ROORK’S
– WING TIPS #15
 February
is the month of Valentine's Day and Washington's Birthday. In light of these occasions I
think choosing the Eastern Bluebird as this month's bird is appropriate. The bluebird is
everyone's Valentine and Washington's legend of chopping down the cherry tree reminds us
that the destruction of old orchards pushed bluebirds close to extinction. This is also
the month to clean out Bluebird boxes or begin putting up new ones. We must get ready as
next month bluebirds will be picking mates and nest sites.
We carry a number of
different types of Bluebird Houses. First there is the basic model. This
one is great for people starting out who want a number of houses without
a large investment. The second one is a chalet style, Heath #B-1, with a
removable bottom for cleaning. The Third is a Heath B-4. This style has
a pivoting side that allows easy monitoring and cleaning. The fourth, is
a house produced by Wildwood Farms. It has a removable roof for cleaning
and monitoring as well as a special anti-sparrow feature. This design is
based on the fact that bluebirds normally nest in broken-off trees or
posts and therefore do not mind rain in their nests. House Sparrows want
to be sheltered from the rain. With this in mind the
designers of this nest box cut a hole in the roof to let the rain in. They covered the
hole with hardware cloth to prevent predators from entering. I am going to try using this house on my farm, as House Sparrows are a real problem.
 Bluebirds will come to feeders if you supply mealworms,
Bluebird Treat or raisins that have been softened in warm water. Mealworms are available
at bait stores or through mail order. C&S makes Bluebird Treat, which is composed of
ground suet, corn and raisins. This mix is then extruded to form pieces that appear like
mealworms.
Droll Yankee makes the
perfect bluebird feeder. It has a domed cover that can be raised or
lowered to admit or eliminate large birds. The bottom tray will keep
even the most active mealworms from escaping.
The time that you spend now getting ready
for Bluebird courtship will be amply rewarded once they are raising their young in your
backyard.
EASTERN BLUEBIRDS
One of man's great success stories is the
rescue of bluebirds from near extinction. Bluebirds originally nested on the edge of
meadows in cavities in dead or broken off trees. As we began to clear and settle the land
many of their traditional nesting sites were eliminated. Fortunately we planted orchards
and fenced pastures so that new nest sites were developed. Old fruit trees and broken
fence posts made perfect bluebird homes. When we moved from rural to suburban living the
orchards and pastures began to disappear. Starlings and House Sparrows pushed the less
aggressive bluebirds out of their nest sites. The numbers of bluebirds began to decline
dramatically. Bluebirds teetered on the edge of extinction. A small group of people
realized that without our help the joy of seeing the flash of blue and red would soon be
no more than a memory. Bluebird trails and Bluebird Societies were established and the
bluebird came soaring back. Now in all but the most urban areas you have a chance of
seeing the Eastern Bluebird. They are year round residents.
 These brilliant blue and rust-red breasted birds are a joy to
watch. Put up a bluebird box and you may just be treated to the courting ritual of Mr.
Blue and his lady-love. The male bluebird plays the parts of lover and real estate
salesman as he tries to convince his lady that he is the man of her dreams. He flies in
and out of the nest box trying to sell her on the idea of building her nest there. I have
seen her sit on a fence while he flies into the box and back to her. She turns her back on
him. He flies back to the box and then back to her again. Again she spurns his attentions.
After many tries he begins to look weary and forlorn. Then she decides to take at look
into the box. She flies back while he waits on the fence expectantly. Again she turns her
back. They will repeat this drama for a few days until she finally decides that he and his
choice of home will do. Then she enters with him and begins building a nest. During this
phase he may feed his mate and bring materials. She often accepts the food but rejects the
building materials. The female incubates 3 to 5 eggs. In our area, egg laying can start as
early as April 1st. Bluebirds may have as many as three clutches of eggs if we have a warm
spring. Eggs are incubated for 12 to 14 days. During this period the male may feed the
female. When the babies hatch the parents will both feed the young and carry away fecal
sacs. Babies are each fed twice an hour. This places quite a burden on the parents but as
soon as one batch is raised they will start all over again.
|
