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As snow melts the bluebird returns to Rhode Island

13 years ago

This being my 22 season down the bluebird trail in Central Rhode Island

Just wanted to note good numbers of bluebirds even with two feet of snow on

the ground most of the winter none found dead in the box's and there seem

to be good numbers of bluebirds all over the town of Smithfield in Central RI

most of my box's were left out all winter only one was smashed. Its just to

much of a project to remove them in the fall. I have a total of 52 box's set

out. Which are used by bluebirds mostly. Last year i managed 28 pairs

these years have been hard on the bluebird in the 1990's with all the mild winters

bluebirds were every where it seems there numbers have declined some but

this all weather related as they are not hardy as some people think. I wish you

all many bluebirds. And enjoy the season. So much is going on in the world

caring for bluebirds is such a wonderful escape from the stresses we all have. Serenity and bluebirds go hand in hand.

Best of luck and enjoy your Bluebirds for the 2011 season has started.

Ray

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Comments (6)

ohsoblue77
13 years ago
Indeed it has, Ray! And many of the spring birds are back and we're 8 days away from the official start of spring!

22 years! What a legacy! Quite a Veteran Bluebirder! This is only my 5th season but every year goes faster and I've already learned so much!

I've had successful nestings every year except my 1st one. Every year seems better and I hope it will be a great season! Good luck and enjoy our wonderful bluebirds!
bandjzmom
13 years ago
Thanks Ray, and best of luck and KUDOS to you for the wonderful work you are doing for the terrific Bluebirds!
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I am from Rhode Island Trail is in northern RI Bluebirds are not hardy there flocks crash will high snow levels. And cold. Mild seasons they expand there local numbers. When there found dead in spring means there food supply was low and they expired. You will also see some dead threw out spring after a late cold snap the birds will just end up missing but we know it was the late cold snap. Many are weaken from the trip north once they show up and winter returns large numbers perish. It weeds out the old and sick. Ray
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rayinri
Original Author
13 years ago
I also am a very rare Purple Martin Landlord here also. With three golf coarse
A college,landtrust and private home owner I help. And manage just over 50 pairs of Martins in this area. I never wanted to focus all my work on just one
species. The Martin here is in much trouble and needed help they are making a nice comeback with modern gourds. I have managed martins since 1994 when i started with one pair.
Ray
bandjzmom
13 years ago
That's cool Ray! I am a serious Purple Martin landlord wannabe! This will actually be my 4th season trying to establish, and I have learned so much over that time. The first 2 seasons, my pole was not in an optimal location, and so I moved it a few feet to a better location last year. Had LOTS of visitors last year, and am hoping that some of them will come back to me this year. I am offering 6 Troyer vertical gourds right now to start. Originally offered a house and some gourds, but found that the house only attracted the HOSP's in. I think that Martins in my area prefer gourds anyway. I have lots of Purple Martin landlord friends and some who live nearby to me fill their 80+ gourds each season. They are so much fun to observe!~~Angie
ohsoblue77
13 years ago
Trust me Ray, I know how that is! My neighbor has a Martin house next to his lake and 1 property over from my boxes and the HOSP totally over ran it!

I started to control them 2 seasons ago by removing all the nests (And unfortunately had to evict HOSP nestlings; would have equaled 15 new HOSP! Had no other choice...)

Ever since, not 1 HOSP nest attempt has been successful. I would trap them but unfortunately can't afford it right now and he won't buy one either so I just prevent them from nesting. I trap them in MY boxes however.
- Tim -
bandjzmom
13 years ago
Tim, Good for you..eliminating those horrible birds. It happens so often. Well meaning people erect Martin and Bluebird housing and then allow the HOSP's and Starlings to overtake them. HOSP's especially love Martin houses, as they are also colonial nesters. I am of the belief that it's better to have no birdhouses at all if a person is not going to monitor what is nesting in them. You do really have to stay on top of them.

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