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keeping bluebirds safe

17 years ago

I checked my box Monday evening and my 3 nestlings that hatched 2 days before were gone. I am assuming a snake got them since the nest was intact and the area outside the box wasn't messed up. I had it on a wooden 4x4 square pole with a plastic baffle around it. I am going to put my box on a metal pole. What kind of baffle should I use and does anyone have any tips about keeping snakes out? Also, do I throw the old nest away and will the parent birds keep nesting in my box after this has happened? Is there anything I can do to keep them in coming back to my yard?

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Comments (4)

ken3592
17 years ago
Christy, I don't have very much experience on this yet, so hopefully one of the experts on here replies :). First of all, did you have a sparrow spooker on the box? It most likely was NOT a sparrow if you did not see any blood or anything, however it is always a good idea to hang one up. Secondly, it may have been a House Wren, if your box is near woods or brush, it's a good possibility. You can try a wren guard next time for that (you may have to relocate the house a little or rotate it some). To eliminate snakes as a possibility, you should put up a large stovepipe wobbling baffle on a slick metal pole. Go to this link for better information and how-to --> http://sialis.org/baffle.htm
There are also snake traps described here that you may want to try.

Bluebirds often don't nest a second time in a box where an attack occurred. If the Bluebirds don't seem interested in the box anymore, I would take the nest out and either relocate the box or put up another box. I have had bluebirds every year at my house, and I have had several House Wren attacks, but the bluebirds seem to come back year after year. They should continue coming to your yard if you have houses available for them. Good Luck!

If you need any more information, check out this website
--> http://www.sialis.org/

Ken
donnalovesblue
17 years ago
I would remove the nest immediately, clean out the box and you could possibly get another nesting. And yes, Sialis.org will have all the info you need to help protect the blues from predators. It really is a must read. Good luck..I'm sorry about the nestlings!

Donna
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Yes, Lily- All 6 fledged! I was thrilled to say the least especially since last year didn't go so well. I used calcium carbonate powder with my mealworms this time & I think that may have helped their bones & wings grow stronger. Is it because of HOSP that you've had a problem in the past? Hope to see the fledgelings/juveniles back in the next few weeks at the feeder. If the parents nest here again, It would be great to see them helping to feed the next brood. I haven't experienced that, but I've heard about it happening from others. Just cleaned out the box & will get it back up today or tomorrow. We'll see. I know it's a really vulnerable time for those fledgelings right now. Everything still ok with your eggs? Still so bummed to hear what happened to your dad's bluebirds. If they retry, will he use a wren guard this time? I'm lucky to not have HOWR, but do have HOSP. Good luck. Really hope it's a great success this time around for you & your bluebirds! Nicole
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According to where you are, they could start nesting as early as March. They may already be shopping around. After the nest is built & 1st egg is laid (usually blue- if white with dark speckles, that's a HOSP egg), I put up a sparrow spooker & haven't had a problem with HOSP invasion yet (& they are EVERYWHERE). If the HOSP keep trying to set up shop, you'll need to set up a Van Ert trap inside the house. You can find these items online. If HOSP really become a problem, many people use ground traps & use a decoy & millet seed to attract others. There's a great site that explains it all (can't think of name right now, but should find it through Google.) Sounds like you have a good chance to get bluebirds to nest this year. Lastly, they may be looking for a place to roost at night if it's really cold where you are right now. Good luck!
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lisa11310
17 years ago
Good Job guys!!! Kristy your in good hands I ditto Donna and Ken! The only thing I would add is to save the nest in a sealed tupperware tub, it is clean and could be used as an emergency replacement nest. Or you could leave the nest and put up another (proper) nestbox, giving little missy a choice.
Lisa....not an expert but been here a LONG time! LOL
christyblack
Original Author
17 years ago
Thank you all for the advice. This pair of bluebirds had a litter? of 5 earlier in a little decorative house I had hanging in a tree. They are such good parents and took wonderful care of their babies. I thought I was doing the right thing for them by putting up a "real" bluebird house on a pole a little away from trees. I have been putting out mealworms for them and I feel attached to them now. I was so sad when this happened and I just want to make things right so they will stay.

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