BAN:Trail Renovations

End-of-the-season renovations

Now that the 2005 nesting season is coming to an end, this is a good time to look over your records to determine if you have some boxes and/or locations that should be renovated or relocated due to lack of use, wren or sparrow problems, predation problems, etc.

Once the summer heat is behind us, fall is a good time to get out there and make necessary improvements to your trail. If spring arrives early next year, you’ll be ready!

Below are a few helpful hints for improving your trail:

What was once good bluebird habitat can become good wren habitat. The encroachment of volunteer cedars, sumac, etc. or small trees and bushes growing to maturity can turn once productive boxes into boxes where bluebirds may lose their eggs and nestlings to wrens. Be mindful of changing habitat. Whenever necessary, relocate boxes to more open territory.
Boxes constantly used by sparrows should not be ignored. Trapping is the most effective method of sparrow control. But if trapping is not an option for you, boxes that repeatedly attract sparrows should be moved to another location. You could try using the Gilbertson PVC box. Although it is not 100% sparrow proof, it is the most sparrow resistant box available.
Boxes that are placed too close together should be relocated. In the past, the recommended distance between boxes was 100 yards, but years of field experience by many bluebirders across the country has proven that unless you have ideal habitat (short vegetation, shattered trees/bushes/fence line to perch on, and a hill or trees blocking the view between boxes), 100 yards is Bluebirds Across Nebraska too close. Bluebirds will nest 100 yards apart, but your boxes will be more productive when spaced 125 to 150 yards apart. The North American Bluebird Society now recommends 125 to 150 yards between boxes.
If you have a box that has not been used for three years or more, relocate the box! Sometimes moving a box as little as 50 feet will make a difference.
If your boxes are not paired and 50% of your boxes are occupied by tree swallows, try pairing your boxes. Place a second box approximately 10 to 15 feet away from the first box, and make sure that the entrance holes do not face each other.
The longer your trail has been there, the greater the likelihood that it will be discovered by a predator, such as a raccoon. The Gilbertson conduit/rebar system is the best mounting system available for keeping raccoons off a box. Wipe down the poles with steel wool and coat them generously with Carnauba Wax. If your boxes are mounted on one-inch pipe, a predator guard may be put on the pipe, or you can apply a coat of axle grease in the spring. There are many problems on a bluebird trail that are not completely preventable, but predation is one that can and should be prevented.
Check the condition of your boxes. Replace or repair things such as a leaky roof and if necessary, replace the box itself. Don’t be afraid to try different recommended styles of bluebird boxes.
Perhaps your bluebird trail is just not located in good bluebird habitat. Don’t be afraid to ask a friend or neighbor who does have good bluebird habitat if you could place boxes on their property. People will rarely turn you down.