Do you realize the first reported sightings of Ruby-throated hummingbirds are just a couple of weeks away? Usually by the last week of March a few hummingbirds will be seen in mid-TN while the bulk of them will make their way into and through TN between mid-April and mid- May.
But don’t rush to put out all your feeders just yet. We recommend one feeder with a small amount of nectar for early season migrants. Remember, don’t use the red stuff. At this time of year you are not likely to see much action at a feeder as lone males and females are making their journeys to breeding locations, which may be in your backyard or as far away as Canada.
For daily bird sightings reports of migrating birds you may want to subscribe to TN bird, or visit Tennessee Birding on Facebook.
Carolina Wren nests consist of dried leaves, grasses, and moss. They really pack it in, filling most nest boxes all the way up and around the hole.
Eastern Bluebird nests consist of mostly dried grasses, and or pine straw.
Photo from last year.
Has anyone seen eggs in a nest yet? I am keeping a close eye on a box in which Carolina wrens have completed a nest and a Bluebird box with a finished nest. This is no surprise as Carolina wrens are notable early nesters. I’m so glad they chose a nest box rather than my canoe this year. But I typically do not see a Bluebird nest this early.
A completed Bluebird nest at this time does not mean it’s a done deal. Over the years I have been disappointed to see Bluebirds working on nest building only to eventually decide on another location. They may complete a nest and not actually lay eggs until several weeks after.
So the word of the day for you Bluebird enthusiasts is PATIENCE. And if you see two different species (Chickadee, Bluebird for example) competing for a nest box let them work it out. It is always a good idea to have more than one choice of nest box a comfortable distance from one another to alleviate competition. What’s a comfortable distance? A general rule is 100’ apart or if closer out of sight of one another.
Keep an eye on your nest boxes and let us know if you are seeing active nests.
Protecting Bluebirds Nests from Raccoons and Rat Snakes
Raccoons and Rat snakes are formidable predators and can be dealt with in much the same way. Raccoons are intelligent and great climbers, and Rat snakes are supreme climbers. Not all of us presenting Bluebird boxes will encounter one of these predators but if you experience regular and on-going visits from Raccoons at your bird feeders it is likely they will eventually find a nest box full of eggs. We would encourage you to employ a Raccoon baffle on a pole to protect your Bluebird box. Raccoons are very much opportunistic. If you make it difficult to climb a pole there’s a good chance they will move along to easier opportunities. We carry baffles that will fit a metal pole up to 1 ¾” diameter, and wood posts up to 3 5/8” (todays 4x4). It should be noted a squirrel baffle may, or may not stop either one of these predators. But a squirrel baffle is better than no baffle at all.
Box placement has proven to be a factor, too. My 10 box Bluebird trail in a field has had no predation by Raccoons in many years of service. Boxes placed more in field and meadow situations tend to see less raccoon activity. Boxes placed adjacent to woodland and stream environments tend to see more. In this situation placing a nest box on a tree is not advised. This goes for rat snakes, too. A good raccoon baffle should stop both raccoons and rat snakes the vast majority of the time. For do it yourselfers you may want to check out the National Bluebird Society website for plans on PVC baffles and other critter stopping hardware and tips. Predator control pdf
And let us know if you are dealing with a persistent House Sparrow. We have an odd contraption that is a potential solution. More on that next week.