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My bluebirds are harassing the chickadees

16 years ago

The chickadees took their house from last year and build a nest and have their eggs but the blues are not letting them get in. Few times I see them (the blues) taking straws from their nest. I put two more boxes for the blues and they already build nests but still harassing the chickadees who make noises all the time when they are attacked by the blues.

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Comments (2)

donnalovesblue
16 years ago
You need to add a hole reducer to the box, probably asap in hopes mama dee can begin incubating if she has laid her last egg. I think the bluebird site (sialis.org) has instructions on how to make one or you can order on-line.
janie_may
16 years ago
Ditto to what Donna said. Use a 1 1/4th or 1 1/8th inch reducer. You can find them at any wild bird specialty store and they cost about $2.00.
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As long as the hole in 1 1/2, that Starling shouldn't be able to enter the box, so yes, he will probably give up and leave. I had one land on one of my boxes once. The Male bluebird came STRAIGHT at it and flew after it for a little then drove it to the ground. Ours blues can still put up a fight! I've even seen my bluebirds take Tree Swallows to the ground! More than once. Other than the DRST, a BB gun would probably be the only way to end them. I have a BB gun, but it's not sighted the best, and my hands are really unsteady. But Starlings are larger. The problem is, if they recognize the gun, they'll take off! Good luck! ~Tim~
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Are you sure the completed nest has no eggs?Chickadees will cover their eggs when leaving the nest.DON'T poke around the nest to check.I always use a 1 1/8" reducer on all my houses that Chickadees choose.I have never had any abandon the nest,But I always install it after I am sure eggs have been laid.If if were me I would keep a eye on them for a few days.When you are sure eggs have been layed ,install the reducer.As far as the nest that has just been started,If the blues do take it over,a least the Chickadees can still use the empty box you have.I have never used a reducer during nest building.
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itrom.......Last year when chickadees took over our fave BB box after so many year of having only BBs in the box there were reclaim fights but the BBs did not win and we never saw any all summer and that was sad. That particular box is the one we can see easily and we love to watch them and take photos. There are two other boxes nearby so I kept asking myself why can't the cute chickadees just use those...lol. BBs have moved into the fave box and I hope there is peace! Good luck and enjoy whatever nests ...or...put up another box and if you do make sure you follow instructions as to how far from the fist one.
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WONDERFUL news deanie!! I am so happy to hear that the Mockers gave up with their drama. I have a pair of Mockers building a nest right now inside a large Camellia which sits right next to my side porch. That side porch is like Grand Central Station with lots of activity going on there. There are 2 birdbaths, a couple of seed bird feeders, a Chickadee box with a new nest inside, and all of my Hummingbird feeders go there. I also raise butterflies on that side porch. Mockers are so territorial, and although I don't mind them building there,they are going to have to learn to share that space. My plan is to be often present there in that space. My hope is that they will grow accustomed to my presence and not perceive me as a threat. Afterall, I am the one who provides them with the raisins, dried cherries, and apples that they so enjoy eating on that porch!! :o) My Bluebird pair has already built their nest, and their box is about 50-60 feet from the Mocker nest site.
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