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When to Clean Bluebird Nesting Boxes

13 years ago

Hi folks,

I installed 6 boxes on my property and I have no idea what bird is living in any of them. I also have one I constructed over two years ago that I screwed into a tree on the outskirts of my woods that (last year) was inhabited by Carolina wrens. I don't know what's in it this year but the box is full of nesting material all the way to the hole's entrance.

For me, I don't mind who lives in them. I just don't know anything about when to clean them. The only thing I slightly remember reading about was I was supposed to 'cork off the entrance' until the bluebirds showed up, which I did not do. I'm very well clueless, but ready to learn. Remember it's not a priority of mine that only bluebirds live in them, and I'd hate to kick out any bird family, especially before they had time to re-build a nest prior to winter.

Thanks a lot,

Dax

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Comments (2)

tmann05
13 years ago
Dax,

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but if you don't intend to properly mount the boxes, monitor them all once or twice a week, and control invasive species like house sparrows and european starlings in your area, then you won't get bluebirds in your boxes. If you do and don't control house sparrows in your area, one day your bluebirds or any other cavity nester you get will be attacked by sparrows. It sounds like you are willing to learn and we all have to start somewhere. I would like to invite you to join the bluebird nut cafe and post your question there for much more professional help and advice as to what you should do. Hope to see you there.

http://bluebirdnutcafe.yuku.com/forums
gardener365
Original Author
13 years ago
O.k. Thanks.

Dax
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