| Author | Content |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 4, 2008
7:15 AM Post #4904006
| I heard rumors that a pair had been seen, but I finally saw them on May 1st. The female stays up in the nearby tree while the male inspects the box. Thus, only photos so far are of the Mr. It looks like the box is directly under the tree, but it's about 25 ft. away. I will turn the box so the hole is facing the tree before babies fledge, but for now keep it facing north so rain doesn't blow into it. It's in the same location as last year - 5 ft. or so closer to the window!
They are quite verbal, and yes, I saw my first wing wave!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 4, 2008
7:22 AM Post #4904015
| I'm intentionally showing the area where the nesting box is located for those of you wondering where to put boxes. This is a suburban schoolyard. The grass was mowed for the first time about five days ago. Pesticide-free lawn. You can see that the custodians are quite cooperative! I have three posts around the area for perching and hunting. I put mealworms in the Tupperware container at the base of the post. The second grade just finished their mealworm unit and contributed worms and beetles.
This series was taken on May 1st. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 4, 2008
7:26 AM Post #4904021
| Isn't he precious? The four babies last year were banded by Dave Hoffer of the New York BB Society. It was coincidental that he works 2 miles from our nesting boxes! I could not detect a leg band on this bird.
The white thingie that appears attached to the back of the box is a plastic lawn chair in the backyard of the neighbor about 150 yds. from the box. The woods are way off, too. There are numerous very tall trees around.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 4, 2008
7:29 AM Post #4904030
| Nice view of his beautiful back, and dandelions. By the way, my second box is 100 yds away and just around the corner of the building at the front of this wing. The bbs never even visited it as far as we could tell. Every morning I scrape the hosp garbage out of it. They use dandelions, feathers, litter. I'll take a photo tomorrow to show it's location. It is perfect viewing from a classroom window! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 4, 2008
7:36 AM Post #4904040
| The front of the box is hinged and lifts from the bottom. The metal pole has a plate that is screwed into the box. The pole has a screw bottom. It was easy to screw into the soft soil. The bought this setup at Wild Birds Unlimited. They give me a teacher discount.
No one bothered the bbs last year - keep your fingers crossed for this year - as the seed feeders are in the courtyard that is surrounded by the classrooms.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
tabasco
Cincinnati (Anderson, OH
(Zone 6a)
May 4, 2008
7:48 AM Post #4904056
|
Congrats on getting your bluebirds back and thank you for the photos and info on your bb nest boxes, OP.
I bet the kids love to have the bbs around the school yard!
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 4, 2008
7:50 AM Post #4904063
| It was raining too hard to get a photo when I stopped by to replenish meal worms, but the bbs ARE starting their nest. They are using the mowed grass as they did last year. However, last year by the time they started (June 1st) everything was much drier. The inside of the box was nice and dry.
As soon as I left, the sun came out and there was the most incredible double rainbow. I have never in my entire life seen a double. It was so large and close that I couldn't get the whole thing in my view finder. Hope you enjoy it.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 4, 2008
7:53 AM Post #4904071
| Thanks Tab. Yes the kids have been converted! It such a pleasure to be interrupted by a student telling me he sees a northern flicker in the courtyard!
Fortunately, I can easily connect birding to curriculum. I teach NY state history, and the blue bird is the state bird! Also, in science we cover life cycles, etc. Otherwise I'd probably be fired!!! |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
May 4, 2008
8:47 AM Post #4904198
| Thats great OP! Its so nice to hear the kids are excited about it! |
Mima56
Thayer, MO
(Zone 6a)
May 4, 2008
10:16 AM Post #4904477
| What a wonderful, rewarding project! Re: opening children's eyes...when 4-yr-old GS was visiting, he saw his first arrowhead in a jar of collectibles. At five, when he came for another visit, he brought a gift...an arrowhead he had found when digging on the playground at school! It was so primitive that I'm not sure I would have recognized it for what it was, but he did. Talk about amazed and proud!
I have to ask: what is the significance of the wing wave?? |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 4, 2008
5:04 PM Post #4905844
| Thanks Pelle. I stopped by mid-day. The bbs were very active, zooming around the meadow. Hosp continue building a nest in this box. After observing the hosp flying clear across the meadow, about 200 yds, just to chase off the bbs, I took this box down. Do you think they liked this location because of the evergreens?
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 4, 2008
5:09 PM Post #4905857
| Hi Mima! It is communication between the birds. I'm a novice. Hopefully, 2cousindave, pelle, resin, and rose will visit, and explain fully its significance. It's discussed in the other bluebird threads, too.
I'll bet you're a GRAND gm, Mima. I love taking my friends' children out for hikes. I give scout nature hikes, too. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 4, 2008
5:13 PM Post #4905876
| Mr. bb was so far away, but I was able to see him through my binoculars, so I tried taking a picture through them. It kind of works! I did watch the female up close, but they are still skittish, and didn't stay long enough for a pic. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 5, 2008
9:59 PM Post #4912122
| Today was eventful for the bbs. They did not make progress on their nest today because they spent most of the day defending it from the HOSP. The sparrows also antagonized the goldfinches when they went to their niger seeds. Hopefully the bullies will let up and go elsewhere. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 5, 2008
10:02 PM Post #4912141
| I did get a picture of the two of them today. They sure are a pretty pair. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Mima56
Thayer, MO
(Zone 6a)
May 5, 2008
11:02 PM Post #4912481
| Lovely picture! And the picture through the binoculars is so-o interesting. |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
May 6, 2008
6:46 AM Post #4913224
| Nice picture OP! |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 6, 2008
7:46 PM Post #4916257
| Thanks pelle and mima for your kind words. I'm so upset. The pair spent the entire day yesterday - May 5th - fending off a group of HOSP. I fear they have left us as I didn't see them today at all. I don't blame them poor things. It was just awful yesterday.
Remember, I took the second nesting box down the evening of the 4th. Maybe I should have just left the box up and allowed the sparrows to have it, and they wouldn't have bothered the bbs.
I took down the box the bbs were interested in and scrubbed it really well, and put the other one back up at the other end of the buiding where I had it originally. My theory is the sparrows will go back to the original one and I'll just leave them alone. Maybe the bbs will come back - I think they're still nearby because the mealworms I put out twice daily are always gone.
I'll go to Wild Birds Unlimited for a sparrow spooker, too. |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
May 6, 2008
8:35 PM Post #4916453
| Oh, I'm so sorry. But better them leave than the unthinkable. |
Mima56
Thayer, MO
(Zone 6a)
May 6, 2008
9:53 PM Post #4916870
| Oh, I hope someone more knowledgable than I will offer some suggestions. Fortunately, we don't have a HOSP problem (evil, evil little things...) |
dellrose
Conway, MO
(Zone 5b)
May 6, 2008
10:05 PM Post #4916931
| I am sorry to hear about the problem with the HOSP's! I have had them chase off the BB's from all but one nestbox. Have you checked the Sialis website that addresses this problem? There is a lot of good info and links to different sites that may help. Good luck...I know how discouraging it can be. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 7, 2008
5:42 AM Post #4917937
| Thanks everyone. Good thinking rose. I'll go to the Sialis site. |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
May 7, 2008
8:30 AM Post #4918281
| OP, you also might want to Dmail Dave (2ndCousinDave). He will tell you of his efforts with HOSPs. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 8, 2008
5:51 AM Post #4922830
| Ok. Thanks Mrs. Ed. I will d-mail Dave. I'm trying the passive methods suggested at sialis, too - the box that the hosp had taken over in the beginning is back at the front of the building. Of course the gang swarmed immediately. Sialis says once hosp control a box they will never give it up. Yesterday (7th) a.m. the bbs were looking for their box so I put it back. Remember, I took it down to clean it and let it dry over night because I was concerned about the sparrows taking it over in the absence of the bbs. I figured better gone than taken over by hosp or harming bbs.
The mealworms continue to be gobbled up quickly - bbs or robins? I think bbs since they come and go.
I hope readers will learn from this huge mistake - If you see any hosp, don't put up bird houses with entry holes that they can fit into. We have several cute little houses in the courtyard - all controlled by hosp. They have found crevices and holes in the brick walls of our building around the fire alarms. We have ended up with a colony of hosp. Hosp are opportunists. They chase away goldfinches, grackles, starlings, chipping sparrows, and even crows! You can hear them calling in reinforcements when they feel threatened. We have enjoyed feeding the birds for several years now, and we have had many various visitors, however, this year we are seeing fewer of them.
After bb breeding season we are going to remove all the houses in our courtyard, and stop feeding the birds. Hopefully this will eliminate the problem.
|
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
May 8, 2008
7:17 AM Post #4922939
| OP you have dmail from me! |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 8, 2008
10:18 PM Post #4926745
| Today was a calm day. BBs were on their house early but scattered when I put mealworms out. Hosp were in that area. Putting their house back up seemed to help . . . today, anyway. Still hopeful.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 10, 2008
8:26 AM Post #4932139
| The bbs were sighted on the 9th and 10th still determining if they want to use the nesting box. It's such a good spot for them, I hope it works out. A hawk was apparently trying to catch a hosp in the courtyard (bbs don't go in there). This could be our ticket to reducing that population. |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
May 10, 2008
8:33 AM Post #4932172
| ooo, too bad you can't train a hawk to only go after mice and HOSPs.
:D
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 10, 2008
8:34 AM Post #4932174
| Hmmmmmmmm! Maybe I can pay them. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 12, 2008
7:17 PM Post #4942394
| The bbs are still apt. hunting. I continue to put out mealworms twice daily, and they are enjoying them! They actually behaved in a similar manner last year. It took nearly a month before they took the plunge and nested. The sparrows have left the nesting box alone - no interest whatsoever. So, I'm hopeful. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 26, 2008
7:23 AM Post #5004234
| Things have calmed down between the hosp and bbs. Goldfinches have been hanging out around the bbs seemingly eating dandelion seeds. I did see a robin chasing the bbs around briefly one morning, but they seem to have accepted one another.
bbs have a nest in the works. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 26, 2008
7:27 AM Post #5004241
| Let's try this again. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 26, 2008
7:32 AM Post #5004253
| This is the pair on a large branch that has blown off the maple tree nearby. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 26, 2008
7:34 AM Post #5004256
| This is the project supervisor. Quite seriously, I watched him remove material from the nesting box that Mrs. put in! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 26, 2008
7:37 AM Post #5004262
| This is one of the hunting posts I put out for them. I put mealworms in the Tupperware on the grass. They zoom in when they see me now. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 26, 2008
7:39 AM Post #5004264
| The two of them on the post. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
dellrose
Conway, MO
(Zone 5b)
May 26, 2008
10:41 AM Post #5004786
| That is good news OP...hope all works out for the lovely couple! |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 26, 2008
8:28 PM Post #5007387
| Very good news today! Just went over to share mealworms with the pair, and counted 3 eggs. We are expecting thunderstorms tonight so I made sure the hole is facing away from the wind. Looks secure to me.
Will update tomorrow afternoon. |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
May 27, 2008
7:05 AM Post #5008948
| That great news OP! |
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
May 27, 2008
9:46 AM Post #5009511
| YAY! Sounds like you are one your way finally to a successful nesting! Do sooo hope it goes well! |
Cdejarnatt
Middleburg, FL
May 27, 2008
5:57 PM Post #5011551
| Beautiful birds! I have a pair that are nesting right outside my window. Here's a pic of them.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
May 27, 2008
6:00 PM Post #5011570
| Very nice pic Cdejarnatt! Welcome to the Bird Watching forum! |
dragonfly62
Nilwood, IL
(Zone 5b)
May 27, 2008
6:01 PM Post #5011575
| We put a house up at our camping area. Just across the lane is a bog with lots of BBs. I waited two years and this year they built a nest and I got a couple of pics. No eggs yet but last week went out to see and had them pesky HOSP run them out. I was sick!!! BEV 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
May 27, 2008
6:05 PM Post #5011593
| That ashame Bev! |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 27, 2008
6:12 PM Post #5011618
| Hi Cdejarnett! Glad you're here. Bluebirds are addictive. I'll bet you're glancing out the window a lot. Very pretty picture. Thanks.
Dragonfly - hosp sure are pesky! We've been having issues with them, too. But the competition seems to have died down. Keep your fingers crossed. Interestingly, several goldfinch have been hanging with the bbs.
This is today's photo. Still 3 eggs.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
dragonfly62
Nilwood, IL
(Zone 5b)
May 27, 2008
6:27 PM Post #5011685
| I have heard that BBs have two batches a year so should I tear the nest out and try to scare HOSPs away or what? I have no experiance with BBs. Thanks BEV 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
May 27, 2008
6:33 PM Post #5011712
| yep, tear that nest out and hope that the BBs start again. And even if they don't , try not to let the HOSPs build a nest at all.
This message was edited May 27, 2008 5:33 PM |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 27, 2008
6:38 PM Post #5011746
| Dragonfly - These are the bluebird sites folks on this forum have shared with me. I found them invaluable.
[HYPERLINK@sialis.org]
[HYPERLINK@www.nabluebirdsociety.org]
Good luck. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 27, 2008
6:39 PM Post #5011748
| Thanks pelle, mrs. ed, and nanny for the support! |
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
May 27, 2008
6:51 PM Post #5011788
| You bet! Looking forward to see fledglings! |
dragonfly62
Nilwood, IL
(Zone 5b)
May 27, 2008
7:00 PM Post #5011823
| Thanks OP BEV |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 27, 2008
7:17 PM Post #5011921
| Sure thing dragon. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 30, 2008
5:07 PM Post #5027325
| There are 5 eggs today. It seems like she has been taking her sweet time laying. It has taken nearly a week for her to lay the clutch of eggs. Please notice on the closest egg a white area at the top left. It's almost like when an orange begins to decompose. It looks like it might feel soft and is slightly sunken. I didn't find anything on the 3 bb sites I have that would be helpful. I'm going to ask Dave about it. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 30, 2008
5:12 PM Post #5027346
| A little competition from the robins for the mealworms. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
dellrose
Conway, MO
(Zone 5b)
May 30, 2008
5:44 PM Post #5027476
| Great news OP! Thanks for posting the pics and bringing us up to date. I think I remember Dave's first clutch had an egg with a whitish spot that didn't hatch. Of course I could have imagined that, sometimes my memory ain't too good. btw..I also have 5 BB eggs...please wish me luck as I certainly wish you!! We will both be on pins and needles until all is well!! |
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
May 30, 2008
6:18 PM Post #5027588
| Oh, how exciting!!!! Good luck to both of you with your eggs! |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 30, 2008
9:29 PM Post #5028387
| I remember dell. I think he removed it from the nest.
Thanks nanny. I took all 22 of my 10 year old students, and their nature journals, outside to observe the bbs yesterday. They sat in the grass quietly and respectfully while the pair of birds fly down to eat their mealworms. |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
May 30, 2008
9:29 PM Post #5028390
| Good Egg karma to Rose and OP. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 31, 2008
6:54 AM Post #5029804
| Thanks Mrs. Ed. Your kind and loving vibs have been working on other threads. |
MargaretK
PERTH
(Australia)
May 31, 2008
8:59 AM Post #5030166
| Hi, OP. Wonder thread. What fortunate children to have a teacher/mentor like you. The flow on effect from what you are instilling in them is boundless. By the way, what are "hosps"? |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
May 31, 2008
9:18 AM Post #5030242
| House Sparrows, Margaret. Here in the US they are nasty nasty to bluebirds and other cavity nesters. They'll KILL for the bird house!
OP, when are you out of school? |
MargaretK
PERTH
(Australia)
May 31, 2008
9:39 AM Post #5030337
| Sparrows (I don't know if they are the same as in the US, but are certainly an introduced species) are a problem in the eastern states. Western Australia is isolated from the rest of the continent by a dirty great big desert and very strict quarantine regulations have kept our part of Australia relatively free of invasive species such as sparrows. My sister has them in Canberra, where they pose a predatory risk to more gentle and defenceless birds.
What we do have here is an increasing problem with Rainbow Lorikeets, which are native to Queensland. They are the most highly coloured parrot you're ever likely to see, but are breeding in huge numbers and are displacing many smaller birds from nesting hollows and, because of their aggressive (to other birds) nature are chasing them away from food sources, chiefly nectar bearing plants. At this point in time, they haven't extended into agricultural areas and because they aren't potentially affecting an economy, are largely being ignored. When they start invading fruit crops, something may be done to control their numbers. |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
May 31, 2008
9:50 AM Post #5030386
| The Rainbow Lorikeets are gorgeous! Sorry to hear their becoming a problem. |
MargaretK
PERTH
(Australia)
May 31, 2008
10:42 AM Post #5030565
| It's awful, pelletory. The Rainbow Lorikeets are such highly colourful, fun loving, gregarious birds - dags, really. However, when you can actually see the impact they are having on local birdlife, it's quite distressing. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 31, 2008
5:05 PM Post #5032011
| Mrs. Ed -Friday, June 27th. Are you thinking of fledging dates? I leave on the 28th for a mission trip - same thing happened last year. I missed the fledge! But, the babies/parents were around into the beginning of the school year. |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
May 31, 2008
6:09 PM Post #5032262
| Well yes, i was thinking of fledge dates. Would be ashame for you and the kids to miss it. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 2, 2008
7:49 PM Post #5042899
| 2nd Cousin Dave has taught us about bluebirds rotating their eggs while incubating them, so I thought it would be interesting to see first hand a clutch of eggs being rotated.
This photo is from this morning about 7:30 a.m. Note the egg closest to the front has a spot of white on the top left side.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 2, 2008
7:54 PM Post #5042927
| This is from today at 3:30 p.m. Same angle, height. Note where the white spotted egg is now! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
June 2, 2008
8:19 PM Post #5043102
| Awww, a good mommy doing her job. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 2, 2008
8:56 PM Post #5043388
| These birdies are so dang fascinating Marna! |
MargaretK
PERTH
(Australia)
June 2, 2008
10:06 PM Post #5043829
| The eggs are beautiful. How interesting to see that they are being moved around. Keep on taking updated pictures. I'd love to see what's happening with them. I wonder which other birds do this. I'm just endlessly blown away by the birds that frequent your local areas. |
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
June 2, 2008
10:56 PM Post #5044091
| It is amazing the things we are learning here! |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 4, 2008
9:19 PM Post #5054978
| I looked in on them today, but didn't take a photo. The eggs look a little larger to me. Do they grown larger, or is it my imagination?
The communication between the pair is interesting, too - the wing waving, swooping near each other, chirpping softly. I also noticed the female is braver than the male. She will fly down to eat the mealworms with me close by. The male will fly by, but won't land.
The eggs should hatch in about a week. I'm getting excited! |
MargaretK
PERTH
(Australia)
June 5, 2008
2:40 AM Post #5056274
| With good reason, OPbirder. The Bluebirds are just beautiful. |
MargaretK
PERTH
(Australia)
June 9, 2008
6:50 AM Post #5075486
| What's happening with the eggs, OPbirder? |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 9, 2008
8:35 PM Post #5079527
| Hi MargaretK - This is a photo of the female from last Friday. I didn't get a picture of the male because he was unusually shy, and wouldn't come down to the mealworms.
That was the last we have seen of the male. I didn't see him Saturday, nor today - Monday. We've all been on the lookout for him.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 9, 2008
8:41 PM Post #5079560
| The sweet little female continues her motherly duties - incubates and rotates the eggs. I guess all I can do is make sure she has plenty to feed the babies when they hatch (due in a couple days) since she will be doing double duty. Life will be even more dangerous since she won't have a guard. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 9, 2008
8:57 PM Post #5079640
| I spoke to a representative from the NY State Bluebird Society. He said if the male's been gone this long, something has probably happened to him. He also said, frequently another male will come to help out. She sure has her wings full! |
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 9, 2008
9:29 PM Post #5079817
| OP I looked back over your posts and it seems she laid the fifth egg on May 30. If she began incubation then, I figure she is due to hatch on the twelfth. Is that how you figure it?
Dave |
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
June 9, 2008
10:12 PM Post #5080133
| Oh poor mom... |
MargaretK
PERTH
(Australia)
June 10, 2008
7:00 AM Post #5081331
| OPbirder, I so hope the male returns. It would be sad if something has happened to him. Poor little expectant mum bird. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 10, 2008
9:12 PM Post #5085004
| Yes Dave. That's the date I figured, too. I've taken a peek each day. All 5 eggs are there, and look beautiful. Do you have advice for me? |
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 10, 2008
11:13 PM Post #5085623
| Well, if he hasn't returned and she hasn't attracted a mate before then, it's hard to predict what will happen. It probably would be better for the chicks if she did it alone. And she is capable, but she will need lots of help. A water source and mealworms nearby so she won't have to be away too far and too long from the nest. After the chicks are about a week old they require food every half hour or so. Hopefully the mealworm shortage will have eased by then. If you have a source, stock up.
If you have HOSP in the area, get a sparrow spooker up if you do not already have one up. They are a threat to her and the eggs/nestlings if they decide they want that nestbox. She is most vunerable now and for the first week after hatchage, when she is brooding.
Another great danger comes if she attracts a mate after the eggs hatch. At best he may not help. But they are not his and he knows it. He will likely want to get on with his own family so he may attack, remove the nestlings or even kill them. It happens a lot more often than we realize, but usually outside our sight.
Wishing you the best of luck. You'll find the 18 days between hatching and fledging will seem forever under these circumstances. Like waiting for Christmas as a child.
Dave
This message was edited Jun 10, 2008 11:30 PM |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 11, 2008
6:13 AM Post #5086331
| Ok. I'll get busy preparing. The hosp have very clearly left her alone. They have not been sighted in her area at all in 3 weeks. But I'll get a spooker.
Thanks for your support.
|
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
June 11, 2008
8:04 AM Post #5086528
| Oh this all sounds sooo stresstful ...for her and her human helpers. Do so hope all turns out well. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 11, 2008
8:31 AM Post #5086643
| Baby #1 hatched just 15 min. ago. He/she is shown pulling her/his head out of the egg. Just seconds later as he/she was draped over the other eggs she/he was gaping.
Mom was very tolerant. I believe she knows I'm helping. I put a bowl of water near the hunting post along w/her worms.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 11, 2008
8:31 AM Post #5086653
| And again! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 11, 2008
8:59 AM Post #5086768
| Congratulations! I have never been able to capture that moment tho I've tried and will keep trying. Now her (and your) work really begins. I'm glad you haven't been bothered by HOSPs. Be watchful tho. They could show up at any time. I'll watch for your updates. This is an exciting day, especially under the conditions.
Dave |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
June 11, 2008
9:05 AM Post #5086802
| I read something about "emergency" bluebird food… putting a board down on the ground to attract bugs to then collect and give to her. Think that will help? |
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 11, 2008
9:14 AM Post #5086841
| Sounds like a good idea. It's a good way to attract crickets, at least around here. And BBs love crickets. She will have to look for tiny insects to feed them for the first few days and then she can go to larger insects and mealworms. They seem to know when. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 11, 2008
9:14 AM Post #5086843
| Great news. Dad's back?!? No questions asked. He's pitching in. He's guarding, and Mom's carrying away shells. Whew!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
June 11, 2008
9:15 AM Post #5086849
| Oh, well pet stores sell crickets then too for reptiles. Maybe there's not a run on those.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 11, 2008
9:15 AM Post #5086853
| Oh my God. Sorry. That's Lily who passed away in Feb. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
June 11, 2008
9:18 AM Post #5086868
| HA! Where was that boy!
|
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 11, 2008
9:28 AM Post #5086914
| Maybe he has been nearby all along and you just haven't seen him. If she has been incubating, his role is guarding and he can do that from a distance. He is capable of finding food and feeding himself, so maybe...
That is great news in any event. She needs a guard when she is in there alone.
Interesting how he knew so quickly that one had hatched. |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
June 11, 2008
9:38 AM Post #5086948
| Daddy Radar. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 11, 2008
9:40 AM Post #5086959
| When I walked outside at about the usual a.m. time, she was on the house, and would flit into the tree, and just chirp and chirp and chirp. I've never heard them so loud and vocal. I did think I heard replies from the wooded area, but didn't see him at that moment. Half an hour later, there he was.
The male is really behaving like the mate, and not someone new. The tag teaming began immediately.
I will check on them at about 3:00. I don't want to cause any more distress. |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
June 11, 2008
9:41 AM Post #5086968
| I bet the kids are excited
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 11, 2008
9:42 AM Post #5086973
| Yes. Thanks Marna. The vibes in the animal/bird world are astounding. Dang. I really have to teach now. Bluebird quiz tomorrow for the 4th graders! We talked yesterday about why the male was missing. Most suggestions were based on our studies. One kid said "maybe they got a divorce." Well, I'm glad they reconciled! |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 11, 2008
9:44 AM Post #5086983
| Yeah. It's great with the kids. I can show the photos on the large monitor (techy for t.v.). They are really into it.
Talk to you all later.
Nancy |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
June 11, 2008
9:44 AM Post #5086984
| Divorce. Ha.
;)) |
dellrose
Conway, MO
(Zone 5b)
June 11, 2008
11:09 AM Post #5087425
| So happy that all is going well with the BB's! I know you are excited and the kids as well...that divorce comment cracked me up..a sign of the times I guess. Thanks for the update and so glad that Mr. Blue is there to help with everything! Your pics are just great!! |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 11, 2008
1:46 PM Post #5088208
| Thanks everybody. I'll post more pics in an hour or so. I wonder how many more have hatched, if any. |
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
June 11, 2008
3:48 PM Post #5088724
| My gosh, look what happens when the GD's are here and I can't get on the computer...you have babies hatched and daddy back!!
So glad to he is around after all...what a relief that is! So a big ATTA BOY to you OP and your BB's!! |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 11, 2008
5:37 PM Post #5089167
| Thanks Nanny and Rose! There are 3 more hatched at 3:30 p.m. One egg still remaining in the middle. Both parents were there when I checked on them. They had not eaten all the mealworms I put out in the a.m. Hmmm. Too busy perhaps! All the egg shells are gone. They sure are tidy! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 11, 2008
5:42 PM Post #5089183
| Here they are gaping, and flopping! So fuzzy and adorable. Sure was warm today. Hope they are cold in all their nakedness. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 11, 2008
5:51 PM Post #5089226
| And, finally . . .
Wild Birds Unlimited in my area has plenty of mealworms. I bought 1,500 to add to the 1,400 I have already. There are plenty of spiders, crickets, etc. in the field around the nesting box. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
dellrose
Conway, MO
(Zone 5b)
June 11, 2008
6:55 PM Post #5089501
| Aren't they just the cutest little naked fur balls!! |
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
June 11, 2008
8:26 PM Post #5089906
| WOW! That is sooo cool!
The egg that is left, is that the one with the white spot on it? |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 11, 2008
9:29 PM Post #5090281
| Actually, nanny, the egg does have a white spot on it. As it turned out, two of them had white stuff on them. Dave clued me in on the fact that someone pooped on them!
They are cute rose! Floppy, naked fur balls!
|
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
June 11, 2008
10:59 PM Post #5090892
| aaaaahhhhh...okay! |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 12, 2008
10:08 PM Post #5095823
| Here are the babes as of this morning about 8:00 a.m. I've decided not to open the nest box again for five days - give the family time to grow. The parents are very tolerant, but I'm sure it's stressful for them, too. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
June 12, 2008
10:10 PM Post #5095833
| awww...that is so precious OP |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 12, 2008
10:36 PM Post #5095996
| Thanks nanny. There are four. The fifth egg had not hatched as of this a.m. I reread Dave's thread from April when one egg had not hatched. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
MargaretK
PERTH
(Australia)
June 13, 2008
7:37 AM Post #5097101
| OPbirder, I've been away for a couple of days. What a wonderful event to return home to. Thank you so much. They are very precious little lives. |
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 13, 2008
8:15 AM Post #5097251
| Things look great, OP. My female is very busy building her third nest and yesterday evening the first fledge from her last clutch came to the feeder. This morning there were several very close by but only two up on the deck and they were leery of me and my cameras. I will update my current BB thread now that things seem to have settled down for you. Again, Congratulations! I know you are pleased.
Dave |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
June 13, 2008
8:52 AM Post #5097372
| Congratulations OP! Their sweet! |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 13, 2008
5:01 PM Post #5099675
| Thanks Margaret and Pelle. We'll check out your updates Dave. Three clutches! I wouldn't expect another clutch from this pair - didn't last year. Shorter growing season here.
I feel blessed to be one of God's trusted keepers of the bird world. |
MargaretK
PERTH
(Australia)
June 14, 2008
10:15 PM Post #5105376
| What's happening, OPbirder? I keep checking for an update.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 16, 2008
6:37 AM Post #5110564
| Hey Margaret - I supplied them with mealworms daily on the 13, 14 and 15. I vowed not to open the nesting box until tomorrow (really difficult not to peek). When I visited last evening, I watched the female carrying mealworms into the nesting box so it appears they are now on a bigger bug diet!
They grow so quickly, maybe I'll take a look and get some pics this afternoon! Look for an update. |
MargaretK
PERTH
(Australia)
June 16, 2008
7:07 AM Post #5110604
| Hi OPbirder, how wonderful. I await with eager anticipation. I wonder if the last egg hatched. And what a beautiful way to describe the mantle you are wearing. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 16, 2008
6:07 PM Post #5113350
| Well, here you go Margaret! There are five, and they all look developmentally the same. He/she must have hatched soon after the others - maybe just over 24 hrs. later. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 16, 2008
6:09 PM Post #5113360
| And close up. They are 4 days old. Notice the guy on the right is relaxing on his back. Can you see the claws on the guy on the left? 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 16, 2008
6:22 PM Post #5113414
| Great shot, OP. I just love it. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 16, 2008
8:56 PM Post #5114238
| Thanks Dave. They never even woke up when I took their picture! You can see the feathers are developing. |
UniQueTreasures
Beaumont, TX
(Zone 8b)
June 16, 2008
9:37 PM Post #5114524
| Beautiful babies OP. This is a first for me seeing them so new! I bet your classroom is loving this! I'm watching this thread so will look for updates as they grow. Thanks for sharing.
Janet |
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
June 16, 2008
10:50 PM Post #5114960
| 5 beautiful baby BB's! |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
June 17, 2008
7:05 AM Post #5115838
| Wonderful shot OP! |
MargaretK
PERTH
(Australia)
June 17, 2008
7:58 AM Post #5116008
| OPbirder, they are just gorgeous. The last shot with the one on the right on its back with its tiny wing around its sibling is fantastic. The translucency of the tiny limbs is wonderful. Size wise, how far is it across the clutch (in inches)? What do the kids think of all this? |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 17, 2008
6:10 PM Post #5118782
| Thanks everyone. Margaret, I never thought to measure! I will do that tomorrow, and share it with you. It will help the students to understand how small the babies are.
The students just had a bluebird quiz! Boy they've learned so much about them, and they are enjoying this so much. I have not shown them the actual babies, though. They have seen the photos, and we sat in the meadow watching the adults a week ago.
More tomorrow.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 18, 2008
5:47 AM Post #5121138
| We've had rain - thunder and lightening - off and on going on 3 days now. The adults are finding lots of additional bugs in the meadow with apparently no problem. The inside of the nesting box is snug and dry.
The babies are now 7 days old, and Dave Hoffer, of the NY State Bluebird Society and I discussed a date for him to band the babies. The ultimate age to do it is 10 days old, so he will do it this weekend, or Monday at the latest. I will explain it more after I get the info. from Dave. |
MargaretK
PERTH
(Australia)
June 18, 2008
6:02 AM Post #5121168
| OPbirder, your students are so fortunate to be given the chance to learn from you. It would be interesting to see how many of them become bird ambassadors or develop an interest in ornithology as a result of your teaching. Good work. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 18, 2008
6:40 AM Post #5121233
| I've thought of that Margaret. I'll be happy if one or two each year just feel compassion towards other creatures. |
MargaretK
PERTH
(Australia)
June 18, 2008
6:56 AM Post #5121265
| That would be a great achievement. You truly are in a privileged position.
Margaret |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 18, 2008
5:42 PM Post #5124257
| Ok. This is for Margaret. I balanced on a short step ladder with the camera in my left hand w/finger on the trigger, and ruler in right hand trying not to fall onto the nesting box! I was so nervous the babies aren't too visible, but I hope it gives you an idea of the width Margaret!!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 18, 2008
5:49 PM Post #5124288
| I appreciate the kind comments about students working with me, Margaret, but if you knew the flack I receive at school for my interest in birds . . . . sigh. I guess I'm really lovingly teased!
Anyhoo, here are the 7 day old kiddos!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 18, 2008
5:57 PM Post #5124325
| I had a really good time putting the day 4 photo next to the day 7 photo - don't know how to do it for you here, though. You can really compare the wing development ! Those photos are actually only 2 days apart if you look at the date. I mistakenly called it day 4 - really day 5.
The parents are really chirpping in the tree when I'm at the box now. I'm really uncomfortable stressing them - obviously the babes don't care! I'd like to continue documenting their development. Is there a point where I might be jeopardizing the babes' safety by opening the box? Dave'll know, I'm sure. |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
June 18, 2008
6:08 PM Post #5124379
| here you go…
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 18, 2008
8:20 PM Post #5125003
| You are the best marna!! Wow. Isn't it great to see the progression? Thank you so much. Now, can you tell me how to do it? d-mail? |
MargaretK
PERTH
(Australia)
June 19, 2008
6:34 AM Post #5126554
| Oh, OPbirder, it's not often that I laugh out loud when I'm on my own, but I sure did when I read your description of how you took the shot with the ruler. BRILLIANT! You really are a person that goes over and above the call, aren't you? What a pity that someone wasn't taking a photo of your antics. Thank you so much for doing that for me. I really appreciate it. They are a lot smaller than I thought.
Hey Marna, how clever are you? |
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 19, 2008
7:42 AM Post #5126687
| Margaret,I suspect you don't know the half of it. Follow this link back to several months ago. [HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]
Look at the pictures and then look for the thread named Drama Queen poster. Here's a link: [HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]
I have one of the 20 by 30 posters framed and hanging in my foyer and it is so professional.
Marna, we do need to think about doing it again, when you are up for it.
Dave |
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
June 19, 2008
9:14 AM Post #5127026
| That collage would be a great poster for you classroom OP! |
MargaretK
PERTH
(Australia)
June 19, 2008
9:32 AM Post #5127094
| Checked out the linx, Dave. I was blown away by your images of the Titmouse. I feel quite overwhelmed by all the spectacular images on the bird watching forums, but think you'd be doing the bird-watching fraternity a disservice if you didn't publish an e-book. I think the purity and clarity of digital imagery is unsurpassed as a medium.
Oh, and I've finally figured out what LOL means. It was a new one to me.
|
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
June 19, 2008
9:58 AM Post #5127220
| Hey Dave, I'm up for it!
I suspect we'll have to do a belly button one some day, but the bluebird pix are so darn cute I think they'll have to go first.
Just say the word.
Margaret, now you have to figure out LMAO and ROTFL.
:D
The funny thing about OP's balancing act with the ruler is that she has a ton of kids available to her to hold the darn ruler! |
MargaretK
PERTH
(Australia)
June 19, 2008
10:04 AM Post #5127249
| It's just a pity one of the kids wasn't holding a camera. But it's OK, I have an image firmly embedded in my mind. Oh, how I wish I could do cartoons.
Hmmmm, LMAO & ROTFL. If I lose sleep over this... |
dellrose
Conway, MO
(Zone 5b)
June 19, 2008
11:30 AM Post #5127607
| Great shots OP and Marna you are a wonder! I hope you and Dave team up to bring us another great "poster"! |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
June 19, 2008
12:52 PM Post #5128073
| I think we're both willing Rose, but we'll need to have a theme/story I guess. Those darned bluebird kids are so photogenic, I don't think we'll have a problem.
Next up. A day at the Farm Poster!!!!
|
dellrose
Conway, MO
(Zone 5b)
June 19, 2008
12:57 PM Post #5128114
| I think the problem you will have with Dave's is there are so many great images so I agree a theme would help narrow the field. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 19, 2008
5:32 PM Post #5129280
| Oh my. You all have been busy today! I don't know what LMAO and ROTFL mean either. Don't tell me. I'll work on it.
Saw the titmouse collage. Yes, nanny, I need to have a poster made. It would be perfect.
Yes margaret. Dave's photos are incredible.
You all are correct. I have 22 helpers, but did the ruler stuff after school. Duh. Shoulda done it during the school day. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 19, 2008
5:35 PM Post #5129290
| Here are baby photos two days apart. The growth is incredible! Look at the wings in this photo. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 19, 2008
5:36 PM Post #5129296
| Now, look at the wings in this one. I'm astounded in the length of the wing feathers in just 48 hours! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 19, 2008
5:38 PM Post #5129307
| Oh, by the way. I should have given credit to the last photos to my colleague here at school who has a wonderful camera. Yep. I'm converting a bunch of teachers into bird watchers. She also took this one tag-team photo. I call this a "Dave." 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 19, 2008
5:40 PM Post #5129332
| The Mrs. hard at work. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 19, 2008
5:41 PM Post #5129346
| Last, for today, the Mr. taking his turn feeding the crowd. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 19, 2008
5:47 PM Post #5129379
| When should their eyes open? Should be soon? |
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 19, 2008
7:19 PM Post #5129854
| The eyes should open after eight or nine days. At this point they are really developing fast. Just think, in just a week from now they will have enough feathers and be strong enough to fly !
Dave
This message was edited Jun 19, 2008 7:30 PM |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 19, 2008
9:25 PM Post #5130505
| That's unbelievable Dave! |
dragonfly62
Nilwood, IL
(Zone 5b)
June 19, 2008
9:47 PM Post #5130613
| OP, I wrote and said that the HS ran my bluebirds out? Well I tore the nest out and the bluebirds came back and were there for two weeks and the Wrens have built so will let them have it. I am going to put up 3 more houses out there. BEV 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
MargaretK
PERTH
(Australia)
June 20, 2008
6:52 AM Post #5131840
| Beautiful, sweet little birds. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 20, 2008
4:17 PM Post #5134273
| What a shame dragonfly. Don't give up! |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 20, 2008
4:21 PM Post #5134286
| This is an a.m. photo. They are 9 days old, and as Dave suggested, their eyes are opening. The one little guy in the right rear seems to be less developed. Probably #5. I'll be speaking to Dave Hoffer (are all male bluebirders named Dave???) tomorrow in the a.m. about banding. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
wallaby1
Lincoln
(United Kingdom)
(Zone 8a)
June 21, 2008
8:09 AM Post #5136949
| You're doing a great job there OP!
Don't let the flack get you down, from a small acorn an oak will grow. Dare to be different! If we all followed the gang leader the world would be full of sheep.
It sounds as though interest is stirring in those young minds, it's people like you who WILL be remembered by your students for teaching them something precious and useful. |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
June 21, 2008
8:37 AM Post #5137039
| Thats right OP! Glad their doing well! |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 22, 2008
9:53 PM Post #5144767
| Well, everyone, I have some pretty sad news. Two of the nestlings were killed today by house sparrows. It was the most horrible sight I've ever seen. I removed the bodies, and the three others were alive, although one is pretty weak. I don't know it it was attacked or just weak from lack of food.
My dear dear son went out to purchase materials to build a sparrow spooker while I stayed at the nestbox protecting the remaining babies. The parents were obviously afraid to go near the nesting box. We also moved the box further away from the tree where the sparrows are perching.
The nest was a mess. We had to pick up the babes to put clean, dry grass under them. My son built the spooker on the spot. It didn't bother the bluebirds one bit, and I sure hope it keeps the hosp away for the next week. We'll just have to keep our fingers crossed, and see what the morning brings.
The female went into the box three times to feed the babes while I was there. So, they haven't given up, but they are really tentative about going into the box.
|
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
June 22, 2008
9:57 PM Post #5144781
| Oh, I'm so so so sorry to hear that. ((hugs)) |
MargaretK
PERTH
(Australia)
June 22, 2008
11:06 PM Post #5145100
| Oh, OPbirder, that's awful. What a horrible experience. Those poor little things. How distressing for the parents. However, it's good that the parents are going to the reloctaed nest box. |
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 23, 2008
12:37 AM Post #5145450
| I'm so sorry OP. Hopefully the remaining three will make it OK...To answer a question you asked me a week or so ago, I only have room in my yard for one active nestbox. However, I also have a dummy box with a VanErt trap in it. Papa Blue doesn't like it being in his yard and I have caught him in it twice, so I keep an eye on it all the time so I can promptly let him out.
My female is sitting on five eggs. This will be their third and final nest for this season. .
Dave |
