I wanted to post an update in case it might help anyone else trying to catch HOSP in a repeating trap. I tried adding feathers, but there were still no takers. I dealt with the trapped HOSP and put the trap away. However, yesterday my TRES returned and at the same time more HOSP showed up. One pair tried to claim the TRES box. I didn't want to use an in-box trap, fearing the TRES would be caught, so I took back out the DRST. I set it up in a different location and I've already caught 3 of them. So if you're no longer catching HOSP, it may help to try placing the trap in a different location. The only problem with the new location is it also attracted deer mice. Apparently deer mice like white millet too. It was not fun trying to get the deer mice out without releasing the HOSP.

Seems other folks who are posting of eggs and hatchlings are in warmer areas. Our weather won't settle for a few more weeks. My blues are avoiding the house they used last year since I put a feeding station nearby-too busy for them. They will likely nest in the back yard. Can you visit your neighbor and offer to monitor their box and put up a spooker? So far, this has worked for me, in fact, everyone has been eager for information. Linda

I know the PUMA folks teach the Martins to eat crickets by flinging them. But they are colonial nesters, so all it takes is one to catch on (after a lot of wasted crickets) for the others to pick up on it. I'm thinking that with TRES it would not be so simple. I checked on the box this morning (without opening it because of their age), and the babies were all vying for a peek out the hole. I'm sure they're hungry, and the parents were not seen. Presumably the adults were out searching for food. Thanks for the information Donna on feeding and age. I guess I had assumed that they would need more food at this age, and therefore be more vulnerable to starvation. So it is a relief to know they may be strong enough to endure this. From what I can see of the young peeking, they still look quite active, which is good. Bandjzmom, if this weather continues and I see less activity at the hole, I will try your suggestion. I believe what you're saying is to put the food on the roof of the box? I suppose I could rig some kind of strainer thing to the roof or side of the box so it didn't immediately fill with water. It sure would be easier if TRES boxes had porches! I don't have any crickets, but I'm wondering what you think about me putting some of the darkling beetles out for food? I could use the standard PUMA scrambled egg recipe and put beetles and mealworms on top of it to attract them.

This is my first year trying to attract bluebirds. While I did see them in the spring, they never did end up nesting here. Instead, I have a pair of chickadees in one, and tree sparrows in the other. I'm still thrilled. I didn't know when the tree sparrows had hatched and didn't want to open the box at the wrong time in case I scare them into fledging too early. I see both parents going in and out. When I walk near by one of them sticks its head out to watch me. I just keep walking and watch them from a distance. I'm hoping to put up another box so, I may still get some bluebirds...if not, there is always next year. David