Bluebird question

[akp]

For you all with bluebirds......Do they defend their nextbox once their eggs are laid? I have read about how territorial they are. Well, I must have the most timid pair in the US. They are working on their third nest (sparrows have destroyed every one). I trap, I shoot, etc......

I am about ready to take down the houses. Any advice? Eggs were fine yesterday, today the box was full of crap. They didn't destroy or throw out the eggs, just brought in material on top of it. Beyond frustrated.

[lcline85]

The attitude of the bluebirds varies. I have heard some people report that their BB pair is very aggressive and territorial. But mine are like yours, they are very timid. I am thinking they are a young pair. Alot of other birds come very close to their nest and they just fly away.

Luckily I have taken care of the HOSP problem.
You can make something called a "Sparrow Spooker" and can find direstions for them online and after the first egg is made you put it on top of the box and it should prevent sparrows from going near the box.

http://www.sialis.org/sparrowspooker.htm

Here is some info. Plus check out the rest of that site. It has everything you could want to know about hosting blue birds.

[Chuck4]

Try making a sparrow spooker... Just Google it. That should stop them.

[akp]

Thanks guys. I'll give it a shot. They may already be gone.

[lcline85]

Good luck! Blue birds can still nest for quite a while. They nest all spring and some of summer so if they are still around they still have a chance for sure!

[daveh]

Trapping and shooting moreis the right thingto do, unless you are trying to raise bbs around livestock and livestock buildings where there is feed, than moving box farther away might be best. BB boxes need to be away from any buildings and trees, out in the open.

dave

[MandyinMO]

I had the same situation. My Bluebirds were somewhat timid. A HOSP showed up after they built half a nest and took over the nest box. After I was finally able to trap the HOSP, the BBs were able to finish their nest. After they laid eggs, I put the sparrow spooker on top of the box. The BBs didn't care for it at first, but they got used to it fairly quickly. I'm glad I put it on though because I've had several more HOSPs show up and they didn't go near the BB's nest box. The male BB did become more aggressive once the eggs were laid but luckily he leaves the martins alone.

[DAVE]

I put up another box about 10 feet away with a trap. My blue birds defended both for awhile then just concentrated on their own. Been trapping big time with this box.
Dave