What kind of hotel is this?

17 years ago

We frequently have flocks of bluebirds come through in the fall. This past summer we got plans for bluebird boxes at the state fair. The kids built two, but we were told to wait until spring to hang the boxes.

The other day while fixing dinner I looked out the kitchen window and saw a small flock of bluebirds. They had spotted our bat house and one by one were trying to figure out how to get in! Mind you--this bat house is way high up in the tree, where bats are supposed to be attracted! It was funny watching these birds so intent on getting in the bat house!

Feeling bad, my husband went out and hung the two houses at the "proper" height. The flock hasn't been back, but I assume they will be. Hopefully they will find these "hotels" more to their liking!

We've lived here for almost 8 years. In that time, we've seen more and larger flocks of bluebirds. Also, while riding in the country, we are seeing more bluebirds. I do hope they continue to make a come back.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

donnalovesblue
17 years ago
Gee, I know nothing about "bat" houses, but I do know the blues are currently checking out real estate. There has been daily activity at the nestbox for about a week or two, with several going in and out at the same time. The male generally will search for housing with the female in tow (at least at my house), but the female makes the final decision. I've had several males and I think just one female, so I'm pretty sure they are Daddy Blue and his boys from the two nestings this season.

Your blues will probably discover the new boxes pretty soon..I would think they'd choose the proper nesting site.

I noticed on your member page that you have a birthday coming up...WOW..on New Year's day! So Happy Birthday in advance in case I don't get to the computer on the 1st!

Donna
bluebars
17 years ago
If your screen name indicates you are in Ohio, bluebirds will be resident year-round. Check the link below, for CBC and BBC maps to see where they are counted in summer and winter counts. Bluebirds will check out housing and roosting possibilities year-round. If they find something to their liking, they will claim the territory until nesting season begins. Having an earlier claim gives them a bit of an edge over their competition too.
Also visit this site: http://www.sialis.org/index.html for lots more info.
And congratulations!
BlueBars

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/i7660id.html
Related Discussions
What I picked up at the Farm/Hotel
Q
Comments (5)
I grow them outdoors, and have 17 to 20. Space I've got. Did you notice that Metaxa bottle just behind? My Yellow Bird has bloomed twice now. Thought I had another, in white with purple dots. I looked close at it today, and I Don't Think its what I thought it was! Sheesh. I'll have to post a pic and beg for an ID!
...See More
Big hotel sale in NYC for those interested--Surrey Hotel
Q
Comments (1)
Oh man....I wish I still lived there. Takes me back to memories of sample sales in the garment district... Hope you got some great items -- any photos would be welcome!
...See More
What Do You Get From Cooking In A Hotel Room All Week?
Q
Comments (5)
Congrats to the champions! I remember when I was in Paris, I was overwhelmed by the variety of very fresh seafood. So I bought a pot and an electric stove, smuggled into my hotel room and cooked. (With the bathroom exhaust fan going) With fresh seafood, all you need is salt and pepper, and a length of baguette. dcarch
...See More
Savoy Hotel - what are your experiences?
Q
Comments (18)
Marc - I got mine from Palatine but I think both Hortico and Rogue Valley sell this one, and Roses Unlimited might also have some. For me, I think this is one of the roses where a grafted rose might make a difference, particularly in a cold zone. Usually I go for own root, but I might lean toward grafted in your zone 5. Not that I'm feeding your rose addiction or anything... Laurie - you'd think with that many roses things would be glorious, but I posted almost no photos last year because the roses were so "meh". I'm reluctantly fertilizing them this year and we'll see if we can do better. Still, a lot of my roses are knee-high HTs and floris that have technically survived and bloom, but are shadows of what they'd be in a warmer zone. John is right that Savoy Hotel is a welcome exception in that it's really quite hardy and bushes out well even if it needs pruning down low. For me, Harkness roses are rarely very hardy, so that's a welcome surprise in my yard. Cynthia
...See More
chinamigarden
17 years ago
IF you have flocks checking out the house, then they are probably looking for a place to roost during the night. Keep an eye on your BB boxes and you might be surprised to see many pile in to keep warm.
donnalovesblue
17 years ago
My little blues never roost in the nestbox that I can tell. They are around in the early mornings, but I never see them in late afternoon except of course, during nesting season. Hope they are keeping warm somewhere else. Maybe it's because our temps are pretty mild so they don't need the nestbox at night.

Related Stories

BATHROOM DESIGN 8 Fabulous Faucets for All Kinds of Bathrooms

By Change Your Bathroom©

Find a new idea for your bathroom sink in 8 very different faucet designs, from waterfall to high-tech digital

Full Story

FARM YOUR YARD Houzz Call: Show Us Your One-of-a-Kind Chicken Coops

By Annie Thornton

Do you have a fun or stylish backyard shelter for your feathered friends? Post your pictures and stories in the Comments!

Full Story

112

COLOR Color Me Dazzled: The Saguaro Hotel in Palm Springs

By Samantha Schoech

No dusty neutrals for this desert hideaway — The Saguaro hotel revels in electrifying color from every arc of the rainbow

Full Story

LIVING ROOMS Room of the Day: That Chic Hotel-Lobby Look

By Bryan Anthony

This light-filled living room fits the bill for a San Francisco couple who like to travel

Full Story

TRAVEL BY DESIGN Travel in Style: 10 Designer Hotels to Inspire You

By Mitchell Parker

Pick up some decorating ideas or just revel in the decor and furnishings of these eye-popping hotels by famous designers

Full Story

DECORATING GUIDES Travel Takeaways: Decorating Lessons From a Lavish Paris Hotel

By Mike Dietrich

Bring Belle Époque style home with rich colors, courageous patterns and textures, and an unmistakable sense of individuality

Full Story

TRAVEL BY DESIGN Making New Memories at a Midcentury Palm Springs Hotel

By Kurt Cyr

Travel back in time at the restored Desert Star while you’re visiting for Modernism Week

Full Story

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Unwind in a Boutique-Hotel Lounge — on Your Patio

By User

Bring vacation-style comfort to your patio with cushy all-weather furnishings and accessories worthy of a posh getaway

Full Story

BEFORE AND AFTERS A Chilly Massachusetts Bathroom Gets the Hotel-Spa Treatment

By Becky Harris

Luxurious details including a steam shower and radiant-heat flooring create a relaxing private master bathroom for a couple

Full Story

TRAVEL BY DESIGN Hotel to Home: Capture a Greek Haven's Divine Design

By Houzz

Bliss and style get along swimmingly at Mykonos Blu resort in Greece, with aquatic colors, breezy decor and incredible views

Full Story

What kind of hotel is this?

Comments (4)

donnalovesblue

bluebars

Related Discussions

chinamigarden

donnalovesblue

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US