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By Bet Zimmerman
Until fairly recently, bluebirds were
uncommon in Connecticut. From 1900-1970, bluebird populations decreased
by an estimated 90%, mainly due to loss of habitat (open space
and snags), pesticide use, and competition for nesting sites
from non-native starlings and house (English) sparrows. However,
bluebirds are coming back. They are fascinating, beautiful birds. There's not much the average person can do to directly aid Bald
Eagles or Whooping Cranes, but you CAN help bluebirds survive and
thrive. Here's how.
Learn to Recognize Nests and Eggs. Bluebirds build
neat, cup shaped, woven nests of fine grass or pine needles, and
occasionally a few feathres. Eggs are powder blue, or sometimes
white. House sparrow nests are a tall jumble of odds and
ends, including coarse grass, cloth and trash, feathers, twigs.
Eggs are cream with irregular brown speckles. See http://www.sialis.org/nests.htm for
information on other common nestbox inhabitants, such as the iridescent,
brave, mosquito-munching tree swallow.
Put up Nesting Boxes. In Connecticut , bluebirds
start checking out nesting sites in February to mid-March, and
usually lay their first eggs in April. Build or purchase a nesting
box designed specifically for bluebirds. These boxes are made of
unpainted 3/4" - 1" wood; have an overhanging slanted
roof, no perch, a round 1.5" diameter hole (or an oval 1.375" hole),
ventilation, drainage holes; are deep enough so predators can't
reach in and get to the eggs; and have a door that opens for cleaning
and monitoring. Mount boxes on 8 ft., 3/4" diameter galvanized
pipe, with the entrance hole 5 ft.off the ground. The best locations
are semi-open grasslands, such as mowed meadows, large lawns, cemeteries,
orchards, roadsides, and areas with scattered trees and short ground
cover.
Note: Bob Smith, who passed away last year, built thousands of
bluebird homes that the ECFLA sold at fairs and events ECFLA is
looking for one or two volunteers to help assemble bluebird houses
that ECFLA/WDLT sells as fundraisers at local fairs in August and
September. ECFLA/WDLT supplies the fixtures and boards, but needs
some people who have good woodworking/construction skills to help.
Please contact Dennis Hodgin at (860) 684-5055 if you are interested.
Control Predators and House Sparrows. Install
predator guards to keep raccoons etc. from raiding nests (e.g.,
a 2 ft. long, 8" diameter stovepipe or PVC pipe sleeve on
the pole, mounted under the box). DON'T hesitate to destroy house
sparrow nests and eggs. House sparrows, which some bluebirders
refer to as "rats with wings," are introduced invasive pests, and
are not protected by law. You might think they're cute, but they
will attack and kill adult bluebirds (sometimes trapping them in
the nest box), and destroy eggs and young. House sparrow nests,
eggs, young, and adults may be legally removed or destroyed. It
is better to have no box at all than to allow house sparrows to
reproduce in one.
Supplement Food and Water. Bluebirds don't eat
bird seed. Plant native trees, shrubs or vines that provide fall
and winter food for bluebirds, such as flowering dogwood, holly,
mulberry, wild grape, and Virginia creeper. Consider offering mealworms.
Birdbaths should be no more than 3" deep, with gently sloping
sides, and a rough surface. Remember to change the water every
few days to keep it fresh.
Don't get discouraged if you don't get bluebirds nesting the first
year - it's worth the wait! For more information, see http://www.sialis.org/ |
