Because of the warm winter we’ve experienced this year, it’s
possible that the bluebirds could be making an early return and it would be a
good idea to do an early “assessment walk” on your bluebird trail.
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Check the condition of your boxes. Roofs are usually the
first part of a box to need replacing. When you check your trail, take along
an extra roof or two. (A light-colored shingle can be attached to the top of
a weather-worn roof to extend its useful life). Be prepared: Carry extra
screws, nails, hammer and a cordless drill in case other repairs are
necessary -- a backpack or carpenter/ gardener apron might be a good idea.
Make note of any boxes you have that need to be replaced.
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Check your past records and note boxes that have had raccoon
predation problems. Also check your boxes for scratch marks indicating
predation or predation attempts. Boxes should never be mounted on wooden
posts or metal fence posts. Boxes should be mounted on a smooth metal pipe
or the Gilbertson conduit/rebar system (the mounting system recommended by
BAN). To further guard against predation problems when using the
conduit/rebar system, wipe down the pipe with steel wool and apply a
generous coating of carnauba car wax. There have been reports in the past
few years of racoons getting to boxes mounted on one-inch metal pipe. To
stop raccoons from climbing these pipes, apply a coating of a high quality
automotive grease or put a predator guard on the pipe. BAN has predator
guards available at a very reasonable price.
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Close your boxes. If you left the doors on your boxes open
after your final check last season to prevent sparrows and mice from using
the boxes over the winter, now is the time to close them up. Next fall: If
sparrows and mice aren’t a problem, boxes can be left closed and bluebirds
wintering over can use them for roosting.
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Check for changes in habitat. What originally started out as
good bluebird habitat may now be good wren habitat due to growth of nearby
trees and/or bushes. If wrens have been a problem at certain box sites,
relocate those boxes as far away from wren habitat as possible (300 feet if
possible).
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Relocate boxes with a history of sparrow problems (if
trapping sparrows is not an option for you). Sparrows like areas near
man-made structures such as houses, barns, and outbuildings. For more
information on sparrow control, BAN has a fact sheet available at no charge
through your county coordinator or through BAN’s website,
www.bbne.org/articles.
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Pair your boxes if necessary. If over half of your boxes
were used by Tree Swallows last year, try placing a second box (pairing)
approximately ten feet from the existing box. Bluebird and Tree Swallows
will generally nest side by side. Face the entrance holes to the paired
boxes in different directions.
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Adjust distance between boxes. For many years the
recommended distance for spacing between boxes was 100 yards, but unless you
have “ideal” bluebird habitat it has been determined that 100 yards is too
close. Boxes should be placed approximately 125 to 150 yards apart. If both
of two adjoining boxes have not been used for several years, they could be
placed too close together. When possible, try and place your boxes where a
tree, hill, etc. will block the view between the two boxes.
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Try a new location. Boxes that have not been used by
bluebirds for three or four years should be relocated. Sometimes moving a
box as little as 25 to 30 feet can make a difference.
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Add boxes to your trail. Ideal bluebird habitat is an open
area with shorter grass and nearby things to perch from such as fences,
power lines, and scattered trees and bushes. If you are limited to space on
your own property, don’t be afraid to ask neighbors for permission to place
boxes on their land. Most landowners are happy to help out.
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Make sure you have your record keeping system ready for the
season. Record keeping is important! As you can see from the previous tips,
it not only keeps you informed on a week-to-week basis of what’s going on in
your boxes, but it also provides valuable information that you can review to
help you determine what has and has not been successful on your trail in
past years. Equally important is the fact that YOUR records play a vital
part in compiling BAN’s annual statewide directory. Become familiar with
BAN’s annual report form before you begin your trail records so that you
know the information you are asked to submit at the end of the nesting
season
