Bluebirds

[TNhobbyfarmer]

I put out a bluebird box 3 weeks ago, the first one here at my current residence. I saw some bluebirds flitting around in my yard prior to putting up the box. There is some nest material in the box. I'm not sure if it was put there by bluebirds or some other species. However, I see no evidence of any birds currently using it. Also, I'm no longer seeing bluebirds in my yard.

If bluebirds were going to use the nest, shouldn't they already be there or is it too early yet? I'm wondering if it'll be used this year.

 

[kcflhrc]

In Kansas too early for them to nest. Trash birds like sparrows will nest in them early.

 

[quicksandfarmer]

I put out a bluebird box 3 weeks ago, the first one here at my current residence. I saw some bluebirds flitting around in my yard prior to putting up the box. There is some nest material in the box. I'm not sure if it was put there by bluebirds or some other species. However, I see no evidence of any birds currently using it. Also, I'm no longer seeing bluebirds in my yard.

If bluebirds were going to use the nest, shouldn't they already be there or is it too early yet? I'm wondering if it'll be used this year.

My understanding is you have to put them out the year before, they scout nesting sites in the fall.

The constant struggle is keeping starlings and sparrows out.

 

[teejk]

I put out a bluebird box 3 weeks ago, the first one here at my current residence. I saw some bluebirds flitting around in my yard prior to putting up the box. There is some nest material in the box. I'm not sure if it was put there by bluebirds or some other species. However, I see no evidence of any birds currently using it. Also, I'm no longer seeing bluebirds in my yard.

If bluebirds were going to use the nest, shouldn't they already be there or is it too early yet? I'm wondering if it'll be used this year.

They can be fussy. You might want to give it a few days and if still no activity clean it out and wait. I assume you know that they like open areas...can be on the edges of woods but not in them. And you want to avoid southern or western facing. Final point is don't give up. They usually hatch 2-3 broods/year and if you don't get the first batch you might get a later one especially if something happens to their first nest. Timing?...dunno about middle Tenn. I think southern Wis starts around April 15. Up here a week or two later.

 

[teejk]

In Kansas too early for them to nest. Trash birds like sparrows will nest in them early.

Chickadees try to get in first around here. For some reason we don't have English house sparrows around here (not complaining). The hole size should keep out the larger pests.

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

I know this will sound cruel to some, but if a bird other than a bluebird nests first, do you get rid of the intruder so a bluebird can use the facilities?

 

[teejk]

I know this will sound cruel to some, but if a bird other than a bluebird nests first, do you get rid of the intruder so a bluebird can use the facilities?

We do. No shortage of chickadees so they must find other accommodations somewhere else. As for the trash birds not even a question. I like watching bluebirds during the nesting and first flight phases. Very structured process.

 

[Thomas]

To early for blue birds around these parts,but seeing them not common sight.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

We start seeing the Bluebird scouts in about mid to late February. They should be nesting by now.

 

[zzvyb6]

Bluebird scouts arrive at end of February (as previously mentioned). I have about 200 houses up, 1/3 are or will be chickadees at the moment. Bluebirds like a nestbox that's been cleaned out and has a wire mesh platform at the bottom. This keeps the blowfly larvae from killing the babies. A bluebird nest is made up of soft grass. If bluebirds hatch and the nest gets infested with ants, chiggers or blowflies, you can remove the babies, make up a new nest and put the babies back in. Parents won't abandon them. Chickadee nest will be woven sticks. A few of my houses were filled with field mice hotels for the winter and had to be evicted. Both birds like a nestbox facing open fields. English sparrows will invade a nest that is too close to a dwelling and I'm told (and will try) that sparrows will not use a nest with a skylight (hole in the top). I don't allow sparrows (flying rats) on my property. They either get driven out or worse. .22 shot shells do a pretty good job of convincing them.

 

[teejk]

First sightings this morning. About 2 weeks earlier than normal which is odd given that our cold/wet winter is still hanging around. Wife said they appeared to be 2 males checking out the box. Then they left. I'm guessing scouts.

 

[QRTRHRS]

I dug out some red cedar I had stashed away and put together six houses, four standard per the North American Bluebird Society and two "Peterson" style. I gave my friends whom are maybe a five minute walk away one of the standard style. They have bluebirds in it, I have none. I had them around all winter and right up to when I put up the houses.

Tree swallows will also use them and they are nice to have around as well. I have had luck in the past placing two houses about 100 feet apart. The swallows use one and the bluebirds the other.

 

[oosik]

In all my 38 years here I may have seen a bluebird a couple times. We always get lots of Goldfinches. Different places - different colors.

 

[DMax82]

I need to build some bluebird houses soon. Want to build all manner of houses and feeders as the wife loves birds. I have a ton of Western Red Cedar that I bought cheap, but have so many other projects to do first.

 

[Alan W.]

Had a pair here early on. They will pick out their abode well before actually nesting. I have the boxes cleaned out in the fall and will check them early spring again. They will go to the other box for the second hatching. Very territorial.

I need to add more boxes in some other areas to prevent fighting.

 

[JamesHW]

Nice post zzvyb6! What specific wire mesh works best to place on the floor of the nesting box?

We are behind on plans to get a bunch of bluebird boxes up around our field.

 

[teejk]

Nice post zzvyb6! What specific wire mesh works best to place on the floor of the nesting box?

We are behind on plans to get a bunch of bluebird boxes up around our field.

I don't use mesh. I make them in batches using the plans from the bluebird society (the one with the swing-up side, ventilation gaps between the sides and roof and corners of the floor trimmed for drainage. Doing batches makes sense because of all the different pieces. Here's my last batch.

 

[Alan W.]

Years ago I use to use the cedar boxes for bluebirds but they wouldnt hold up to a shotgun blast of #8s. This is how I dealt with the english sparrows trying to move in. So I made some out of Trex decking. They are heavy but I still have the original two I built. The shot scuffs them up a bit and occasionally one or two will stick in a bit.

 

[ovrszd]

Bluebirds stay here all Winter. Have activity the first warm spell. Then it gets quiet for a couple weeks or so depending on reoccurring cold weather. Then the frenzy begins. They don't care which way the nest is pointing. They prefer a good launch area for the chicks. They don't care if you clean out the nest or not. When it gets almost full I clean them. I've supplied nest boxes for 30 years. "Build it and they will come".

 

[teejk]

Bluebirds stay here all Winter. Have activity the first warm spell. Then it gets quiet for a couple weeks or so depending on reoccurring cold weather. Then the frenzy begins. They don't care which way the nest is pointing. They prefer a good launch area for the chicks. They don't care if you clean out the nest or not. When it gets almost full I clean them. I've supplied nest boxes for 30 years. "Build it and they will come".

I think the idea is to keep the hole pointed away from the afternoon sun hence not south or west. Or so say the experts.