More Bluebird pictures

Dave, Thank You sos very much for sharing so many of your pictures with us. You could probably share many many more and still havi us all smiling. ^_^

Wing waves,
BirdieBlue

Oh that reminds me --that shot of Papa with one wing way up for balance made me laugh he could have been giving airplane directons!!

2dCousin Dave------is it possible to put the meal worms inside a tube feeder that is enclosed in a cage? I noticed that you only use saucer like feeders. Also, I have found a feeder for sale that says it is for meal worms------and it is flat. Any info you have would be appreciated. I do so want to try to feed my blue birds as you have done.

Thank you,
Shirleyd

I don't know, Shirley. I've never seen or heard of it being done that way. Bluebirds are reluctant to even enter the cage at first and have to learn how to do it. And even now, after they have eaten from within the cage for months, if I put worms in an open dish and also some in a dish in the cage, they will always go for the open dish first. I guess they like to know they can escape if need be.

I use the bowl because the sides are slick and the worms can't escape, and because it is large enough for several to perch on at the same time. You see, everything I do is done with picture taking in mind.

Let me think about it and get back to you.

Dave

Here is today's in-flight effort.

New Papa sure does like that perch spot!

Yes, it is located where he can keep an eye on the nest box as well as the feeder. In fact, he considers the perch to be his personal space and will bump any birds (including Mama) off of it when he wants to land there.

For any one interested I have found a caged feeder on the internet at Duncraft. It is not listed in their mailed our catalog-- but found it under Bluebird listing on their web page. Also, I am wondering if the bluebirds will be as happy with dried meal worms as the live ones. Any one know?

Shirleyd

Hi Shirley, Here is the link for that feeder. http://www.duncraft.com/Baffled-Bluebird-Feeder-P4282C21.aspx

I've tried the dried ones but even the Carolina Wrens wouldn't eat them.

Good to know about the dried ones, pelletory, they have them here at Spott's Hardware in Medford, big buckets of them. Was wondering if the birds would be interested...

The same feeder is available from Cher Layton's BluebirdNut Cafe. That is where I got mine. She originally designed the smaller, rectangular shaped model that I bought several years ago. Then she came out with a larger, round one and I bought one of those too. This blue one is very similar to hers and I gather that she must have sold the rights to Erva Tool, who now makes it. The small, rectangular one is no longer availble, unfortunately.

Check out her site. She carries a lot of interesting stuff.


http://www.tmbstudios.com/thebluebirdshop.html

Dave your shots are fantastic. I wish I lived close by so I could get some lessons and watch you work. Thanks for sharing your settings. Feel free to do so anytime.

Has anyone had success in feeding bluebirds with dried meal worms? I didn't know they weren't recommended------and already ordered some.

Shirleyd

I fed some dried worms two winters ago but only the Carolina Wrens would eat them. I think I soaked them in water first. Our Blues will not eat a worm that isn't alive and squirming. I think it just depends on the area and what is avail for them to eat. Good luck...wish I could help more but that is all I know.

Thanks dellrose. I may have to give it a try since I have already ordered them.

Shirleyd