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Defending the NEW nest box

15 years ago

I considered adding these pics to the thread I have already running on this forum but decided it would be better to start a new one.

I purchased a slotted nest box because I heard it might be less attractive to HOSPs, and it arrived several days ago. After making some minor modifications (replaced the nails in the the roof with screws so I can remove the roof easier (I plan to install a nest cam), and attaching the entire box to a back board so the birds will have a higher perch, I put it up where the old one was to see what their reaction would be.

The adult male flew right to it and went inside with no hesitation. The female was a bit more cautious.

Before long, a HOSP came by and also seemed a bit cautious. but he didn't venture inside.

A little while later he came back. Papa was perched in the opening, somewhat hidden by the roof overhang.

And so it goes...

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Comments (11)

mac60
15 years ago
Dave,
I love seeing your action pictures. They are truly stories of our birds' behaviors. I get all caught up in the story, and then when I remember how quickly these scenes actually happen, the pictures are even more amazing. I would like to know what happens regarding the new style nestbox. Has your female adjusted yet? Unfortunately, I have @ least 11 hosp that have taken up residence in the yard across the street and have been attempting claims @ my blues' houses. I may need to consider a slotted box. Thanks again Dave for sharing!
Mac
crcst
15 years ago
Dave,you really need to introduce that nasty HOSP to Mr.Vanert asap.I would be a basket case with him around.Love your pictures.....Jane
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Hi Dave, That's an excellent action series with many fabulous open-wing shots. I love the way you capture them frozen in air like that! :) We could tell pretty much the same story here... with our Blues visiting their nestbox everyday (mostly in the mornings) and defending it as necessary. Fortunately, we still have a relatively low HOSP population here, so we don't have to watch the aerial battles you show here that often. But woe be it to ANY bird lands on or peeks into "their" box. :) Oh and btw, we've noticed Mr.B and Missy have begun discouraging their kids lately, (we've had 4 fledges from last season over-wintering with their parents here). Until now, it's been a calm and cohesive family of 6 everyday. But I think we will soon be missing the youngin's, as each day it seems more clear that we'll have the same pair nesting in the same box that fledged 13 chicks last year. Spring's a comin' y'all! Kenn Here is a link that might be useful: Kenn & Temple's Bluebird Family
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Neopyte, I had my dh make my hole reducers, he has a drill press?? at work and used cedar. However I know you can purchase them also, hopefully someone else here will chime in with the where on that one. I had chickadees building last year but was a day late on the hole reducer, the HOPS ran them off. The box they had chosen wasn't one I could put a van ert in and I didn't, at the time, have a spare nestbox to use as a trapbox. Luckily the dees didn't get harmed but I was sad to see them not nest there, coincindentally the Blues ended up nesting in that same box, by that time the HOSP had either been eliminated or left the yard. They usually say to not put the reducer on until the chickadee lays the first egg as they don't care for the 1/8 hole as much but can get into it fine. If you have HOSP around though, I would do it before and hope for the best. Better to be safe than sorry. As far as seed the chickadees love sunflower seeds, hearts and chip or BOSS, the also like peanuts and suet around here. Also it isn't a good idea to put a nestbox near the birdfeeders, too much bird traffic that way. The closest nestbox I have to a feeder is about 50ft, the rest are much further away than that. It is best to point the hole of the nestbox away from prevailing winds, preferabbly towards a tree but away from the way the direction the rain usually blows during the summer months. Donna
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kendra2003
15 years ago
Those are majorly awesome photos. I love the sequence shots. It's like watching a movie. In this case, it appears the good guy won, so that makes it even more awesome.
bbcathy
15 years ago
Lovely photos as usual! Your male is such a toughie!!!! If it were me I would remove that piece of wood across the front as it is like a "perch" which would tend to attract hosps. IMHO I think that the slot boxes are no less attractive to hosps as I have seen them nest in anything from street lights with a slot broken out (and also see through) to a slot shaped hole in a shed and everything in between. The slot does allow for a possible escape for the Blues if caught in the box though. It would be harder to get out of the box with just a hole in it. I agree with crst. I say an introduction to Mr. VE or Mr. BB is in order.
Cathy
blue_happy
15 years ago
Dave, wonderful captures!! I bet you used a shutter speed of at least 800. I enjoyed each picture, but the second to the last is really interesting. The BB looks as if he is looking right at the camera and saying, "Are you getting this on film, Dave?" (well, not film...). Anyway, great shots. I've only seen two HOSPS in my back yard in the 7 years I have been putting up nest boxes (and one of them will not be back).

Harold
dave_in_va
Original Author
15 years ago
Hi Cathy.

I agree about the piece of wood. I just went out and removed it and will watch to see if it makes any difference to the blues. I may have to put a thin metal strip across the front to keep the door from closing too much. I must admit I hadn't thought of a better escape route for the BBs. I was hoping to get a shot of two or more of them peeking out on fledge day. With the round hole it's hard to see more than one at a time, although, if I recall, Kenn has shots that do.

Hi Harold. Hope you are well. Actually, those images were shot at 1/5000sec. I always set it high when I am trying for action shots, to be sure to stop the wings. Probably at that distance I could have gotten by at 1/800.

Dave
nhblues
15 years ago
The nestbox my blues used for 3 nestings last year was this exact box. They really liked it. I don't have a HOSP issue, yet, but I did see one check it out one day. Generally they leave my yard alone (knock on wood).
gmaur
15 years ago
Truly amazing pics. I am so happy you posted these.
dave_in_va
Original Author
15 years ago
Here are a few more pictures from yesterday when a curious starling showed up.
gmaur
15 years ago
I'd say, this blue likes his new home!

If you're not already working for National Geo, send them your portfolio. These pics are that good.
riceps
15 years ago
This is the same nest box I've used successfully for two years. And it is the most wonderful thing to see the 3 or 4 little heads peeking out of the box when they are ready to fledge. I just love it.

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