Poor weather = delayed nesting season?

13 years ago

March continues to be a depressing month weather wise here in NE OHIO.

While there is no snow on the ground, the temperature is a cold 32 with the sun barely breaking through the clouds.

On St. Patrick's day last year, it was 80 degrees. If I can recall correctly, nest building began.

Wednesday is the first day of spring and it looks ugly so far. Seeing 30's and snow possible.

It has been a few years since my bluebirds didn't start their first nest in March. I'm afraid this poor weather is gonna push everything back. There is little sign of change and as you can imagine, everyone here is sick and tired of the cold.

Tree Swallows normally return around the end of March. A week or two and they're back. If things don't change, this is gonna be a slow and rough nesting season.

I'm wondering if this means my bluebirds, who mind you I hear out there EVERY DAY, are gonna even bother beginning a nest?

Warm wishes everyone!

~Tim

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Comments (11)

kendra2003
13 years ago
Who knows what makes them decide to start building? In 2011 my blues had their first egg on 4/9. That year was the worst in terms of snow cover, and there was even an ice storm while she was incubating (all 5 made it though). Then in 2012 we had a very mild winter. She did not lay the first egg until 5/8. Cold weather and snow did not seem to have any effect on when they chose to start nest building.
ohsoblue77
Original Author
13 years ago
It's always good to hear the experience of other fellow bluebirders!

I wanna say day length is probably the biggest factor. But I would confidently say it is SOMEWHAT dependent on the weather. Just my guess.

Do you have any nest building going on now Kendra?

Also, I've only trapped 1 pair of HOSP. Knock on wood, but no box here at home in my 2 pairs have ANY HOSP occupation.

It'll be interesting to hear from others.
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kendra2003
13 years ago
The only nest building I'm seeing so far is a Carolina Wren. I checked out all the bird houses this afternoon, and nobody has put anything into them yet. The Carolina Wren is using a platform I had put up under the porch in the hopes of attracting Barn Swallows. The Barnies never showed up, but the CAWRs have used this little platform successfully in past seasons.
sagrinin
13 years ago
Cold here in central NC but my blue couple have built a nest in one of my boxes. Looks like it is almost finished. She has been in and out a few times today. Seems to me that they are building earlier this year. Will keep you posted.
Stef4peace
13 years ago
Hi all,
Was wondering why after 3 pair of bluebirds have graced my feeders for about a month they seemed to have dissappeared! I am so sad! Also have ordered live meal worms in hopes they were nesting in nearby..the weather was not affecting them, although it is still very cold here in Northeastern CT. Could the bigger birds have scared them away ( I took down that feeder ) had too many starlings.. or could they be nesting?? Its been 3 days and not sight of them...they have nothing natural to eat yet that I'm aware of. Also I read from an Audabon file that feeding live meals all year round can give them gout!! Can anyone shed some light?
ohsoblue77
Original Author
13 years ago
Stef, they may very well be breaking flock to go and lay claim to nesting territory.

I wouldn't know much about feeding them, however, as I've never really had the time.

Starlings would probably deter them though. Sounds like you need a feeder for exclusion. The others may be able to chime in on that part.

As long as you have open boxes available, I'm sure your Bluebirds are around! Keep in mind that most nest box activity early in the season takes place in the early morning hours.

~Tim~
rayinri
13 years ago
Stef, If you dont see your bluebirds in 5-7 days they
have returned to northern NE or Canada. Good numbers
of bluebirds winter here in southern NE then in march
they return to landlords up north. If they were yours they
would be by the box daily that way no others can take it
I have gotten new birds daily in the last wk. Bluebirds
are passing threw CT and RI daily. Month of May the
1 year old birds will replace any older birds lost in your town. ----Ray
Stef4peace
13 years ago
Thank you both for comments. I saw one couple yesterday so the breaking of the flock theory seems right! I have no nesting boxes and know my neighbors don't either, but my feeders are on the edge of acreage with much old wood and probably lots of holes for them to use which is my hope! I have crab apple trees which I know they like but you know nothing is even remotely blooming or growing here yet. Spring is very late. So maybe the others are nesting or went north?? That's interesting info.. Thanks Ray and Tim!
ohsoblue77
Original Author
13 years ago
Stef, the whole "late spring" thing is killing me! It just wants to linger around. Albeit a 50 degree weekend is on tap, it needs to hang around! Nothing really blooming here either.

I looked at my records of last year guys:

Nest building started on MARCH 14TH! Yes, you're hearing that right!

My 1st egg? APRIL 5TH!!!

I hate that this weather seems to be shortening the nesting season. I hope this misery ends soon. April has to be better.

Warms wishes for everyone, and bring on spring!!
sagrinin
13 years ago
My blues finished a nest about a week ago. No eggs yet, but they keep an eye on the box. Still rather cold here in central NC. Guess it is still too cold for egg laying. Can't wait for a warm-up.
sagrinin
13 years ago
Just checked that nest box. There is one bluebird egg! I am surprised. It is so cold and windy. Hope it warms up soon.

Poor weather = delayed nesting season?

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