skip to main content

are all your Michigan TRES already nesting?

17 years ago

I am so afraid the HOSP problem drove my TRES away. I saw them 3 days ago checking out a box but I have not seen them since. I had to open a box they had chosen because the HOSP were trying to take over. There were 2 other boxes for them if they wanted. Is there still time or is it too late. At least they didn't end up dead. I will miss them this year.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

luvtheblues
17 years ago
I live in Northern VA and have TRES for the first time this year. I actually have seen up to 6 TRES at a time checking out my boxes. I think I have a pair interested as they sit on the box and go in and out but no nest or anything. In fact, whenever we have a cold or rainy day (like today in the 50's and rain) they seem to disappear. As soon as we have a nice day, they come back. I don't know specifically about Michigan, but here in VA, nothing yet.
I also have HOSP and they visit my yard frequently. I am currently trapping with an Inbox trap and have gotten 1 so far. I am ready for any more that may come. I am hoping to get a bunch so they can't harass my cavity nesters.
Good luck with your TRES!
Alison
Leesburg, VA
bbcathy
17 years ago
Lisa I've had the Tres drive me absolutely NUTS not building nests. Last year I cut a bunch of ornamental grass and put it near the box or I swear they never would have finished it. I have had them not have eggs until late May but someone else on the bird site(cheesbob)I think has not had a nest until June. I don't have any here for the first time in years. They are all down the street at my trail 1/2 mile up the road. I miss them something awful. I just love the way they talk!
Cathy
Related Discussions
Question for all Michigan Citrus growers!! please help me out
Q
Comments (7)
About the skewers. It might take practice for you to interpret what your fingers are feeling. The whole purpose is to be able to determine the moistness of the soil in depths that the fingers may not be able to reach. When you insert a small diameter, DRY dowel rod into the depths of the potting mix, it should come out cool and damp if the mix is damp. It might be especially helpful for determining if the mix is staying too soggy at deeper depths. I've never used the technique, relying on other methods to determine if watering is needed, but I can see how it could be useful. I'd think that a bamboo skewer might be too small, but maybe not. A soft pine dowel rod seems like it might pick up more moisture than bamboo.
...See More
TRES. in Michigan...they are gonna have a rough week :(
Q
Comments (4)
Tmann, they just arrived. It is going to be rainy and cold for a week with snow on Friday. I hope they can survive to build nests and fledge babies. I also can not get a sparrow that has become attached to the TRES nest box from last year. They seem to be so sneaky this year. But I won't give up. Karen
...See More
blue nest on top of HOWR nest
Q
Comments (2)
Either last year or the year before I had a Bluebird and a wren trying to build a nest in the same box. First the wren and I removed the sticks, then a Bluebird started her second nesting and the wren added sticks on the layer of grass, which I again took out. I did this for a few days when finally the wren must have given up cause the Bluebird went on to finish her nest, lay the eggs and all the eggs hatched and fledged. This box was at a park near our home so I couldn't add a wren guard as I couldn't watch to make sure it was accepted. I worried all the time about them but apparently the wren must have given up. This year the BLues down there fledged their first nesting about two weeks ago. I keep checking for the next nest but so far nothing. The daddy Blue is always there when I check the nestbox though so I know they are planning another nesting only thing is I hear a wren right in the area too singing away so I am afraid he wants that box too but so far no sticks in there. Good luck, hope your wren stays away from the box now. Donna
...See More
you can save tres babies
Q
Comments (3)
Our weather has turned around, not normal temps yet but in the 60's so I believe those that were still alive yesterday will all make it. Glad you were able to assist yours Lisa, with only one parent it would make it alot harder. I really think in the case here that it was more the cold that killed them (highs 47-50...lows 30's-low 40's) then the starvation but it could have been a combination. I only say this because we didn't have a total loss. The ones that survived this 3 day cold wet spell were either the ones that were fully feathered (1 box) or those that were still being kept warm by the mom (4 boxes). Those that were inbetween (3 boxes)...too big to be sat on by mom and yet didn't have all their feathers yet were the ones that died. Maybe feeding them would have helped but with eight nestboxes of Swallows I wouldn't have known who needed help and who I might have put at a greater risk by opening the nestboxes, Sunday was the only non rainy day however it was misty and very very windy. However like all things this gives us better knowledge so if something like this were to happen again I could know who to try to help. What did you use for a nestchange, did you buy something at the store? Just curious there would have been nothing here dry enough to use anyway but when I did pull the three nests out of the boxes that we lost there was only one that was wet, the other two were dry. Also what other instructions were you given, you said you followed them to a T but didn't explain them all. Did you use small waxworms, what did you use to give the worms to the swallows? How on earth did you open the box, hold an umbrella, feed the babies and be able to see what the heck you were doing at the same time? Usually I check the swallows nests with a mirror however yesterday when I was checking for the ones we lost I used a small step ladder to make sure I wouldn't miss anything. It sure must have been quite the task to feed your swallows but I commend you for trying to help them. Great job, I hope yours make it. Is the weather better there yet?? Donna
...See More
lisa11310
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks! Our flying insects are not yet out in full force. Maybe there is still time. I had some Dees checking out a box today....hope they will decide on a box this year. I had had them 3 years in a box but the last two they chose natural cavities. There is no lack of natural cavities around here but I don't get to "help" then!
dzyg
17 years ago
Gosh I wish I could pack some of mine up and send them to you! Here in Central WI the TRES are building nests like crazy taking up every available nestbox. I plugged some boxes up as I don't want them all taken over by the TRES, they already have six with nests in! I have Gilwood boxes and one of them that I plugged with a cork the TRES would still take grasses and stick them through the top slot! It can't get in there but it was still dumping grass inside. I had Blues checking out housing a couple weeks back but the TRES chased them away. Right now I have chickadees house hunting too, I sure hope the TRES don't chase them away too.

Donna
lisa11310
Original Author
17 years ago
wow 3 pair out there house hunting this morning! On pair has definatly bonded to a box and have started building! YEA! There are 2 more boxes so maybe I will get a second pair....no Dee nest this year :(

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES How to Bring the Joy of Bluebirds to Your Garden

By Habitat Network

Attract these beautiful songbirds with nesting habitat and food sources, including berry-producing trees and shrubs

STANDARD MEASUREMENTS The Right Dimensions for Your Porch

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Depth, width, proportion and detailing all contribute to the comfort and functionality of this transitional space

MOST POPULAR How to Hang the American Flag at Home

By Alison Hodgson

We’ll show you how to display the American flag on your house for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July or all year round

GARDENING GUIDES These Hummingbird-Attracting Native Plants May Surprise You

By Susan J Tweit

These flowers, vines and shrubs offer shelter and food supplies that keep hummingbirds around longer

BUDGET DECORATING 10 Ways to Cozy Up the House for Fall

By Laura Gaskill

Get stylishly cozy for less with budget-friendly touches that will put your home in an autumn state of mind

CONTEMPORARY HOMES Houzz Tour: A Cool and Contemporary Parisian Flat

By Cédric Le Merrer

Discover how a small city flat was reconfigured to form a comfortable space for open-plan living

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: New Tower Rises From a Midcentury Ranch House

By Annie Thornton

An Austin homeowner and her architect expand on the original vision of A.D. Stenger, who designed the ’60s-era home

HOLIDAYS 25 Gorgeous Holiday Mantels by Houzzers

Laden with boughs, lights and even lemons, these decorated fireplace mantels show a festive Christmas spirit and a creative approach

FALL GARDENING 7 Reasons Not to Clean Up Your Fall Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you pluck and rake, consider wildlife, the health of your plants and your own right to relax

LIFE Retirement Reinvention: Boomers Plot Their Next Big Move

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Choosing a place to settle in for the golden years? You're not alone. Where boomers are going and what it might look like

Sponsored

Whisler Home Improvement

9 Reviews

Franklin County's Committed Home Improvement Professionals