I was out today replacing bluebird nestboxes on our front "lawn". I
retired 4 20 year old boxes that were beyond repair, 4 of the original
boxes remain, though two are in areas too brushy for bluebirds and are
used by other birds. Then we were working our way along setting new
posts and new cedar boxes.
We attracted a crowd, a group of male bluebirds that were following
along supervising. The moment we would move from a new box there would
be a dash to check it out. Not a lot of fighting yet, but they are
warming up. By the time we finished putting up the four new boxes we had
made they all had bluebird males on them. And one woodpecker who tried
out each one for sound effects. They even followed as we put up 8 more
posts for boxes we have not made yet. I've had bluebirds grab boxes only
a day or two after I put them up, but never following around and
grabbing as we got done like this.
There were also a group of meadowlark following us looking for what the
tractor might stir up. Lots of singing getting going down here from all
kinds of birds. Spring is coming. Though another "Alberta Clipper" is
due this weekend. I hope to make the rest of the nest boxes and get them
up tomorrow.
Our field is only about 7-8 acres of open land, but we have in the past
had as many as 7 active nests. And nearly always double or triple
broods. Last year was kind of a low point, only 3 active nests, probably
because of the condition of the boxes. They took the 3 boxes that were
in the best condition. This year I'm putting boxes in some new
locations. My original set had some locations that had more flying
squirrels than bluebirds.
Walt
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