Get Ready for Bluebirds
While the snow, ice and cold weather are giving us the appearance that winter might never end, local birders Deb and Ed Escalet sent an email reminding me that it’s time to clean out or put up new bluebird nesting boxes. Believe it or not, spring and the new nesting season are almost upon us.
Although continuous cold weather sometimes holds them back, eastern bluebirds have returned to central Pennsylvania or will be returning within the next two weeks. They’ll begin to investigate nesting boxes as soon as they return, and sometimes groups of them share an empty box on a cold night.
The Escalets don’t have to wait for migrants to see bluebirds. They’ve been feeding a flock of 30 to 40 bluebirds all winter. I’ve heard of a few bluebirds staying the winter in Pennsylvania – usually in the southern part of the state – but seeing a flock of 35 or so of the beautiful blue and orange birds in the Escalet’s backyard was something else. This began when they fed four bluebirds during the winter of 1999-2000, and their wintering population has now grown to well over 30 birds.
Keeping bluebirds alive and healthy all winter is no small feat, because bluebirds are primarily insect eaters. The Escalets feed their feathered friends mealworms and currents. They have also observed a few eating sunflower chips. Their bluebirds, as well as some assorted interlopers, consume an amazing 100,000 mealworms per winter month! And I thought that I ran up a bill with sunflower seeds.
The bluebirds certainly love the mealworms and, with our rough winter, they are very dependent on their human friends. Ed said that the bluebirds seem to be conditioned to his bathroom light being turned on as he gets ready for his job with Penn State University. Soon after turning on the light, which illuminates a skylight, he can hear the scratching and clicking of tiny avian feet on their rain gutter. The birds are ready for their first handout of the day, and Deb is happy to please them.
It won’t be long before bluebirds are setting up housekeeping. Deb has already observed the first signs of pairing and nesting site selection as bluebirds go in and out of her boxes. Once they get started, it takes them four to five days to build a nest, and the earliest eggs are usually laid the first week of April.
The Escalets have several bluebird boxes near their home on Skytop Lane, and Ed manages a “bluebird trail” of 12 nest boxes on State Game Lands 176. This will be the third spring for Ed’s bluebird trail. The Escalets also support and encourage their neighbors to erect boxes, and others, for Deb is the Center County Coordinator for the Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania.
Last year, bluebird pairs nesting on Ed’s trail fledged only 6 young, because two complete nests of baby birds died during the severe cold snap that we had in mid-May. The Escalets had amazing success, however, with their four backyard boxes. Deb is quite proud of this accomplishment, and she is quick to point out that erecting bluebird nesting boxes is only the beginning. A lot of love and care goes into successful boxes, as our bluebird population is almost totally dependent on human-made nesting structures.
Care begins with the building or purchase of a nesting box, which is best left unpainted or painted a light color to prevent overheating. The box should be made specifically for bluebirds, with no perch and the correct-sized opening.
Nesting boxes are usually erected on a metal pole at least five feet from the ground. It is often a good idea to place two boxes in close proximity. Only one will be used by bluebirds, but placing two boxes together leaves one for the more aggressive tree swallows and one for the bluebirds. Tree swallows, a native species, are also beneficial insect eaters.
Boxes should be cleaned in February or March in preparation for their new occupants. A vigilant period follows, as good bird box caretakers watch for house sparrows, which will take over the box or even evict bluebirds if they have begun to nest. The Escalets actively remove house sparrow nests and discourage the alien sparrows any way that they can. Bluebirds will nest two or three times a year if given the chance.
According to Deb, “You just can’t put out a bluebird box and be done with it.”
A poorly placed nesting box or one that isn’t cared for can just produce more competing house sparrows. Or worse yet, said Deb, “The box could just be a trap that leads to the death of the bluebirds.”
Bluebird Society
Of Pennsylvania
Interested parties can join the Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania by contacting Deb Escalet at 238-3552. Dues are $10 per year, and anyone who joins gets a free bluebird nesting box with instructions. The Escalets would also be happy to answer any questions about bluebirds or the upcoming society conference.
Final Note
In light of our recent cold weather, if any bluebird migrating northward is reading this column, I strongly suggest that you plan a visit to the Escalet’s house (I promise that you’ll be well taken care of) or stop off in a Virginia bed & breakfast until our Pennsylvania weather improves.
Mark Nale can be reached at MarkAngler@aol.com
