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I have never seen this behavior in BB

17 years ago

I have not seen my blues since the last nest fledged about 2 months ago.

Today there were so many blues in my yard I could not count them. I was very happy about that but, the strange behavior I saw has me puzzled. I have 5 nest boxes up and there were about 3-4 blues at each box fighting. I mean fighting. One male took another male to the ground. The females just stood on top of the box. After watching for about 10 minutes, the females started going after any bird that came near any of the nest boxes. I was watching from the driveway as I was on my way to the store. When I got home, there was not a bluebird to be found.

What were they doing? The females looked in the hole and then flew on top of the box while the males fought.

In my five years of watching bb's I have never seen anything like this. I hope the whole flock doesn't stay all winter, I won't be able to afford to feed them.

Any input is appreciated.

Karen

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Comments (2)

bluebars
17 years ago
How far apart are the nestboxes? Bluebirds are very territorial. Their territory is an area, not just a nestbox. Linked below is a web page that discusses recommended distance between nestboxes.
This time of year, the weather mimics spring, and we often see behaviors as if it were really spring. Also, if the bluebirds are resident there year-round, they will continue to protect what they consider "their territory" year-round. Over the winter, families might stay together and get along just fine. But the competition will really get serious in Spring.
BlueBars

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.sialis.org/pairing.htm
bluebirdbabe
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks Bluebars. I was afraid they would hurt each other. There are 2 boxes close together (30 between the boxes)the rest are out in the field away from these 2 boxes. The blues were at all of the boxes except one. I usually have 1 blue nest and 3 tres nests. I hope they find other boxes...I sure don't want them fighting. It was not fun to watch!

Today, I have not seen or heard the blues. Strange little buggers, but I sure do love them :)

Karen
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