My bluebird box

13 years ago

Is there anyway to attract bluebirds/ I got rid of the HOSP but after 2 weeks still no bluebirds. Sometimes I see the male perched down the street but he doesn't come back here.

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Comments (7)

ohsoblue77
13 years ago
Where is your box placed? And what state do you currently live in?

You want to avoid wooded/brushy areas when it comes to bluebirds. This is the habitat of the House Wren. I had to deal with them the 1st two seasons and let me tell you...they are a real pain! After I finally got away with a successful nest I moved my boxes out into a large field.

Also you should have the right hole/box specs. The hole should be 1 1/2 in. For eastern and mountain bluebirds and slightly larger for the western. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong)

I've posted a link for you below where you will find a wealth of information. The website is like a BOOK. And I'm glad to see you're dealing with those HOSP! How are you running them out? Inbox trapping?(Van Ert, etc)

Here is a link that might be useful: Sialis.org
bandjzmom
13 years ago
Tim is right Aloemem. You just have to really saturate yourself with information (sialis,org) about their nesting preferences, and then provide them with the very best housing and locations that you can. Location of the box is really important to them. After that, it is a waiting game. Oh, and keep a frequent check on that box so that any HOSPs can be kept out.~~Angie
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Hi Lori, I have been an avid Bluebirder for many many years, and am currently trying earnestly to establish a Purple Martin colony. I really "get" your vent. We know that education is the true key. If we can properly inform people, they may just make the better choice. I live in NW Georgia, and my mother used to tell me that a person can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar! I know you've heard that one. So, on that note, I would sweet talk them into making the right choices! Take along some photos of nests and birds that have been impacted by snakes and cats. Some people need to see it to believe it. Encourage them over to the sialis site where they can get loads of correct info. Explain to them about our different cavity nesting birds, and tell them about the reasons why a person should never place a box that they are not going to police. Appeal to their consciences. That is what I would do. Good luck girl! Let us know how it goes.~~Angie
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Last season, these little cuties nested in one of my bb boxes on the opposite side of the yard where the blues nested. The box was partially under a crepe myrtle branch, but they didn't nest this early. When they began building, the entire tree was green and beginning to bloom. Along with the blues, they are checking out the bb box, but the blues chase them off every time. I'm hoping they nest again this year in their former home! You'll enjoy having them. Donna
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My blues have been around all winter. Have been feeding them. I have 3 boxes. HOSP started building a nest early in one box. I took it out and put fishing line along each side of the entrance hole. They came back a couple of times, but don't like the fishing line at all. I haven't seen them at the box at all. My blues have started building a nest in another box. Almost done I think. She has been busy. I had a pair of wrens last year and they laid eggs in a box (before I could do anything about it ) after a blue had an unsuccessful attempt in the same box. (the blue didnt sit on the eggs, they were not viable). The wren didn't sit on her eggs either. I waited a long time. They never hatched. Kind of strange. Haven't seen the wrens yet this year.
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That's good news. Eggs can survive surprisingly cool temperatures. So check the box again in a week or sooner and see if she is incubating. I would like to invite you to join the bluebird nut cafe forum. It is much more active than this site and we have many veteran bluebirders that can give quick answers. Check us out! http://bluebirdnutcafe.yuku.com/
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aloemem
Original Author
13 years ago
I live in Memphis TN. My box is placed on a pole by my house. I live on a lake so it is an open area. I have a bluebird house I purchased from wild birds unlimited. I do have a couple of house wrens but they don't come near the house. We have Ospreys and purple martins on the lake. I trapped and killed the male HOSP.
kendra2003
13 years ago
Sounds like you're doing a great job. Try putting something blue on the house like a little blue flag or a piece of blue cloth. They will often investigate if they think there's another bluebird in the area.
bandjzmom
13 years ago
Hmmmm. That is an interesting tip Kendra. I have never heard that one before. I have heard it used for attracting Hummers tho.
Aloemem...sounds like you have everything as right as you can get it. Sometimes they are particular about which direction the entrance hole faces. I believe that I have read that is it recommended that it face to the East. Someone will correct me if I am wrong on that. I know how you feel. I am trying to establish a Purple Martin colony, and I have great gourds and the best site that I can offer. They haven't come yet. It's just up to them, and so I wait. :o)
gibby01
13 years ago
What the heck is BOSS? never heard of it.
bandjzmom
13 years ago
gibby.....Black Oil Sunflower Seed

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My bluebird box

Comments (7)

ohsoblue77

bandjzmom

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aloemem
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kendra2003

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My bluebird box

Comments (7)

ohsoblue77

bandjzmom

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aloememOriginal Author

kendra2003

bandjzmom

gibby01

bandjzmom

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aloemem
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