Re: [Maine-birds] Re: Sebasticook River-Benton - Blue bird, King Birds, Black and White Warbler, more

Thank you to all who have commented about bluebird nests.  I have 18 box nests and will go to 20 box nests.

I have put a one new this year in a rock pile in the middle of a hay field.  I will put a second nest within 15 feet of that one.  They will be isolated from all other nests by at least 500 feet. 

I will put a second nest within 15 feet of a box nest near the river. 

I will move two nests within 15 feet of each other in a mowed area that will be more than 200 feet from the nearest other nests.

This year I replaced all the front plates with new plates made of old barn boards with a new hole that is 1 1/2" in diameter.  The old front plates were about 10 years old and I found many had been pecked larger over the years.  I am not sure how or who enlarged the holes.  I assume either the Tree Swallows or a predators.  
 


On 3/31/2016 8:24 AM, Sharon F. wrote:

Mowing an area short and frequently does do the trick. We have 8-10 pairs of tree swallows nesting around us and by the river and always have one bluebird pair. They stay in the upper field area so I make sure to keep that bluebird friendly-has worked for the past 15 years...and is so worth the effort! So beneficial and fun to have both species here.  Sharon in West Kennebunk

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Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2016 03:52:29 -0700
From: asegel@colby.edu
To: maine-birds@googlegroups.com
Subject: [Maine-birds] Re: Sebasticook River-Benton - Blue bird, King Birds, Black and White Warbler, more

I find the same thing with my nest boxes. The swallows are more aggressive and drive off the bluebirds. I've tried providing more boxes but that just led to more swallow pairs...not necessarily a bad thing. One thing I had recommended, was to put two boxes back to back on the same post. The theory being that one pair of swallows would keep the others away, freeing up the box for the bluebirds. It never worked for me but you might have better luck. One thing I do know that will increase the number of blue birds is keeping the area well mowed. It makes a noticeable difference as the bluebirds feed close to the ground unlike the swallows. I've maintained about a half dozen boxes for 30 years now on the same 5 acre field. About one in every three years a bluebird pair will nest successfully. I've learned to be satisfied with that. Cultivating a less Augustinian view of nature is also helpful :)

On Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at 6:39:29 PM UTC-4, Allan Fuller wrote:

FOY Bluebird has been checking out a bird house.  The Tree Swallows will be here in about 1-2 weeks and chase the Bluebirds out.  Happens every year.  Anyone have any suggestions on how to keep the Tree Swallows from hassling the Bluebirds. 

About 20 FOY Eastern King Birds were eating high bush cranberries.  I have never seen so many Eastern King Birds at one place at one time.  They must be traveling though. 

FOY Black and White Warbler hopping around the raspberry patch.

Last Sunday FOY Great Blue Heron flew up the river at tree height. 

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