OP Blue Birds are in Town

Birdie - I was concerned about robins eating the mealworms! I couldn't find a photo of it, but do you think I'd be better off with the blue bird feeder that has plexiglass on two sides and holes on opposite sides to keep out the larger birds? I haven't opened the dinner bell yet, and can exchange it.

Dave uses the cage because of the mockingbirds and robins. He posted a picture once with a robin (i think) with a HUGGEEEEE mouthful!

http://www.tmbstudios.com/proddetail.asp?prod=BBNDMWF

Thanks Mrs. Ed for the link. I do remember seeing the cage setup Dave uses. That's visible from all sides, and bbs won't feel trapped. Sounds better than the dinner bell.

I have the one with plexiglass on the sides too but don't recommend it. The BBs have no problem going in, but twice they got confused, trying to fly through the plexiglass, and panicked. I had to open the top to let them out. Others haave had that problem and fixed it by putting a couple of strips of masking tape on the plexiglass. As you can see, the red-bellied can reach in too.

I would think the cage would be the best if there are other birds competing for the mealworms. Robins naturally eat worms from the ground, so they will be attracted to the dish on the ground rather than the dinner bell.....IF it's only the Robins competing...but with a history of other competitors for your precious BB's "property", I'd be inclined to go for the cage.

I have seen boxes (like storage boxes for teens), with sort of "latticed" sides, used to set the mealworm dish in. For my situation though, the Carolina Wren's, Chickadees & Titmice are so tiny that they probably could get thru the openings anyway to get to the MW's.
The best result I have had is to just not put out a lot at one time and aide the BB's (with a call, whistle, clicker, etc that they will know is you bringing the MW's). If they are in the vicinity and hungry, they will be all over in a hurry for their juicy treats!

That's the other one I was considering Dave, and I was worried about them feeling trapped. I returned the deluxe dinner bell (had holders for suet), and got this cage. It, too, holds suet in the center. The top opens. I put a plastic plate in, and punched a couple small holes for drainage.

Great news! The bbs have laid one egg this a.m. This has to be a record - nest built in 24 hrs. after opening the hole, and first egg 48 hrs. later.

I have two guests in the courtyard this a.m., too. Will retrieve them (hopefully others) this afternoon. I'm monitoring very closely. The teacher in the room overlooking the bb nesting box is watching, too.

I also bought this one. I thought it would be more fun for the students to have an opportunity to see them up close at the window. Will give it a shot.


http://www.shopwbu.com/product/part_number=1127/567.0

nice! I loved that picture BirdieBlue posted of the BB using it.

Oh? Where is it posted?

Ooops, it was Birdfinder (new it was someone new)

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/fp.php?pid=5196041

from here: http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/871747/#post_5196041

Thanks M.E. - Hopefully, I will be eye to eye with some birdies soon. I have a d-mail for you.

It was a very good day. BBs are active, doing a lot of wing waving, swooping and perching. Three less than friendly birdies went off to summer camp. There will be another bus leaving Monday hopefully.

Nice pic OP! Glad things are going well.

Could you possibly start a new thread soon; this one is taking a long time to load.

Thank You!

Pelle

Yes. Thanks for the suggestion pelle.

I've started a new thread - OP Blue Birds #2 Here's the link (I think).

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/876176/