. Also wanted to say, please don't feel unappreciated Dave and Kenn! You have posted beautiful photos on this thread and many others and I always enjoy looking at them. I especially enjoy the pictorial quality of Dave's photos series, from which I can learn about Bluebird behavior as well as look at beautiful photos. Kenn, I especially like the 5th picture of the female with the branches and the patches of blue in the back. "Quiet beauty" as Griffin says.