Bluebirds

Haven't posted much lately. I've been busy the last couple weeks. Here is some shots of our resident male Eastern Bluebird.

I see you...

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These are great Brad!! They're such sweet, easy going birds. Did they start using your nest box when it was 1st put up, or did it stay empty for a couple of years? I'm planning on putting one up before next year....hopefully they'll use it.


Sharon

Thanks Sharon... When we first moved here we noticed them around. We then put up a house and they noticed it right away. We have had about 3 broods per year for the 5 years we have lived here. We now have several houses in our backyard. If you have them around, put up a house. They are fun to watch.

Thanks Brad I waited too late this year, but I will certainly get one up in time for next year. Last year I had about 15-20 BB's around here, but this year at first I saw only 2 now it's down to just 1. I kept seeing him come to the feeders so I started putting out meal worms for him, he's a regular now, like clockwork 3-4 times a day. The carolina wrens, tufted tits and the red bellied woodpeckers also love the meal worms, and my least favorite bird of all, the hateful mockingbirds, will clean out the meal worms and chase everything away before the little bluebird even gets a chance at them. So when I put them out there I kinda have to guard them until the BB gets his share.

I'm going to order one of these
http://www.drsfostersm​ith.com …+15255+12401&pc​atid=12401

and start raising my own meal worms. I just wish I had as many BB's as I did last year. But maybe if I get a couple of nest boxes up and this feeder there will be more of them show up.

Sharon

I know i can just look this up, but do you have to have the boxes in an open field? Our yard isn't really open but it's next to hay fields, would it be a waste to put one up? this year we've seen about 3 mating pairs around, I want some in our yard!

Sharon, its not too late to put your nestbox out. Blubirds nest from February through August. Our BB's are on their second brood right now. They have just started feeding the hatchlings. Yep, those Mockingbirds sure can be a pain but the BB's gang up on them. I have one of those feeders in your link. Although I haven't tried it out much yet.
Good luck!

gardengirl13 wrote in post #5796278
I know i can just look this up, but do you have to have the boxes in an open field? Our yard isn't really open but it's next to hay fields, would it be a waste to put one up? this year we've seen about 3 mating pairs around, I want some in our yard!

gardengirl... No, it wouldn't be a waste. You don't have to have the nestboxes in a open field. Our backyard isn't really open either. Bluebirds are most likely to nest in a large open areas with short ground cover with some trees for perching. Your BB's would probaly really like the open hay field. Good luck getting some in your yard!

Thanks Brad....They may already have a nest nearby, I finally saw the female yesterday, but she didn't come to the worm bowl....he did. Every time he visits, he'll eat 5-6 and always takes a big juicy meal worm with him...maybe he's been taking them to her or feeding their babies

I've looked at that feeder for a while, and wondered if anyone actually had one and how well it works. I know the holes are way too small for mockingbirds (at least I hope they are).


Sharon

Wow, beautiful bluebird! Now, I have to ask...what did you take it on to get it tack sharp! I never seem to think mine are...but I'm just an amateur.

yorkiemom wrote in post #5803036
Wow, beautiful bluebird! Now, I have to ask...what did you take it on to get it tack sharp! I never seem to think mine are...but I'm just an amateur.

Thanks yorkiemom, This photo was taken a while back. I believe this was handheld or I was laying on the ground using my backpack as a "tripod."

EXIF data: XSi, 100-400 IS, F/8.0, ISO 100, SS 1/125, @400mm