This is an a.m. photo. They are 9 days old, and as Dave suggested, their eyes are opening. The one little guy in the right rear seems to be less developed. Probably #5. I'll be speaking to Dave Hoffer (are all male bluebirders named Dave???) tomorrow in the a.m. about banding.
You're doing a great job there OP!
Don't let the flack get you down, from a small acorn an oak will grow. Dare to be different! If we all followed the gang leader the world would be full of sheep.
It sounds as though interest is stirring in those young minds, it's people like you who WILL be remembered by your students for teaching them something precious and useful.
Thats right OP! Glad their doing well!
Well, everyone, I have some pretty sad news. Two of the nestlings were killed today by house sparrows. It was the most horrible sight I've ever seen. I removed the bodies, and the three others were alive, although one is pretty weak. I don't know it it was attacked or just weak from lack of food.
My dear dear son went out to purchase materials to build a sparrow spooker while I stayed at the nestbox protecting the remaining babies. The parents were obviously afraid to go near the nesting box. We also moved the box further away from the tree where the sparrows are perching.
The nest was a mess. We had to pick up the babes to put clean, dry grass under them. My son built the spooker on the spot. It didn't bother the bluebirds one bit, and I sure hope it keeps the hosp away for the next week. We'll just have to keep our fingers crossed, and see what the morning brings.
The female went into the box three times to feed the babes while I was there. So, they haven't given up, but they are really tentative about going into the box.
Oh, I'm so so so sorry to hear that. ((hugs))
Oh, OPbirder, that's awful. What a horrible experience. Those poor little things. How distressing for the parents. However, it's good that the parents are going to the reloctaed nest box.
I'm so sorry OP. Hopefully the remaining three will make it OK...To answer a question you asked me a week or so ago, I only have room in my yard for one active nestbox. However, I also have a dummy box with a VanErt trap in it. Papa Blue doesn't like it being in his yard and I have caught him in it twice, so I keep an eye on it all the time so I can promptly let him out.
My female is sitting on five eggs. This will be their third and final nest for this season. .
Dave
Fabulous news Dave.
Oh, how sad...
OP...that is very sad and I am so sorry....
The last three were dead this a.m., and the sparrows apparently ran off the parents. Very very sad.
I'm looking into sparrow relocating methods. That's all I will say.
That is just terrible. I'm so so so so sorry.
That just makes me sick. I am so sorry to hear it OP.
My guess is the HOSPs wanted the nestbox. They are very territorial and the mature male often displays a warrior-like attitude during mating season. But most people do not really appreciate what a weapon his beak is. They may not be as big as a bluebird and you may see BBs chase them out in the yard, but trapped inside the nestbox, even an adult BB does not stand a chance.
Make sure they do not nest in that box, even if you must take it down or plug the hole.
My heart goes out to you and your students.
Dave
So sorry to hear this OP!
Oh OP. This is just so devastating. My heart goes out to you and to the kids. I've enjoyed watching this thread so much. Your babies will be missed by so many folks. Those blue bird parents must be so distraught. I do hope you can relocate the box and relocate the sparrows as well Far Far away.
I won't tell you what I'd be doing if this had happened in my yard because of the rules here on this forum. But I will say that a trip to Gander Mountain for nice fresh pellets would be in my near future. Biting my tongue here.
Yes. This is just devastating. I really cannot even talk about it right now.
:(
Oh OP, I'm so very, very sorry. `I don't have any more words, only tears.
Thanks margaret, nanny . . . everybody. It was the most horrible thing I've experienced. Yes, Dave, I am certain they wanted the nest box. I went out to take it down today and put it away as the bbs were not there yesterday. Well, the bbs were there today, and chirping sadly and following me. I'm sure they were also looking for mealworms which they have become accustomed to on a daily basis. The hosp have even started a nest (they wasted no time) which I, of course, cleaned out. I took the box down and scrubbed it really well, and put it back up with the door open.
Well, having the hosp moving on with their lives, and seeing the poor parents has spurred me to action which I'm not allowed to discuss here. But, I have been assured that shortly we will be able to host native birds once again. None of the beautiful spring birds will visit us with the hosp colony controlling our courtyard. Dave, please look for a d-mail from me. I'd like to tell you what the plan is.
I would plug the hole. The HOSP will build in it with the door open or even if there is no door at all. I would not make it available until the HOSP have been neutralized. They consider that box theirs now. If you let the BBs build before the probem is resolved, you are just asking for more tears.
Dave
Ok Dave. Will do.
I'm back. We (Dave H.) went to the site. Few hosp left as all the boxes were removed and all the food taken away. All babies fledged. One pair in the courtyard with a nest behind the fire bell. The custodian is supposed to fill in all holes. One nest behind an exterior fire bell probably 7-8 yds. from the bluebird nesting box.
We are prepared for hosp if needed. Let me know if you want details, and I will d-mail you. So, Dave H. wanted two boxes, and he situated them better than before, although pretty much in the same spot. He wanted them under dead branches in the maple so the bbs can guard from above. I attached a photo for those of you interested in seeing the habitat.
Dave H. suggested two boxes to hopefully entice tree swallows to nest. He said sometimes they will help bluebirds guard the area. Here's another angle. There is a summer lacrosse camp going on in the background.
Welcome back, OP.
So, you are probably wondering why I'm stringing you along like this. We opened the box (We corked up the opening two weeks ago as recommended by 2nd Cous. Dave). This was Monday at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday 8:00 a.m. the bbs had their nest started! And by 3:00 p.m. it looks completed. Interestingly, the bottom part is constructed with small stems like what you see on a flowering shrub after the clusters of blooms have faded. The top part is made with traditional dried grass from mowing. Thought you'd like to see it.
Never forgetting the old, but embracing the new.
We're looking forward to a grand new experience with you OP. Looks like they've just been waiting on you. :-)
Janet
Hey congrats on the new nest. *happy dance*
Thanks all! We do it for the birds.
Here's the lady bird waiting for lunch.
And the Mr. keeping an eye on things.
interesting about the "dead branch" thing. You should put up a shepherd hook like dave has!
Glad to see things moving forward in a positive light!
Wonderful to hear that your BB boxes are back in action.
Thanks Mrs. Ed - you are one of those gypsy mind readers, too, I see! I just bought a shepard hook and a Wild Bird Unlimited blue bird feeder. It's called the dinner bell.
This is the link to the dinner bell feeder. C:Documents and SettingsNancyDesktopWild Birds Unlimited Online Shop WBU Dinner Bell Feeder.htm
hahaha. I'm all knowing.
Here, maybe this link:
http://www.shopwbu.com/product/part_number=1128/567.0
Yeah. That's the one. Geez. Did I really spend that much? Must have been the cute models in the photo!
yes, how can you say no to those adorable spokesmodels
LOL marna!
OP - I have a dinner bell feeder and when the 1st gp of fledges came home for their mealworms the family was so very cute all perched around it. I have to put is up for brief periods only as I have so many insect lovers in the front yart that quickly discover it and the Dogwood tree where it gets hung is rather close to the BB nest bos and is also one of their lookout trees. I usually put it out when they are around. they are so funny, ...the parents..well Pappa now watch from a few branches above chirping excitedly as I mount it whth this hook that fits over a broom handle so that it can be hung quite high.. The birds bring me so much joy. I truly thank God for the beauty that we have been surrounded with. I also am very verey happy to learn that once again your BB's are nesting as they are so interesting and endearing to watch.
Wing wave to ya..........Sheri
