My bluebird box

15 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
15 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
15 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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Aloemem, I am with Tim and Kendra. Get rid of those terrible House Sparrows. Once they claim a box, they will generally not give it up, and then the Blues have no chance. Most of the time, Bluebirds prefer a nestbox that is out in the open. Maybe you could mount your new box on an inexpensive T-post, and put it into an open space. You could plug the box up for awhile to try encourage the House Sparrows to leave. I just use a wadded up plastic grocery bag to plug mine. Whatever you do, don't allow those House Sparrows to build and lay eggs in your Bluebird house. It is legal to remove their nests and eggs and to eliminate them. As Kendra said, the Van Ert trap is wonderful. HTH~~Angie
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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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Hello M. We don't have much of a snake problem here in the woods of West Michigan, those that we do have get plenty of critters on the ground. I can only tell you that the parents visiting is a good sign. Do you have meal or waxworms out for them? There is a lot of growing to be done in a week and every day increases their chances. Go to www.sialis.org. There is a spot there that shows pictures "from egg to fledgling" It will help you determine the age a little better. It is common for the parents to try to save the babies by calling them out of a dangerous situation, at least they have a chance protecting them on the ground where as they would surley be doomed by the snake. My understanding is they will save themselves first knowing they can have a next nesting. Are they feeding these babies when they visit? If they are feeding them you could be ok. I suggest getting in touch with a rehabber now, you may need to call several. Put sombody on allert that you may need assistance with these babies. At the bottom of the sialis website is Bet's (website author) contact info...she is very helpful. I would also locate a good source for wax worms (bait shops) if you dont have some on hand already. Come back tomorrow and let us know what is going on. Good Luck and Baby prayers!
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aloemem
Original Author
15 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
15 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
15 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
15 years ago
What the heck is BOSS? never heard of it.
bandjzmom
15 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

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aloemem
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