The Bluebirds had another great year. I was much to busy to do the typical monitoring I normally like to do, but they did have three clutches this year with a total of 12 fledged birds (3, 5 and 4 eggs in 1st, 2nd and 3rd nests). Immediately after putting up the nest box in early March, a pair took control and made their first nest. After completing this, I cleaned the box and began a daily routine of removing nesting material from the non stop Eurasian Tree Sparrows. I removed nests 1-2 times per day, often removing up to eight inches of nest and sometimes with an egg or two. They were relentless. This went on for at least six weeks. I was wondering why the Bluebirds didn’t come in and take over so I could have a break when I finally decided to have a look in the Wren box, which they did use in a previous year. Yep, inside I found five young chicks (nest 2). I took advantage of this and was able to take a few photographs that I am sharing here. They then went back to the Bluebird box for their third nest. These chicks fledged a couple weeks ago.
I knew the ETS would be back to this box in a heartbeat like they do every late summer and fall, so I removed the Bluebird box for the season. I think three clutches for the season is great, although it wouldn’t have surprised me to see that the Bluebird pair might try for a forth. But, I think it might be better not to push the female too far and let her build some fat for the winter.
A Thousand Acres of Silphiums 