There Is a Housing Shortage and You Can Help
… I am talking about the Eastern Bluebirds.
In the past 3 years there have been 143 fledglings (baby birds that have flown the nest) from the 10 nesting boxes that were put up at and around the Marsh Creek golf course. Some of these birds are returning and need places to start their own families. Being cavity nesters, bird boxes are an excellent replacement for the loss of natural cavities, such as old trees that have been removed, wooden fence posts,
wooden telephone poles and the overall loss of habitat due to human expansion.
I am asking the community that if you have interest in helping, then action is needed right NOW to get those boxes up.
Bluebirds like boxes that are only about 5 feet off the ground and in an area with low grasses so they can see insects. There are many homes in Marsh Creek that could be great habitat for these beautiful, native, effective insect eating machines.
The bird boxes can be purchased on Amazon along with predator baffles for about $45. A pole can be purchased at Home Depot for $90 OR you can spend about 20.00 for the parts (I’ll help)
and get enough material for TWO boxes. So for a little over 100.00 you can get 2 boxes and really help with this housing shortage.
The up side is knowing you are helping these animals which help with pest control and are a pleasure to watch & see grow and develop. Down side is that some boxes last no more than 3-4 years (but there are some poly-wood/plastic houses on Amazon for 45.00 that should last much longer). Also, the metal baffles can also rust out in 3-4 years. I am experimenting with plastic ones to see how they stand-up. Also it is recommended that the boxes be checked weekly during breeding season weekly to ensure all is going well. That is the fun part..seeing eggs, then hatchlings, and finally fledglings. And maybe a second or third brood.
There is much information on the internet and I am happy to help as best I can. If you are thinking of putting up a box the best time was few weeks ago, but we still have time so hurry up and make a decision, but do it NOW. Again, while no expert, I can help with location and getting the box up and making the pole structure.
Thanks Stan Hill (hillstan1856@yahoo.com)
