Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Bluebird > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Tuesday, March 16 at 08:32 AM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Yellow Warbler,©Barry Kent Mackay

16 Mar Video of HOSP attacking eggs and nestlings ["Bet Zimmerman" ] 15 Mar Bluebird Photos ["Gail Storm" ] 15 Mar More Oriole questions [] 15 Mar RE: orange and jelly question ["Shari Kastner" ] 16 Mar orange and jelly question [] 15 Mar Re: Correction about Orioles ["Bob Walshaw" ] 15 Mar Re: re: legality of sparrow and starling trapping ["Bob Walshaw" ] 15 Mar Re: Orioles [] 15 Mar Correction about Orioles [Duane Rice ] 15 Mar RE: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds ["Dottie" ] 15 Mar FW: pre-season surprise ["Dottie" ] 15 Mar re: re: legality of sparrow and starling trapping [] 15 Mar RE: Orioles ["Dottie" ] 15 Mar Re: RE: Orioles [] 15 Mar RE: Orioles ["Gail Storm" ] 15 Mar El Nino ["linyl" ] 15 Mar Re: In/visible Orioles & Agressive Mockingbirds [Robert Barron ] 15 Mar Re: In/visible Orioles & Agressive Mockingbirds [] 15 Mar Re: In/visible Orioles & Agressive Mockingbirds [drdodson ] 15 Mar Re: In/visible Orioles & Agressive Mockingbirds [drdodson ] 15 Mar Spring! ["William D. Forsht" ] 15 Mar Re: not many 1st eggs on NestWatch ["phillip berry" ] 15 Mar Re: In/visible Orioles & Agressive Mockingbirds ["Bob Walshaw" ] 14 Mar not many 1st eggs on NestWatch ["Pauline Tom" ] 14 Mar RE: In/visible Orioles & Agressive Mockingbirds [Duane Rice ] 14 Mar First trail monitoring ["Bob Walshaw" ] 14 Mar Re: Orioles ["Bob Walshaw" ] 14 Mar Blues [Lynn ] 14 Mar Spring in Wisconsin [Mary Roen ] 15 Mar Re: Orioles [] 14 Mar Re: Orioles [Dee Bauman ] 14 Mar Re: Orioles [Roy & Trudy Pischer ] 14 Mar Re: Orioles [Roy & Trudy Pischer ] 14 Mar Re: Orioles [] 14 Mar Re: Orioles [] 14 Mar Re: Orioles ["Bob Walshaw" ] 14 Mar robins and daffodils [Paulette Cothern ] 14 Mar Orioles ["Bob Walshaw" ] 14 Mar Re: pre-season surprise ["Bob Walshaw" ] 14 Mar RE: pre-season surprise [Tina Mitchell ] 14 Mar Re: pre-season surprise [Robert Barron ] 14 Mar pre-season surprise [Tina Mitchell ] 14 Mar Just for fun! Birds doing courtship and just funny things [] 13 Mar Re: Rifle, pellet [John Schuster ] 13 Mar Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds ["Bruce Burdett" ] 13 Mar Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds [Paulette Cothern ] 12 Mar Re: Rifle, pellet ["Bob Walshaw" ] 12 Mar Re: Rifle, pellet [Robert Barron ] 12 Mar RE: Test ["Shari Kastner" ] 12 Mar Test ["Shari Kastner" ] 12 Mar RE: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds (and Cliffies--oh, my!) [Tina Mitchell ] 12 Mar RE: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds [Duane Rice ] 12 Mar Re: Rifle, pellet ["Bruce Burdett" ] 12 Mar RE: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping [Lynn Ward ] 12 Mar Re: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping [Robert Barron ] 12 Mar Tree Swallows in force ["Paula Ziebarth" ] 12 Mar Re: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping ["Paula Ziebarth" ] 12 Mar Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds ["Paula Ziebarth" ] 11 Mar RE: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping [Duane Rice ] 11 Mar Re: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping [Paulette Cothern ] 11 Mar Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds [Paulette Cothern ] 11 Mar Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds [Robert Barron ] 11 Mar Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds [] 11 Mar RE: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping ["Lee, Jill" ] 11 Mar Re: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping [Robert Barron ] 11 Mar Re: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping ["Bob Walshaw" ] 11 Mar Re: Question about EABL nesting in PUMA Gourds ["Bob Walshaw" ] 11 Mar Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds ["Bob Walshaw" ] 11 Mar Re: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping [John Schuster ] 11 Mar Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds ["Paula Ziebarth" ] 11 Mar The verdict is in [Judith Mangiero ] 11 Mar Legality of sparrow & starling trapping [Lynn Ward ] 11 Mar PUMA [Roy & Trudy Pischer ] 11 Mar Tree Swallows in Tennessee [Duane Rice ] 11 Mar RE: Question about EABL nesting in PUMA Gourds [Duane Rice ] 11 Mar RE: Question about EABL nesting in PUMA Gourds [Duane Rice ] Subject: Video of HOSP attacking eggs and nestlings From: "Bet Zimmerman" <ezdz AT charter.net> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:32:08 -0400 http://www.spyonabird.com/videos.htm Spy on a Bird has some interesting video clips online - one of a male House Sparrow (HOSP) attacking eggs (he destroyed 2 out of 4) and later a female attacking the two nestlings that hatched from the remaining eggs. (The nestlings did survive.) The clips are on the bottom half of the page. They are in color too! You can also see a very nice clip of a female bluebird in the box. The only light source for this wireless color camera setup they offer is the entrance hole, but the color during the day is quite nice. (At night or low light, these infrared cameras switch to black and white) A wireless color solar set up like this is in my plans someday.... Bet from CT PS Don't forget that sparrow spookers are highly effective in preventing House Sparrow attacks on active nests - you can make your own or buy one. For more info see http://www.sialis.org/sparrowspooker.htm PPS I had a little trouble playing the longer video clips, not sure why because I updated my windows media player - the shorter ones in the box below played fine PPPS: For a video clip of a House Wren removing newborn bluebirds from a nestbox, see http://www.sialis.org/videomoore.htm - it happens incredibly fast - the House Wren is very efficient. Sneaky birds. The babies in that video were thrown on the ground, but were rescued by the landlord (who was watching the cam at the time) and did survive. *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Bluebird Photos From: "Gail Storm" <paws4fun AT aeroinc.net> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:35:03 -0500 Found a nice album of pictures on Webshots. http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/546641837qihFOt Gail Storm NW IL on the WI border Orangeville, IL 61060 *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: More Oriole questions From: <chill55 AT peoplepc.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:52:54 -0400 I think the question about mammal pests was a good one - I've seen raccoons open my supposedly safely packed away cooler (while camping) and help themselves to eggs and oranges. And since it happened more than once, I'm guessing they took other goodies, too. In the relatively accessible camping areas of extreme Northeast Georgia and Western North Carolina where brown bears still survive, we've had bears forage through campsites, even though we were using the same kinds of precautions one would if you were camping in the Rockies or the wilder areas of the west. The squirrels in my yard have their own feeders and never seem to bother with apple or other fruit pieces I put out. But I think Blossom (the possum I seem to have adopted) loves them. Someone finds them overnight when the dog is inside. The question I have, which may be really dumb, is if grape is the preferred jelly and why? Since Karis mentioned muscadines, I'm thinking there must be something about the grape family that is more desirable to the orioles. But then there is that orange slice....hmmm. The confounding factor. Any explanations? Would orange marmalade be rejected? Or apple jelly? Carla N of Atlanta chill55 AT peoplepc.com *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: RE: orange and jelly question From: "Shari Kastner" <smk AT teamv.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:16:35 -0800 I’ve put out oranges and grape jelly for years. Never had any squirrels bother with them even though they are on the same hanger as the seed feeders, which they do eat from. Shari from New Berlin, WI From: bounce-5435420-3587604 AT list.cornell.edu [mailto:bounce-5435420-3587604 AT list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of ckanchor AT comcast.net Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 10:11 PM To: Bluebird-L Subject: orange and jelly question I'm not sure whether this is a dumb question or not.....Would squirrels be interested in either the oranges or jelly? It was mentioned that ants and hornets are a problem. Was wondering about the mammal pests. Charlene Anchor E C Illinois *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: orange and jelly question From: ckanchor AT comcast.net Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 03:11:09 +0000 (UTC) I'm not sure whether this is a dumb question or not.....Would squirrels be interested in either the oranges or jelly? It was mentioned that ants and hornets are a problem. Was wondering about the mammal pests. Charlene Anchor E C Illinois *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Correction about Orioles From: "Bob Walshaw" <walshaw1 AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:57:51 -0500 It can sometimes be confusing, and they didn't ask me. The field guides show the "Northern Oriole" but the text refers to the eastern "Baltimore " race. Bob Walshaw, NE Ok. ----- Original Message ----- From: Duane Rice To: bluebird-l AT list.cornell.edu Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 5:39 PM Subject: Correction about Orioles After some minor research, I discovered I made an error in saying Baltimore Orioles had been renamed Northern Orioles. As I understand it now, Bullock's Orioles and Baltimore's used to be considered the same species (Northen Oriole). They were known to interbreed. Anyway, upon further investigating by real ornithologists, it was discovered they were actually two seperate species. So they named the Eastern species, Baltimore (after Lord Baltimore) and the Western species were named Bullocks. (which is what some people think renaming and classifying birds is). Are we clear class? Good. There will be a test on Monday. There will be no math questions. Thank-you Shari, for calling it to question, I would've answered you directly, but lost your e-mail somewhere on the net. Duane ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your inbox. Sign up now. *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: re: legality of sparrow and starling trapping From: "Bob Walshaw" <walshaw1 AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:50:03 -0500 I use a strong clear plastic bag instead of the mesh bag. In my talks I show how a man just whacks the killer house sparrow with his hand against something solid, and how a woman swings the bag against something solid and shakes the dead bird out, thus not having to touch it. My talks are hands on using equipment, boxes, traps, etc. and run at least an hour and a half. A bit of showmanship helps to hold interest, and I have had as many as 100 people. (52 and 29 in the first two seminars this year). Bob Walshaw, NE OK. ----- Original Message ----- From: plkldf AT comcast.net To: Jill.Lee AT pgparks.com Cc: bluebirds and cavity-nesting Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 2:20 PM Subject: re: re: legality of sparrow and starling trapping Paul Kilduff trail at Oregon Ridge Park, Cockeysville, Baltimore Co, MD Hi, Jill, 1) What *is* the law for MD? 2) Bet Zimmerman has a page on traps, but I don't see where she has descriptions about how to remove the birds from the trap box. Here's the page: http://sialis.org/traps.htm Of course you want to ID the bird before you dispatch it. It might be a native bird. Here's the way I do it: WARNING: graphic description of killing of HOSP follows Prepare by putting the trap into the box, with the safety on. I started with the Gilbertson trap, and it's always worked great, so that's what I use. Wild Bird Center may sell them, or you can call Steve Gilbertson and he'll send a couple to you. Others swear by other 'brands'. Set the safety. This will let them get used to it. This is also a good time to put some kind of mark on the box, so, at oh-dark-thirty, you are sure you have the right box. On trapping day, I go very early, before sunup, after the HOSP has started brooding the eggs -- I prefer before they're hatched, because that's some more semi-innocent life you don't have to terminate. The hen should be on the eggs. Put a rag in the hole. Now you have her. Take a mesh laundry bag and put it completely over the box and gather it around the mounting pole. It's nice to have someone else there to help, but one person can do it. Open the box and let the trapped bird fly out. If it doesn't come out, be suspicious. Bang on it, rattle it, make sure she's not in there before concluding you didn't get her. Once the ID is complete, and positive, trap the bird in a corner of the laundry bag and separate it from the box. Get a good grip on the bag and swing the bird into the box -- hard. This will kill the bird instantly -- that is one dead bird -- although it sounds gruesome, in my view it's a humane way to dispatch HOSPs. Now you have to get the male. It doesn't much help to get the female unless you get the male. I have bluebird song recorded on a cassette (got it from the web). I have earbuds that I plug intot he cassette player, and I put the earbuds into the box and turn on the player right before I leave -- this does seem to help. Some recommend leaving a piece of grass sticking out the entrance hole. I have heard that it helps to put the female back into the box -- assures the male that it's safe to go back in. Go away for a while -- when my wife and I do it we like to go get breakfast. When you come back, with luck, you have him -- the trap will show that it's been sprung. If not, you need to stay after it if you can at all possibly do it. You want to get the male. Once the trap is sprung, be VERY careful he doesn't escape. All the above directions about releasing the female into the bag apply to bagging the male. He may not come out for a while, and he will try to escape when you're separating the bag from the box. Finally, take the dead birds to your local raptor rehabber to feed to injured raptors. Paul ---------------------- Subject: RE: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping From: "Lee, Jill" Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:39:21 -0500 X-Message-Number: 18 I will check with our DNR guys too. I can at least say what the law is for MD. On a bit of the same note, I have a question. I've seen pictures of the ground traps that catch multiple HOSP and EUST and I understand those. I have not been able to wrap my head around the nestbox traps. (I still consider myself to be relatively new at this). I've seen some pictures, but not them in action, so I think that's what I'm having a hard time with. Does it just keep the bird in the box until you can come and get it out, and subsequently do what ever you do with it? Does it differentiate between species? If so, how? What is the trigger? I thought I saw someone mention a few days back something about trapping the HOSP when they start harassing the EABL/TRES. The idea of trapping them when there's already a bird in the box (and nesting at that) just didn't fit with the already vague idea I had in my head. Or maybe it's as simple as my first guess, and I just misunderstood the post I was reading. So I was hoping someone could help me wrap my poor little brain around it, please? :) Thanks, Jill Lee Lusby, MD ________________________________________ *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Orioles From: <chill55 AT peoplepc.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:57:11 -0400 Hey, Karis - Good to hear from you again. Since I think you aren't too far from me, I take hope in hearing that you've been successful at attracting any kind of Oriole. I want to try the same thing here, but I'm not sure which feeder I should use, or the ideal location, etc. Any recommendations? How do you "serve" the orange slices? We saved quite a few muscadine vines from when our property was a farm (before we purchased the property) and was known for all the muscadines. They still produce a lot. I never thought about them attracting Orioles, but then I am a newby at this. Thanks for your advice! Oh, and any others out there who want to chime it, too. Happy sunny day (finally) to those of you who, like me, were blessed with it today! Carla N of Atlanta chill55 AT peoplepc.com ----- Original Message ----- From: karis718 AT bellsouth.net To: ckanchor AT comcast.net ; Bob Walshaw Cc: BLUEBIRD-L Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 7:40 PM Subject: Re: Orioles If there are several feeders scattered about the yard you will find the Mockingbird can only defend one or two. I have a pair, and they are very territorial, but with several feeding, they only defend one and the other birds are able to eat. As for the Orioles, there are four types common in the US. They are the Orchard Oriole, Hooded Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, and Bullock's Oriole. Of those, only the Orchard and Baltimore are within range for you (Bob, NE OK), and only the Orchard is COMMON. Baltimore Orioles are there but not all over like in the NE. Orchard Orioles will go to feeders sometimes, but they are more likely to be drawn to fruit bearing plants and trees. The feeders are geared toward Baltimore Orioles, and if they aren't common, you probably ARE wasting your time unless you enjoy the other birds the feeder attracts. In GA we only get BAOR as migrants (OROR are all summer, but I have yet to see one in my yard before the Muscadines are ripe). I put out my feeder for themin early spring and keep it up all summer despite the fact that they aren't here because loads of other birds like the oranges and jelly. My Gray Catbirds, Mockers, and Wood Thrushes love them. Karis Jacobstein Suwanee, GA Sent on the Now Network� from my Sprint® BlackBerry ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: ckanchor AT comcast.net Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:13:52 +0000 (UTC) To: Bob Walshaw Cc: BLUEBIRD-L Subject: Re: Orioles Bob, have you ever seen orioles around you? I would think they would have to be in your area in order to attract them to a feeder...no matter how hard you try. I assume it's the Baltimore that you are trying for. They are common in the east but less so in the west, at least that's what the guide says. Charlene Anchor E C Illinois where we have oodles of orioles! ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Walshaw To: BLUEBIRD-L Sent: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:47:15 +0000 (UTC) Subject: Orioles For two years I have been putting up an Oriole feeder with orange halves and grape jelly but with no success. My yard is owned by a Northern Mockingbird. Am I wasting my time? Bob Walshaw, NE OK. *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Correction about Orioles From: Duane Rice <drbirdsong4 AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:39:39 -0500 After some minor research, I discovered I made an error in saying Baltimore Orioles had been renamed Northern Orioles. As I understand it now, Bullock's Orioles and Baltimore's used to be considered the same species (Northen Oriole). They were known to interbreed. Anyway, upon further investigating by real ornithologists, it was discovered they were actually two seperate species. So they named the Eastern species, Baltimore (after Lord Baltimore) and the Western species were named Bullocks. (which is what some people think renaming and classifying birds is). Are we clear class? Good. There will be a test on Monday. There will be no math questions. Thank-you Shari, for calling it to question, I would've answered you directly, but lost your e-mail somewhere on the net. Duane _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID27925::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:032010_2 *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: RE: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds From: "Dottie" <yumyumkatts AT voyager.net> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:29:40 -0400 TRES only have one brood here also and then they are gone. Usually, before they go south, they will return with the babies for a day and for short time. Maybe saying "goodbye". Dottie, Hickory Hollow   Brown County, Indiana      (50 miles south of Indianapolis) Lat: 39.371N  Lon: 86.261W  Zone 5  Elevation:  680 ft -----Original Message----- From: bounce-5426298-3587711 AT list.cornell.edu [mailto:bounce-5426298-3587711 AT list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Bruce Burdett Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 10:36 AM To: Paulette Cothern; Paula Ziebarth; bluebird Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds Paulette,                       In my area, Tree Swallows raise only one brood and then disappear.   Bruce Burdett ----- Original Message ----- From: Paulette Cothern To: Paula Ziebarth ; bluebird Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 10:22 AM Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds Thanks for the box location suggestions.  I may try grouping more in my yard.  I'm glad you've had great success with fledging TRES.  Do they raise more than one brood like bluebirds or just one set? From: Paula Ziebarth To: Paulette Cothern ; bluebird Sent: Fri, March 12, 2010 6:53:44 AM Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds Paulette, By housing and fledging them each year, you may have some of the young returning with you this year to nest also and the population may increase there.  I always fledge over 40 TRES in our little yard on the island up north.  None nest with me here in our suburban lot in central Ohio, but they do nest less than a half a mile away on a small trail I have in public park around a wet retention pond.  If you want to house more, remember that they will nest fairly close together.  At the island, I have had them nesting as close as 7 yards apart, but that is unusual situation as populations and food sources for them there are huge.  One of my mentors who sets up TRES grids in our area recommends spacing boxes 25 yards apart.  He recommends 22 yards as minimum distance between TRES boxes to reduce harrassment and competition - i.e. they get along fine at that distance whereas closer spacing and they are not happy with each other. Wonderful regarding swallows nesting on the bridge.  Are they Bank Swallows, Barn Swallows?  I know Duane reported TRES are back in TN.  I have not seen any here in Ohio yet, but boxes are ready. Regarding your airport proposal, Rob posted some very interesting information about bird strikes and airplanes.  If they airport management is concerned with birds nesting in boxes and attracting them, show them the hole size of the box (i.e. little birds) and make them understand that nesting EABL, rather than attracting flocks of their species which could be a problem, will actually chase away other members of their species due to their nesting territory requirements.  Individual birds of EABL or TRES size are no threat to pilot safety whereas large flock of almost any bird could be.  Nesting populations are not flocking populations. Paula Z Powell (central) Ohio ----- Original Message ----- From: Paulette Cothern To: Paula Ziebarth ; bluebird Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 10:22 PM Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds Paula, wish I were that lucky!  I had 3 pair of TRES nesting in bluebird boxes in my backyard last year.  I would love to see even more of them here! I did watch the swallows build under a bridge on the Harpeth River last summer. There were 30 or more nests attached to the sides of the cocrete bridge--very impressive!  I'll have to drive over in a few weeks and see if they are back--about 20 miles from my home but worth the drive!  (DR if you are interested and need directions, let me know.)  Also, I may get my husband to ask the Springfield Airport owner's if we can put up bluebird boxes there.  He goes there (25 miles one way) a couple of times a week and he could check on the boxes while he's there. Paulette N. Mid. TN *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply   leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply   leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: FW: pre-season surprise From: "Dottie" <yumyumkatts AT voyager.net> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:29:40 -0400 We have copperheads here also and they are slow. Dottie, Hickory Hollow   Brown County, Indiana      (50 miles south of Indianapolis) -----Original Message----- From: bounce-5428706-3587711 AT list.cornell.edu [mailto:bounce-5428706-3587711 AT list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Bob Walshaw Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 5:37 PM To: Robert Barron; Tina Mitchell Cc: bluebird-l AT cornell.edu Subject: Re: pre-season surprise We have a lot of Copperheads here but they are not very aggressive. Some of my boxes are near farm ponds and last year I saw a huge Cottonmouth eating a large bullfrog. Also one was in one of my live traps next to the house but both were gone when I came back with a gun. They can be aggressive. Bob Walshaw, NE OK. ----- Original Message ----- From: Robert Barron To: Tina Mitchell Cc: bluebird-l AT cornell.edu Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 3:22 PM Subject: Re: pre-season surprise Tina, First of all, I hope you're OK, but you really need to stop checking nest boxes au natural.  Seriously, do Arizona Bark Scorpions occur in your part of Colorado?  Can a dead scorpion still inject venom? It's amazing what different wildlife issues we Bluebirders need to be aware of.  Where I am in VA, the biggest risk is stepping on a yellow jacket nest, and Bluebird nesting is usually done by the time they get really ornery.  Copperheads are almost as plentiful as black rat snakes here ,and are pretty active during the early nesting season, but I try to string trim around the nest boxes so I can see them.  The nest boxes on fences along a tree line are where i run into most of them. Thanks for the warning. Rob Barron On 14 March 2010 16:01, Tina Mitchell wrote: Tina Mitchell Coaldale, CO where it was 60 yesterday and it's snowing today--ah, March in CO Hi, list-- I was cleaning out a box yesterday that had a tangle of juniper bark strips stuck on the bottom.  I was scraping rather vigorously when the conglomeration flew out of the box.  As it sort of landed on my leg, I felt a strong sting on my thigh.  Huh?  Way too early for wasps, yellowjackets, or bees here.  I pulled apart the strips and spotted a scorpion.  I separated it from the strips and poked at it a bit with a stick.  As far as I could tell, it was dead.  Surely that fall didn't kill it; we usually have to work really hard to kill one when we find it in the house.  In fact, it sort of broke down into a powdery substance as I was poking at it.  So I think I was stung by a DEAD scorpion.  I typically only see them in damp, dark areas under things on the ground; I can't imagine it chose to crawl up that tree and into that box for the winter.  All I can guess is that it was carried into the box by something while it was hanging onto one of juniper shreds. So--let's all be careful out there. Tina   http://sipapu.wordpress.com/  (information about central Colorado's pinyon/juniper habitat) http://galapagos2009.wordpress.com/ (a detailed trip report & photos about our 2009 trip to Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands) Hotmail has tools for the New Busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. Learn More. *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: re: re: legality of sparrow and starling trapping From: plkldf AT comcast.net Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:20:25 +0000 (UTC) Paul Kilduff trail at Oregon Ridge Park, Cockeysville, Baltimore Co, MD Hi, Jill, 1) What *is* the law for MD? 2) Bet Zimmerman has a page on traps, but I don't see where she has descriptions about how to remove the birds from the trap box.  Here's the page: http://sialis.org/traps.htm Of course you want to ID the bird before you dispatch it.  It might be a native bird.  Here's the way I do it: WARNING: graphic description of killing of HOSP follows Prepare by putting the trap into the box, with the safety on.  I started with the Gilbertson trap, and it's always worked great, so that's what I use.  Wild Bird Center may sell them, or you can call Steve Gilbertson and he'll send a couple to you.  Others swear by other 'brands'.  Set the safety.  This will let them get used to it.  This is also a good time to put some kind of mark on the box, so, at oh-dark-thirty, you are sure you have the right box. On trapping day, I go very early, before sunup, after the HOSP has started brooding the eggs -- I prefer before they're hatched, because that's some more semi-innocent life you don't have to terminate.  The hen should be on the eggs.       Put a rag in the hole.  Now you have her. Take a mesh laundry bag and put it completely over the box and gather it around the mounting pole.  It's nice to have someone else there to help, but one person can do it.  Open the box and let the trapped bird fly out.  If it doesn't come out, be suspicious.  Bang on it, rattle it, make sure she's not in there before concluding you didn't get her. Once the ID is complete, and positive, trap the bird in a corner of the laundry bag and separate it from the box.  Get a good grip on the bag and swing the bird into the box -- hard.  This will kill the bird instantly -- that is one dead bird -- although it sounds gruesome, in my view it's a humane way to dispatch HOSPs. Now you have to get the male.  It doesn't much help to get the female unless you get the male. I have bluebird song recorded on a cassette (got it from the web).  I have earbuds that I plug intot he cassette player, and I put the earbuds into the box and turn on the player right before I leave -- this does seem to help.  Some recommend leaving a piece of grass sticking out the entrance hole.  I have heard that it helps to put the female back into the box -- assures the male that it's safe to go back in.  Go away for a while -- when my wife and I do it we like to go get breakfast.  When you come back, with luck, you have him -- the trap will show that it's been sprung.  If not, you need to stay after it if you can at all possibly do it.  You want to get the male. Once the trap is sprung, be VERY careful he doesn't escape.  All the above directions about releasing the female into the bag apply to bagging the male.  He may not come out for a while, and he will try to escape when you're separating the bag from the box.  Finally, take the dead birds  to your local raptor rehabber to feed to injured raptors. Paul ---------------------- Subject: RE: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping From: "Lee, Jill" < Jill.Lee AT pgparks.com > Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:39:21 -0500 X-Message-Number: 18 I will check with our DNR guys too.  I can at least say what the law is for MD.   On a bit of the same note, I have a question.  I've seen pictures of the ground traps that catch multiple HOSP and EUST and I understand those.  I have not been able to wrap my head around the nestbox traps.  (I still consider myself to be relatively new at this).  I've seen some pictures, but not them in action, so I think that's what I'm having a hard time with.  Does it just keep the bird in the box until you can come and get it out, and subsequently do what ever you do with it?  Does it differentiate between species?  If so, how?  What is the trigger?  I thought I saw someone mention a few days back something about trapping the HOSP when they start harassing the EABL/TRES.  The idea of trapping them when there's already a bird in the box (and nesting at that) just didn't fit with the already vague idea I had in my head.  Or maybe it's as simple as my first guess, and I just misunderstood the post I was reading.  So I was hoping someone could help me wrap my poor little brain around it, please?    :) Thanks, Jill Lee Lusby, MD ________________________________________ *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: RE: Orioles From: "Dottie" <yumyumkatts AT voyager.net> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:03:58 -0400 We have Orioles here also. Dottie, Hickory Hollow   Brown County, Indiana      (50 miles south of Indianapolis) Lat: 39.371N  Lon: 86.261W  Zone 5  Elevation:  680 ft -----Original Message----- From: bounce-5428899-3587711 AT list.cornell.edu [mailto:bounce-5428899-3587711 AT list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Bob Walshaw Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 7:08 PM To: Paulette Cothern Cc: BLUEBIRD-L Subject: Re: Orioles Please ask the list too. The Mockingbirds here never bother the feeders, but I am careful to never have a Bluebird box near where a Mocker has claimed a bush or specific territory. Bob Walshaw, NE OK.----- Original Message ----- From: Paulette Cothern To: Bob Walshaw Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 5:48 PM Subject: Re: Orioles Bob, I have the same problem with a mockingbird. She has tried to run my songbirds from the feeders.  They usually grap a sunflower seed and fly immediately to a tree branch.  Can anyone tell me if there is a way to discourage the mockingbird and get her to nest somewhere else?  Thanks From: Bob Walshaw To: BLUEBIRD-L Sent: Sun, March 14, 2010 4:47:15 PM Subject: Orioles For two years I have been putting up an Oriole feeder with orange halves and grape jelly but with no success. My yard is owned by a Northern Mockingbird. Am I wasting my time? Bob Walshaw, NE OK. *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply     leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: RE: Orioles From: vfoltz AT verizon.net Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:10:57 -0500 (CDT) We have them in Fort Wayne--they love the oranges and Welch's grape jelly! So do the catbirds :) Vicky Foltz Allen County NE IN On Mar 15, 2010, Dottie wrote: We have Orioles here also. Dottie, Hickory Hollow   Brown County, Indiana      (50 miles south of Indianapolis) Lat: 39.371N  Lon: 86.261W  Zone 5  Elevation:  680 ft -----Original Message----- From: bounce-5428899-3587711 AT list.cornell.edu [mailto:bounce-5428899-3587711 AT list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Bob Walshaw Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 7:08 PM To: Paulette Cothern Cc: BLUEBIRD-L Subject: Re: Orioles Please ask the list too. The Mockingbirds here never bother the feeders, but I am careful to never have a Bluebird box near where a Mocker has claimed a bush or specific territory. Bob Walshaw, NE OK.----- Original Message ----- From: Paulette Cothern To: Bob Walshaw Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 5:48 PM Subject: Re: Orioles Bob, I have the same problem with a mockingbird. She has tried to run my songbirds from the feeders.  They usually grap a sunflower seed and fly immediately to a tree branch.  Can anyone tell me if there is a way to discourage the mockingbird and get her to nest somewhere else?  Thanks From: Bob Walshaw To: BLUEBIRD-L Sent: Sun, March 14, 2010 4:47:15 PM Subject: Orioles For two years I have been putting up an Oriole feeder with orange halves and grape jelly but with no success. My yard is owned by a Northern Mockingbird. Am I wasting my time? Bob Walshaw, NE OK. *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply     leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: RE: Orioles From: "Gail Storm" <paws4fun AT aeroinc.net> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:51:14 -0500 I’m very lucky to have a lot of them in my area. I do entice them with oranges first and then also put out grape jelly. I also have a couple of mulberry trees which they love (and so do I ). On rare occasions I have Orchard Orioles but they are few and far between. The finches also eat the oranges so I have to put out several at a time. I ask my local groceries for any oranges that they would be throwing out and can usually get some free. Also Aldi’s and Save-a-Lot have sacks of oranges at a reasonable price. Gail Storm NW IL on the WI border Orangeville, IL 61060 From: bounce-5428916-8767929 AT list.cornell.edu [mailto:bounce-5428916-8767929 AT list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of ckanchor AT comcast.net Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 6:14 PM To: Bob Walshaw Cc: BLUEBIRD-L Subject: Re: Orioles Bob, have you ever seen orioles around you? I would think they would have to be in your area in order to attract them to a feeder...no matter how hard you try. I assume it's the Baltimore that you are trying for. They are common in the east but less so in the west, at least that's what the guide says. Charlene Anchor E C Illinois where we have oodles of orioles! *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: El Nino From: "linyl" <linyl AT windstream.net> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:43:22 -0400 El Nino has affected sea lions in California severely. It was reported on news recently that it's the worse they've ever seen. The water is too warm and the sea lions cannot find fish to eat, thus starving. Wonder if El Nino (climate) will have an affect on birds of North America. Linda in NW GA *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: In/visible Orioles & Agressive Mockingbirds From: Robert Barron <rebarron AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:35:56 -0400 I haven't tried orange halves here in VA. I tried them in upstate NY, within sight of a Baltimore Oriole nest in a Black Cherry tree. The orioles ignored them, but the ruby-throated hummingbirds liked them until the yellow jackets and ants found them. The Orioles did occasionally visit the hummingbird feeders. The Oriole nests usually remained after the leaves fell off the trees in the fall, so it was easy to see where they had built nests. They usually returned to the same trees year after year. Rob Barron Fredericksburg, Virginia (where it has been raining bats and frogs) On 15 March 2010 11:09, drdodson wrote: > > Just a report on orioles from Jefferson City Missouri. > > I have not seen any yet this year, but I have oranges out already. I > had not seen any until about 3 years ago. Apparently, a cold spell hurt > some of the southern citrus crop and they were really looking out for > alternative sources of food. I think it was 2007. My humming birds > usually come back around mid April and I put out my feeders in early April > just in case. That year there were orioles all over the humming bird > feeders even before the hummers came back. I started putting out oranges > that year and they were all over them. I had Baltimore and Orchard Orioles > also Rose-Breasted grosbeaks. For the most part they were only here in > large numbers for a few weeks then seemed to mostly move on. I caught > site of a few orioles throughout tha! t summer, so I think at least one pair > stuck around, but I never found their nest and they stopped coming to the > feeders. Subsequent springs and summers have been similar. > > Jack Dodson > *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: In/visible Orioles & Agressive Mockingbirds From: karis718 AT bellsouth.net Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:15:38 +0000 If failed citrus crops in the south mean more orioles, then this should be a great year. Also, a work on hummer feeders for orioles (and other nectar loving passerines). Make sure your hummer feeder has a study perch. If it doesn't, the orioles, downies, catbirds, etc can't sip the nectar as they can't hover like hummers. Karis Jacobstein Suwanee, GA Sent on the Now Network™ from my Sprint® BlackBerry -----Original Message----- From: drdodson Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:09:38 To: Bob Walshaw; ; Subject: Re: In/visible Orioles & Agressive Mockingbirds Just a report on orioles from Jefferson City Missouri.  I have not seen any yet this year, but I have oranges out already.     I had not seen any until about 3 years ago.    Apparently, a cold spell hurt some of the southern citrus crop and they were really looking out for alternative sources of food.   I think it was 2007.    My humming birds usually come back around mid April and I put out my feeders in early April just in case.   That year there were orioles all over the humming bird feeders even before the hummers came back.   I started putting out oranges that year and they were all over them.   I had Baltimore and Orchard Orioles also Rose-Breasted grosbeaks.    For the most part they were only here in large numbers for a few weeks then seemed to mostly move on.     I caught site of a few orioles throughout that summer, so I think at least one pair stuck around, but I never found their nest and they stopped coming to the feeders.     Subsequent springs and summers have been similar.    Jack Dodson *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: In/visible Orioles & Agressive Mockingbirds From: drdodson <drdodson AT aol.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:09:38 -0500 Just a report on orioles from Jefferson City Missouri.  I have not seen any yet this year, but I have oranges out already.     I had not seen any until about 3 years ago.    Apparently, a cold spell hurt some of the southern citrus crop and they were really looking out for alternative sources of food.   I think it was 2007.    My humming birds usually come back around mid April and I put out my feeders in early April just in case.   That year there were orioles all over the humming bird feeders even before the hummers came back.   I started putting out oranges that year and they were all over them.   I had Baltimore and Orchard Orioles also Rose-Breasted grosbeaks.    For the most part they were only here in large numbers for a few weeks then seemed to mostly move on.     I caught site of a few orioles throughout that summer, so I think at least one pair stuck around, but I never found their nest and they stopped coming to the feeders.     Subsequent springs and summers have been similar.    Jack Dodson *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: In/visible Orioles & Agressive Mockingbirds From: drdodson <drdodson AT aol.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:09:38 -0500 Just a report on orioles from Jefferson City Missouri.  I have not seen any yet this year, but I have oranges out already.     I had not seen any until about 3 years ago.    Apparently, a cold spell hurt some of the southern citrus crop and they were really looking out for alternative sources of food.   I think it was 2007.    My humming birds usually come back around mid April and I put out my feeders in early April just in case.   That year there were orioles all over the humming bird feeders even before the hummers came back.   I started putting out oranges that year and they were all over them.   I had Baltimore and Orchard Orioles also Rose-Breasted grosbeaks.    For the most part they were only here in large numbers for a few weeks then seemed to mostly move on.     I caught site of a few orioles throughout that summer, so I think at least one pair stuck around, but I never found their nest and they stopped coming to the feeders.     Subsequent springs and summers have been similar.    Jack Dodson *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Spring! From: "William D. Forsht" <setter4 AT winbeam.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:48:02 -0400 The 2 feet of snow has finally melted and the birds are thrilled to see the ground. So am I! lol We have bluebirds checking out our nest boxes but it's still too muddy for me to get to most of them to do spring cleaning. Flocks of robins everywhere and titmice and nuthatches flitting everywhere. Even the flickers seem to have appeared from nowhere. I can't wait for it to dry out a little so I can get some new nest boxes up. I love spring! Jackie F. Altoona Pa. *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: not many 1st eggs on NestWatch From: "phillip berry" <berryphillip AT bellsouth.net> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:26:57 -0500 There are no eggs in Gulf Breeze, Florida, Pauline. We put up 7 more nest boxes on the trail yesterday. Within minutes they were being shopped by EABL and Chickadees, but no eggs anywhere. Strangely, no HOSP eggs either. Weather is beautiful, highs in the 70's, but only one nesting attempt, my yard birds have had a nest for nearly a month, but it is still empty. The latest I hae ever seen. Phil Berry Gulf Breeze, Florida ----- Original Message ----- From: Pauline Tom To: bluebird-l AT list.cornell.edu Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 11:46 PM Subject: not many 1st eggs on NestWatch The map on NestWatch.org shows the eggs I reported today as the 1st eggs in Texas. This cannot be so. Hey Texans! Please use NestWatch to keep your nestbox records, so we can all see what's going on in the State in "real time." It's the coolest thing. Now that I have my nestboxes registered from past years (www.registeryournestbox.org), I quickly used "Next Site" to flip from nestbox to nestbox, recording today's NestWatch'ing. I record even "no nest", in order to help calculate the date of the 1st egg. So far, the nestboxes that I NestWatch have 3 Bewick's Wren nests with eggs and 5 other nests without eggs. Pauline Tom Mountain City (no mountains) TX *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: In/visible Orioles & Agressive Mockingbirds From: "Bob Walshaw" <walshaw1 AT cox.net> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:22:38 -0500 Re: Orioles - you done broke the code. I grew up in New England and I remember seeing the hanging nests. I have tall trees here and I ain't seen any. I will forget them here and spend my energies helping the birds that I do have. Bob Walshaw, NE OK. ----- Original Message ----- From: Duane Rice To: walshaw1 AT cox.net ; ckanchor AT comcast.net Cc: Bluebird L Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 11:00 PM Subject: RE: In/visible Orioles & Agressive Mockingbirds First off, the birds don't read the books. That's not to say it's impossible for you to get Northern (formerly Baltimore) Orioles in your yard/property, but not very likely, unless they were migrating through, which they are and will be, from about now through April, on their way to out more northern states, like Ohio and Michigan and such. (Think about it. When was the last time you saw the remnants of an Oriole nest in a tree, after the leaves have fallen? Not so much around here. If you have, where you are. make note of it and watch, for you are trully blessed. If I'm not mistaken, they are site faithful, so they may return to your yard.) If they did stay, they are somewhat shy, and finding their nest can be difficult. You are not wasting your time putting out food of any type for any migrants. You may not get what you set out to attract, but you increase the odds of drawing in some species you hadn't planned on, and sometimes that can be even better. Now, back to Orioles. Orange Orange Orange. I mean orange duck tape on the roof of your car, orange ribbon tied to tree branches, orange lawn chairs, I mean anything you can put out in your yard that's orange, do it. Most of all, Orange halves impaled on anything you can stick them on. lots of them. If you think you have too much, you need more. Do it today while the trees still haven't filled out (if that's the case in OK). IF you are very lucky, you will get Northern Orioles passing through to take notice and stop by for a visit, and MAYBE stay around. But you will still be lucky, because the Orchard Orioles will absolutely love you! They will stay and return year after year, as long as you hold up your end of the deal. Oranges, Big juicy ones. Last year, I had no less than three nesting pairs in my yard at the same time! And boy do they fight over those oranges. The sing a beautiful song, and (here's the tie-in) the give the Mockingbirds a run for their money. The Mockers like oranges too. But not like the Orioles. The Red-bellied Woodpeckers also stop by for a sip. Now, about agressive Mockers. Trudy's suggestion has also worked (somewhat) for me. As a rule, Mockers aren't seed eaters. So put one type of food at one feeding station (seeds). Then set another table, a good distance away, with foods the Mocker prefers. Make it irresistable, and make it in it's territory. Peanut butter and jelly, suet, grapes, certain breads, pet foods, especially meal worms, if you can afford it. Keep you thistle seed eaters (Goldfinches) and your sunflower seed eaters, (Chickadees, Cardinals, etc. away and out of sight of your evil Mocker's domain. It won't be an all out cure, but it will curb the Mockers ability to be in two places at the same time. Also include a great place for the Mocker to perch and keep a watchful stingy eye on it's treasure. Like a shepherd hook, out in the open. In other words, instead of fighting the Mocker, embrace the Mocker, welcome the Mocker, heck, even spoil the Mocker. Just give it space. That's all it's trying to tell you anyway. And remember, Mockers will also chase away other less desirable species. Just my two sense, Hope it works for you too. Duane ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: walshaw1 AT cox.net To: ckanchor AT comcast.net CC: BLUEBIRD-L AT cornell.edu Subject: Re: Orioles Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:30:38 -0500 I am told by people here that they have them, and my field guide shows that Oklahoma is included. Bob Walshaw, NE OK. ----- Original Message ----- From: ckanchor AT comcast.net To: Bob Walshaw Cc: BLUEBIRD-L Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 6:13 PM Subject: Re: Orioles Bob, have you ever seen orioles around you? I would think they would have to be in your area in order to attract them to a feeder...no matter how hard you try. I assume it's the Baltimore that you are trying for. They are common in the east but less so in the west, at least that's what the guide says. Charlene Anchor E C Illinois where we have oodles of orioles! ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Walshaw To: BLUEBIRD-L Sent: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:47:15 +0000 (UTC) Subject: Orioles For two years I have been putting up an Oriole feeder with orange halves and grape jelly but with no success. My yard is owned by a Northern Mockingbird. Am I wasting my time? Bob Walshaw, NE OK. *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hotmail has tools for the New Busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. Learn More. *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: not many 1st eggs on NestWatch From: "Pauline Tom" <ptom AT austin.rr.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:46:13 -0500 The map on NestWatch.org shows the eggs I reported today as the 1st eggs in Texas. This cannot be so. Hey Texans! Please use NestWatch to keep your nestbox records, so we can all see what's going on in the State in "real time." It's the coolest thing. Now that I have my nestboxes registered from past years (www.registeryournestbox.org), I quickly used "Next Site" to flip from nestbox to nestbox, recording today's NestWatch'ing. I record even "no nest", in order to help calculate the date of the 1st egg. So far, the nestboxes that I NestWatch have 3 Bewick's Wren nests with eggs and 5 other nests without eggs. Pauline Tom Mountain City (no mountains) TX *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: RE: In/visible Orioles & Agressive Mockingbirds From: Duane Rice <drbirdsong4 AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:00:48 -0500 First off, the birds don't read the books. That's not to say it's impossible for you to get Northern (formerly Baltimore) Orioles in your yard/property, but not very likely, unless they were migrating through, which they are and will be, from about now through April, on their way to out more northern states, like Ohio and Michigan and such. (Think about it. When was the last time you saw the remnants of an Oriole nest in a tree, after the leaves have fallen? Not so much around here. If you have, where you are. make note of it and watch, for you are trully blessed. If I'm not mistaken, they are site faithful, so they may return to your yard.) If they did stay, they are somewhat shy, and finding their nest can be difficult. You are not wasting your time putting out food of any type for any migrants. You may not get what you set out to attract, but you increase the odds of drawing in some species you hadn't planned on, and sometimes that can be even better. Now, back to Orioles. Orange Orange Orange. I mean orange duck tape on the roof of your car, orange ribbon tied to tree branches, orange lawn chairs, I mean anything you can put out in your yard that's orange, do it. Most of all, Orange halves impaled on anything you can stick them on. lots of them. If you think you have too much, you need more. Do it today while the trees still haven't filled out (if that's the case in OK). IF you are very lucky, you will get Northern Orioles passing through to take notice and stop by for a visit, and MAYBE stay around. But you will still be lucky, because the Orchard Orioles will absolutely love you! They will stay and return year after year, as long as you hold up your end of the deal. Oranges, Big juicy ones. Last year, I had no less than three nesting pairs in my yard at the same time! And boy do they fight over those oranges. The sing a beautiful song, and (here's the tie-in) the give the Mockingbirds a run for their money. The Mockers like oranges too. But not like the Orioles. The Red-bellied Woodpeckers also stop by for a sip. Now, about agressive Mockers. Trudy's suggestion has also worked (somewhat) for me. As a rule, Mockers aren't seed eaters. So put one type of food at one feeding station (seeds). Then set another table, a good distance away, with foods the Mocker prefers. Make it irresistable, and make it in it's territory. Peanut butter and jelly, suet, grapes, certain breads, pet foods, especially meal worms, if you can afford it. Keep you thistle seed eaters (Goldfinches) and your sunflower seed eaters, (Chickadees, Cardinals, etc. away and out of sight of your evil Mocker's domain. It won't be an all out cure, but it will curb the Mockers ability to be in two places at the same time. Also include a great place for the Mocker to perch and keep a watchful stingy eye on it's treasure. Like a shepherd hook, out in the open. In other words, instead of fighting the Mocker, embrace the Mocker, welcome the Mocker, heck, even spoil the Mocker. Just give it space. That's all it's trying to tell you anyway. And remember, Mockers will also chase away other less desirable species. Just my two sense, Hope it works for you too. Duane From: walshaw1 AT cox.net To: ckanchor AT comcast.net CC: BLUEBIRD-L AT cornell.edu Subject: Re: Orioles Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:30:38 -0500 I am told by people here that they have them, and my field guide shows that Oklahoma is included. Bob Walshaw, NE OK. ----- Original Message ----- From: ckanchor AT comcast.net To: Bob Walshaw Cc: BLUEBIRD-L Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 6:13 PM Subject: Re: Orioles Bob, have you ever seen orioles around you? I would think they would have to be in your area in order to attract them to a feeder...no matter how hard you try. I assume it's the Baltimore that you are trying for. They are common in the east but less so in the west, at least that's what the guide says. Charlene Anchor E C Illinois where we have oodles of orioles! ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Walshaw To: BLUEBIRD-L Sent: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:47:15 +0000 (UTC) Subject: Orioles For two years I have been putting up an Oriole feeder with orange halves and grape jelly but with no success. My yard is owned by a Northern Mockingbird. Am I wasting my time? Bob Walshaw, NE OK. *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail has tools for the New Busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID27925::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:032010_1 *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: First trail monitoring From: "Bob Walshaw" <walshaw1 AT cox.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:39:59 -0500 Winter has stayed with us a bit longer this year and nesting is a bit late, but both the Carolina Chickadees and Tufted Titmice have started nests. Bob Walshaw, NE OK. *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Orioles From: "Bob Walshaw" <walshaw1 AT cox.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:30:38 -0500 I am told by people here that they have them, and my field guide shows that Oklahoma is included. Bob Walshaw, NE OK. ----- Original Message ----- From: ckanchor AT comcast.net To: Bob Walshaw Cc: BLUEBIRD-L Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 6:13 PM Subject: Re: Orioles Bob, have you ever seen orioles around you? I would think they would have to be in your area in order to attract them to a feeder...no matter how hard you try. I assume it's the Baltimore that you are trying for. They are common in the east but less so in the west, at least that's what the guide says. Charlene Anchor E C Illinois where we have oodles of orioles! ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Walshaw To: BLUEBIRD-L Sent: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:47:15 +0000 (UTC) Subject: Orioles For two years I have been putting up an Oriole feeder with orange halves and grape jelly but with no success. My yard is owned by a Northern Mockingbird. Am I wasting my time? Bob Walshaw, NE OK. *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Blues From: Lynn <lemerich AT epix.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:25:28 -0400 I had a pair of blues checking out their favorite house on Friday. This is the second time I've seen them on the house. But I'm not going to brag to loudly, cause last year they did same thing, then they disappeared for the rest of the year. No bluebirds at all last year. Lots of other birds that normally come this time of year. Two mockingbirds, but they only agitate each other right now. They usually don't bother the other birds here. Too early for the hummers and orioles. Orioles are scarce in my yard. The past few years, I see them pass thru, but that's it. They did nest quite a few times, but their favorite tree had to come down. Guess they're still mad at me for that. Lynn near Bernville PA. *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Spring in Wisconsin From: Mary Roen <mbroen AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:06:14 -0500 Hi everyone. I am so envious of all of you in the south that have so much Bluebird activity. I may have seen a pair of Bluebirds this morning on my way to church, but they were at the top of a tree, and it was foggy, so I couldn't make a positive ID. I did see a Mute Swan and Hooded Mergansers yesterday in River Falls, and a Northern Flicker and a Great Crested Flycatcher today. I checked the nest boxes in the back of our farm today and had a Downy Woodpecker fly out of one of my nestboxes. He must have been roosting in it. I still had to drive over a few snow drifts on the four wheeler, but the open areas are free of snow. My daffodils are up about 5 inches, so spring is imminent! Mary, River Falls, WI EMAILING FOR THE GREATER GOOD Join me *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Orioles From: karis718 AT bellsouth.net Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:17:23 +0000 My mocker pair doesn't bother my yard EABLs at all and their holly that they nest in is about 20ft from my yard box. The mockers are territorial for sure (my 8 year old daughter named one of them "Cameron" after her class bully), but they can't defend the whole yard at once, so we just have several stations. It helps. Karis Jacobstein Suwanee, GA Sent on the Now Network™ from my Sprint® BlackBerry -----Original Message----- From: Dee Bauman Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:05:25 To: Bob Walshaw Cc: BLUEBIRD-L Subject: Re: Orioles Bob, I wouldn't give up just yet. I have had the pleasure of Baltimore Orioles nesting in my tulip or elm trees for the past several years. They always arrive here around May 4th, take about 1-2 weeks to decide where to build, take another few days to weave the nest, raise one clutch, then leave until the following year. They are fascinating to watch when nest building. I never had any luck with the nectar type feeders, but the orange halves and grape jelly are always a hit. Maybe the key is having their preferred tree (elms) nearby. The mockingbird may be a problem, though. I tried to put up a bluebird nestbox in my sister's pasture last summer, and her very territorial mockingbird followed me every where I went, almost daring me to put anything in his territory. I finally gave up and pulled the box. She said last week that he's back, and I won't attempt it again. She likes him, but then she doesn't have many other birds on her property either, I'm sure for that very reason. Does your mockingbird bother your bluebirds at all? Dee NE OH Bob Walshaw wrote: > For two years I have been putting up an Oriole feeder > with orange halves and grape jelly but with no success. > My yard is owned by a Northern Mockingbird. Am I > wasting my time? Bob Walshaw, NE OK. > Bob Walshaw wrote: > For two years I have been putting up an Oriole feeder > with orange halves and grape jelly but with no success. > My yard is owned by a Northern Mockingbird. Am I > wasting my time? Bob Walshaw, NE OK. > > > > *********************** > To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message > bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu > The body of the message is simply > leave > > More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html > > *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Orioles From: Dee Bauman <bauman3 AT verizon.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:05:25 -0400 Bob, I wouldn't give up just yet. I have had the pleasure of Baltimore Orioles nesting in my tulip or elm trees for the past several years. They always arrive here around May 4th, take about 1-2 weeks to decide where to build, take another few days to weave the nest, raise one clutch, then leave until the following year. They are fascinating to watch when nest building. I never had any luck with the nectar type feeders, but the orange halves and grape jelly are always a hit. Maybe the key is having their preferred tree (elms) nearby. The mockingbird may be a problem, though. I tried to put up a bluebird nestbox in my sister's pasture last summer, and her very territorial mockingbird followed me every where I went, almost daring me to put anything in his territory. I finally gave up and pulled the box. She said last week that he's back, and I won't attempt it again. She likes him, but then she doesn't have many other birds on her property either, I'm sure for that very reason. Does your mockingbird bother your bluebirds at all? Dee NE OH Bob Walshaw wrote: > For two years I have been putting up an Oriole feeder > with orange halves and grape jelly but with no success. > My yard is owned by a Northern Mockingbird. Am I > wasting my time? Bob Walshaw, NE OK. > Bob Walshaw wrote: > For two years I have been putting up an Oriole feeder > with orange halves and grape jelly but with no success. > My yard is owned by a Northern Mockingbird. Am I > wasting my time? Bob Walshaw, NE OK. > > > > *********************** > To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message > bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu > The body of the message is simply > leave > > More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html > > *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Orioles From: Roy & Trudy Pischer <tlp4456 AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:56:48 -0700 (PDT) Karis, we have Orchard Orioles nesting here in SW Missouri. The former owners of our farm had several Peach Trees, no doubt that explains their presence, however, they love the hummer nectar and grape jelly too.  The Baltimore Orioles migrate through, but generally visit here for about a month.     Trudy & Roy Pischer Willard, MO 65781 ________________________________ From: "karis718 AT bellsouth.net" To: ckanchor AT comcast.net; Bob Walshaw Cc: BLUEBIRD-L Sent: Sun, March 14, 2010 6:40:33 PM Subject: Re: Orioles If there are several feeders scattered about the yard you will find the Mockingbird can only defend one or two. I have a pair, and they are very territorial, but with several feeding, they only defend one and the other birds are able to eat. As for the Orioles, there are four types common in the US. They are the Orchard Oriole, Hooded Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, and Bullock's Oriole. Of those, only the Orchard and Baltimore are within range for you (Bob, NE OK), and only the Orchard is COMMON. Baltimore Orioles are there but not all over like in the NE. Orchard Orioles will go to feeders sometimes, but they are more likely to be drawn to fruit bearing plants and trees. The feeders are geared toward Baltimore Orioles, and if they aren't common, you probably ARE wasting your time unless you enjoy the other birds the feeder attracts. In GA we only get BAOR as migrants (OROR are all summer, but I have yet to see one in my yard before the Muscadines are ripe). I put out my feeder for themin early spring and keep it up all summer despite the fact that they aren't here because loads of other birds like the oranges and jelly. My Gray Catbirds, Mockers, and Wood Thrushes love them. Karis Jacobstein Suwanee, GA Sent on the Now Networkâ„¢ from my Sprint® BlackBerry ________________________________ From: ckanchor AT comcast.net Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:13:52 +0000 (UTC) To: Bob Walshaw Cc: BLUEBIRD-L Subject: Re: Orioles Bob, have you ever seen orioles around you? I would think they would have to be in your area in order to attract them to a feeder...no matter how hard you try.  I assume it's the Baltimore that you are trying for. They are common in the east but less so in the west, at least that's what the guide says. Charlene Anchor E C Illinois where we have oodles of orioles! ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Walshaw To: BLUEBIRD-L Sent: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:47:15 +0000 (UTC) Subject: Orioles For two years I have been putting up an Oriole feeder with orange halves and grape jelly but with no success. My yard is owned by a Northern Mockingbird. Am I wasting my time? Bob Walshaw, NE OK. *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply      leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Orioles From: Roy & Trudy Pischer <tlp4456 AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:42:54 -0700 (PDT) The mockingbird in my yard has reached an understanding with me...  I put up a seperate cup of mealworms for him, and he stays away from the official EABL mealworm feeder.  The good news is that he chases away EUST and Grackles too.  A few EABL have wandered over to his mealworm cup, and he aggressively chases them away.  What's really interesting is that occassionally my husband has filled up the EABL mealworm feeder without filling up the Mockingbird's feeder.  When Roy has done this, the Mockingbird perches on top of the EABL mealworm feeder until one of us puts mealworms in his cup too.   Trudy Pischer Willard, MO 65781 ________________________________ From: Bob Walshaw To: Paulette Cothern Cc: BLUEBIRD-L Sent: Sun, March 14, 2010 6:07:59 PM Subject: Re: Orioles Please ask the list too. The Mockingbirds here never bother the feeders, but I am careful to never have a Bluebird box near where a Mocker has claimed a bush or specific territory. Bob Walshaw, NE OK.----- Original Message ----- From: Paulette Cothern >To: Bob Walshaw >Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 5:48 PM >Subject: Re: Orioles > > >Bob, I have the same problem with a mockingbird. She has tried to run my songbirds from the feeders.  They usually grap a sunflower seed and fly immediately to a tree branch.  Can anyone tell me if there is a way to discourage the mockingbird and get her to nest somewhere else?  Thanks > > > > ________________________________ From: Bob Walshaw >To: BLUEBIRD-L >Sent: Sun, March 14, 2010 4:47:15 PM >Subject: Orioles > >For two years I have been putting up an Oriole feeder >with orange halves and grape jelly but with no success. >My yard is owned by a Northern Mockingbird. Am I >wasting my time? Bob Walshaw, NE OK. > > > >*********************** >To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message >bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu >The body of the message is simply >    leave > >More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html > *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Orioles From: karis718 AT bellsouth.net Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:40:33 +0000 If there are several feeders scattered about the yard you will find the Mockingbird can only defend one or two. I have a pair, and they are very territorial, but with several feeding, they only defend one and the other birds are able to eat. As for the Orioles, there are four types common in the US. They are the Orchard Oriole, Hooded Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, and Bullock's Oriole. Of those, only the Orchard and Baltimore are within range for you (Bob, NE OK), and only the Orchard is COMMON. Baltimore Orioles are there but not all over like in the NE. Orchard Orioles will go to feeders sometimes, but they are more likely to be drawn to fruit bearing plants and trees. The feeders are geared toward Baltimore Orioles, and if they aren't common, you probably ARE wasting your time unless you enjoy the other birds the feeder attracts. In GA we only get BAOR as migrants (OROR are all summer, but I have yet to see one in my yard before the Muscadines are ripe). I put out my feeder for themin early spring and keep it up all summer despite the fact that they aren't here because loads of other birds like the oranges and jelly. My Gray Catbirds, Mockers, and Wood Thrushes love them. Karis Jacobstein Suwanee, GA Sent on the Now Network™ from my Sprint® BlackBerry -----Original Message----- From: ckanchor AT comcast.net Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:13:52 To: Bob Walshaw Cc: BLUEBIRD-L Subject: Re: Orioles Bob, have you ever seen orioles around you? I would think they would have to be in your area in order to attract them to a feeder...no matter how hard you try. I assume it's the Baltimore that you are trying for. They are common in the east but less so in the west, at least that's what the guide says. Charlene Anchor E C Illinois where we have oodles of orioles! ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Walshaw To: BLUEBIRD-L Sent: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:47:15 +0000 (UTC) Subject: Orioles For two years I have been putting up an Oriole feeder with orange halves and grape jelly but with no success. My yard is owned by a Northern Mockingbird. Am I wasting my time? Bob Walshaw, NE OK. *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Orioles From: ckanchor AT comcast.net Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:13:52 +0000 (UTC) Bob, have you ever seen orioles around you? I would think they would have to be in your area in order to attract them to a feeder...no matter how hard you try. I assume it's the Baltimore that you are trying for. They are common in the east but less so in the west, at least that's what the guide says. Charlene Anchor E C Illinois where we have oodles of orioles! ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Walshaw To: BLUEBIRD-L Sent: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:47:15 +0000 (UTC) Subject: Orioles For two years I have been putting up an Oriole feeder with orange halves and grape jelly but with no success. My yard is owned by a Northern Mockingbird. Am I wasting my time? Bob Walshaw, NE OK. *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Orioles From: "Bob Walshaw" <walshaw1 AT cox.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:07:59 -0500 Please ask the list too. The Mockingbirds here never bother the feeders, but I am careful to never have a Bluebird box near where a Mocker has claimed a bush or specific territory. Bob Walshaw, NE OK.----- Original Message ----- From: Paulette Cothern To: Bob Walshaw Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 5:48 PM Subject: Re: Orioles Bob, I have the same problem with a mockingbird. She has tried to run my songbirds from the feeders. They usually grap a sunflower seed and fly immediately to a tree branch. Can anyone tell me if there is a way to discourage the mockingbird and get her to nest somewhere else? Thanks ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: Bob Walshaw To: BLUEBIRD-L Sent: Sun, March 14, 2010 4:47:15 PM Subject: Orioles For two years I have been putting up an Oriole feeder with orange halves and grape jelly but with no success. My yard is owned by a Northern Mockingbird. Am I wasting my time? Bob Walshaw, NE OK. *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: robins and daffodils From: Paulette Cothern <cothern AT bellsouth.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:48:19 -0700 (PDT) It's unofficially spring.  There are about 100 robins in the yard all around my home and the daffodils are in full bloom!  Spring can't be too far away.  Drat, I haven't changed any of the clocks yet--not my favorite thing to do! Paulette N. middle TN *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Orioles From: "Bob Walshaw" <walshaw1 AT cox.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:47:15 -0500 For two years I have been putting up an Oriole feeder with orange halves and grape jelly but with no success. My yard is owned by a Northern Mockingbird. Am I wasting my time? Bob Walshaw, NE OK. *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: pre-season surprise From: "Bob Walshaw" <walshaw1 AT cox.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:36:38 -0500 We have a lot of Copperheads here but they are not very aggressive. Some of my boxes are near farm ponds and last year I saw a huge Cottonmouth eating a large bullfrog. Also one was in one of my live traps next to the house but both were gone when I came back with a gun. They can be aggressive. Bob Walshaw, NE OK. ----- Original Message ----- From: Robert Barron To: Tina Mitchell Cc: bluebird-l AT cornell.edu Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2010 3:22 PM Subject: Re: pre-season surprise Tina, First of all, I hope you're OK, but you really need to stop checking nest boxes au natural. Seriously, do Arizona Bark Scorpions occur in your part of Colorado? Can a dead scorpion still inject venom? It's amazing what different wildlife issues we Bluebirders need to be aware of. Where I am in VA, the biggest risk is stepping on a yellow jacket nest, and Bluebird nesting is usually done by the time they get really ornery. Copperheads are almost as plentiful as black rat snakes here ,and are pretty active during the early nesting season, but I try to string trim around the nest boxes so I can see them. The nest boxes on fences along a tree line are where i run into most of them. Thanks for the warning. Rob Barron On 14 March 2010 16:01, Tina Mitchell wrote: Tina Mitchell Coaldale, CO where it was 60 yesterday and it's snowing today--ah, March in CO Hi, list-- I was cleaning out a box yesterday that had a tangle of juniper bark strips stuck on the bottom. I was scraping rather vigorously when the conglomeration flew out of the box. As it sort of landed on my leg, I felt a strong sting on my thigh. Huh? Way too early for wasps, yellowjackets, or bees here. I pulled apart the strips and spotted a scorpion. I separated it from the strips and poked at it a bit with a stick. As far as I could tell, it was dead. Surely that fall didn't kill it; we usually have to work really hard to kill one when we find it in the house. In fact, it sort of broke down into a powdery substance as I was poking at it. So I think I was stung by a DEAD scorpion. I typically only see them in damp, dark areas under things on the ground; I can't imagine it chose to crawl up that tree and into that box for the winter. All I can guess is that it was carried into the box by something while it was hanging onto one of juniper shreds. So--let's all be careful out there. Tina http://sipapu.wordpress.com/ (information about central Colorado's pinyon/juniper habitat) http://galapagos2009.wordpress.com/ (a detailed trip report & photos about our 2009 trip to Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hotmail has tools for the New Busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. Learn More. *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: RE: pre-season surprise From: Tina Mitchell <ztsipapu AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:57:28 -0600 Yep, I'm fine. This sting wasn't even as bad as a wasp/hornet or yellowjacket sting. I think that's because there wasn't much venom left in the stinger and no muscle behind the injection. And yet I was stung through jeans--wow. (contrary to Rob's vivid imagination ;-)) Now that's one determined dead scorpion, I'd say. I asked an entomologist friend if it was possible for a dead scorpion's stinger to still inject venom and his response was a vehement "Oh, yeah!" I had no idea. Since we don't have much in the way of grasses or other vegetation for birds to build nests with, they almost all rely on juniper strips in one way or another. I now know that just because scorpions prefer the ground, they don't always have the final say on that. I find them rather prehistorically creepy and extremely unnerving (but also kind of morbidly fascinating) when they're alive; I now have to worry about them dead too. It's a jungle out there. CO has 3 species of scorpions; our most common here is the striped scorpion. Although it's considered a "bark scorpion," it's not as dangerous as the Arizona bark scorpion (which I think is found in southern AZ at its most northerly range). Most reports are that a sting from a live striped scorpion is like a nasty wasp/hornet sting. People get in serious trouble with them primarily through an anaphylactic response. Tina _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/210850553/direct/01/ *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: pre-season surprise From: Robert Barron <rebarron AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:22:13 -0400 Tina, First of all, I hope you're OK, but you really need to stop checking nest boxes au natural. Seriously, do Arizona Bark Scorpions occur in your part of Colorado? Can a dead scorpion still inject venom? It's amazing what different wildlife issues we Bluebirders need to be aware of. Where I am in VA, the biggest risk is stepping on a yellow jacket nest, and Bluebird nesting is usually done by the time they get really ornery. Copperheads are almost as plentiful as black rat snakes here ,and are pretty active during the early nesting season, but I try to string trim around the nest boxes so I can see them. The nest boxes on fences along a tree line are where i run into most of them. Thanks for the warning. Rob Barron On 14 March 2010 16:01, Tina Mitchell wrote: > Tina Mitchell > Coaldale, CO > where it was 60 yesterday and it's snowing today--ah, March in CO > > Hi, list-- > > I was cleaning out a box yesterday that had a tangle of juniper bark strips > stuck on the bottom. I was scraping rather vigorously when the > conglomeration flew out of the box. As it sort of landed on my leg, I felt > a strong sting on my thigh. Huh? Way too early for wasps, yellowjackets, > or bees here. I pulled apart the strips and spotted a scorpion. I > separated it from the strips and poked at it a bit with a stick. As far as > I could tell, it was dead. Surely that fall didn't kill it; we usually have > to work really hard to kill one when we find it in the house. In fact, it > sort of broke down into a powdery substance as I was poking at it. So I > think I was stung by a DEAD scorpion. I typically only see them in damp, > dark areas under things on the ground; I can't imagine it chose to crawl up > that tree and into that box for the winter. All I can guess is that it > was carried into the box by something while it was hanging onto one of > juniper shreds. > > So--let's all be careful out there. > > Tina > http://sipapu.wordpress.com/ (information about central Colorado's > pinyon/juniper habitat) > http://galapagos2009.wordpress.com/ (a detailed trip report & photos about > our 2009 trip to Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands) > > > ------------------------------ > Hotmail has tools for the New Busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your > inbox. Learn More. > *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: pre-season surprise From: Tina Mitchell <ztsipapu AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:01:51 -0600 Tina Mitchell Coaldale, CO where it was 60 yesterday and it's snowing today--ah, March in CO Hi, list-- I was cleaning out a box yesterday that had a tangle of juniper bark strips stuck on the bottom. I was scraping rather vigorously when the conglomeration flew out of the box. As it sort of landed on my leg, I felt a strong sting on my thigh. Huh? Way too early for wasps, yellowjackets, or bees here. I pulled apart the strips and spotted a scorpion. I separated it from the strips and poked at it a bit with a stick. As far as I could tell, it was dead. Surely that fall didn't kill it; we usually have to work really hard to kill one when we find it in the house. In fact, it sort of broke down into a powdery substance as I was poking at it. So I think I was stung by a DEAD scorpion. I typically only see them in damp, dark areas under things on the ground; I can't imagine it chose to crawl up that tree and into that box for the winter. All I can guess is that it was carried into the box by something while it was hanging onto one of juniper shreds. So--let's all be careful out there. Tina http://sipapu.wordpress.com/ (information about central Colorado's pinyon/juniper habitat) http://galapagos2009.wordpress.com/ (a detailed trip report & photos about our 2009 trip to Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands) _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail has tools for the New Busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID27925::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:032010_1 *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Just for fun! Birds doing courtship and just funny things From: KCBSP AT aol.com Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:21:22 EST _http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGPGknpq3e0&feature=related_ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGPGknpq3e0&feature=related) _http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjE0Kdfos4Y&NR=1_ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjE0Kdfos4Y&NR=1) _http://www.youtube.com/user/Top10Images?feature=pyv&ad=3696822 289&kw=bird#p/u/0/R8lPVq00DDM_ (http://www.youtube.com/user/Top10Images?feature=pyv&ad=3696822289&kw=bird#p/u/0/R8lPVq00DDM) _http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlIRv6fJ3nU&feature=related_ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlIRv6fJ3nU&feature=related) _http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTEifoTxomE&NR=1_ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTEifoTxomE&NR=1) _http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3f5p6Ero-I&feature=related_ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3f5p6Ero-I&feature=related) *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Rifle, pellet From: John Schuster <wildwing AT sonic.net> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:32:07 -0800 Dear Friends, There is a pellet rifle out there called the TALON SS manufactured by Air Force Air Guns: http://www.airforceairguns.com/talonss.html Thought you would like to see it, and read about it. This is an expensive piece of air rifle technology, and I only recommend it for those who take pest control seriously. Anyway, I'd stick to some of the other recommend air guns, or a .22 rifle shooting CCI CB (which I use around the farm), but you should rig up a bait station to lure pest birds in. You can log onto your WEB SITE (see below) and click onto our starling page, scroll down and your see the details on the bait station, and how to set it up. Cheers and as always... Happy Bluebird Trails To You, John Schuster, Owner / Operator Wild Wing Company 1179 Debbie Hill Road Cotati, CA 94931-9604, USA PH: (707) 795-4440 MOBILE: (707) 327-8505 E-MAIL: john AT wildwingco.com WEB: http://www.wildwingco.com/ On Mar 12, 2010, at 8:52 PM, Bob Walshaw wrote: > Modern air rifles have come a long way. Most people don't know that > they have been around for a long time, and that there are large > caliber ones available by special purchase for hunting larger game. > Lewis and Clark took one on their journey, and the Indians were > amazed that it could keep repeating shots. Bob Walshaw, NE OK. > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Robert Barron > To: Bruce Burdett > Cc: Paula Ziebarth ; Lee, Jill ; bluebird-l AT cornell.edu > Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 7:00 PM > Subject: Re: Rifle, pellet > > I concur with Bruce on Diana (also sold as RWS) pellet rifles. I've > owned both model 48 and 52 .177 and .22 caliber RWS/Diana air > rifles and a low end Model 24 that was cheap, and underpowered. I > found the quality of the high end guns to be excellent. They > weren't cheap though, which is why I mentioned the Ruger, which is > imported from China for any Ruger purists. > > My RWS/Diana air rifles eventually wore out their seals after many > thousands of shots. They come with a lifetime warranty though, and > can be sent back to be refurbished. > > One thing to be aware of, single shot, break action-single cock air > rifles can take fro 32 -45 pounds of force to pull the barrel back > and cock them. Not everyone can or would want to do that. .22 CB > caps in a bolt action or single shot rifle are quieter (all you hear > is the firing pin click) than any pellet rifle and throw more energy > down range. They are very accurate out to 30-40 yards with a scope > or good iron sights. > > Rob Barron > Wilderness, Virginia > > On 12 March 2010 09:12, Bruce Burdett > wrote: > I have a German pellet gun. a Diana "Panther", which works like a > charm. > It is powerful, hard-hitting, quiet, phenomenally accurate, and has > the best open sights I've ever seen. I zero it in now and then on a > yellow "GO SLOW" sign across the road, about 60 yards away. I clang > it every time, and it's full of dents. The German craftsmanship is A > + - an admirable shooting-machine. > > You can google the whole Diana line > > Bruce Burdett SW NH > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Robert Barron > To: Paula Ziebarth > Cc: Lee, Jill ; bluebird-l AT cornell.edu > Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 8:59 AM > Subject: Re: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping > > I would add just one thing to Paula's great post. House sparrows > are indeed "sitting ducks" when perched on top of a nest box, but if > you miss on the first shot, they will become incredibly vigilant and > spooky making a second attempt much more difficult. There is now a > lot of research indicating that crows and mocking birds can > recognize human faces and I believe that House sparrows can too. > > So, if you opt for this House sparrow control option, I would > recommend sighting in your pellet rifle (away from your nest boxes) > so you'll be sure that the first shot is the last shot needed, and > to do your shooting from a concealed area (such as from a window, or > behind trees), and wear a hat or something different when shooting > to make you look different than the person who comes and opens the > nest box to monitor it. > > Ruger makes some very accurate out of the box pellet rifles that are > fairly inexpensive at Dick's, Gander Mountain, Bass Pro etc., that > are quiet enough to use in suburbia, easy to site in and have enough > velocity and power to instantly, humanely do the job. > > Rob Barron > Fredericksburg, Virginia > > On 12 March 2010 08:26, Paula Ziebarth wrote: > Jill, > > My inbox trap of choice is the Van Ert Universal Sparrow Trap. You > can look at it and see pictures of installation at the website: > http://www.vanerttraps.com/universal.htm > > All inbox traps work on the same principle. When the trap is set > inside the box, the approaching bird has unobstructed access to > enter through the nestbox hole. When he/she does, bird trips a wire > mechanism that causes trap to spring shut, closes off bird's exit > from the hole, and traps them alive inside the nestbox. The trap > itself harms them in no way IF you are diligent and check the trap > every hour or so. > > I only set inbox traps in boxes that have had HOSP on or in them. I > can tell this by the nesting material inside the box, by hearing or > seeing them on top of the box or in the box, and/or by identifying > the bird excrement in the box. Male HOSP looking for mates will > very often "claim" more than one nestbox if boxes are in close > proximity, and if boxes are already paired for TRES use (about 12 - > 15 feet apart), this placement can help trap them. If an EABL is > nesting in the adjacent box and suffering HOSP harrassment, evidence > of HOSP entering the paired box lets me know it is time to set an > inbox trap for him. To entice him in there, I place HOSP nesting > material on the ground in front of the box and stick a blade of > grass out of the hole. I have other tricks later in the season. > > When the trap is sprung, you can visually see it. Van Ert has > bright orange dot that makes it easy to see from quite a distance in > the field, especially if you carry binoculars. To remove bird, I > recommend placing a mesh laundry bag over entire nestbox, cinching > tight at pole, open box, give it a couple taps, and bird flies into > the laundry bag. You can easily see what you have then. If it is > a native bird (unlikely if trap is set in box with HOSP evidence, > but it happens), release it immediately. If it is a HOSP, deal with > it differently. > > Inbox traps are wonderful tools and can be used covertly on public > trails. The past couple of days, I have captured 7 HOSP trying to > use nestboxes on my city trail for example. If you are having HOSP > problems in your yard, there are other methods you can use to rid > your yard of them too. First, stop feeding them. Once nesting > season begins, I set out no food that they would find appealing. If > it is legal to shoot BB/Pellet gun in your area, you can get rid of > them that way. They are a sitting duck on top of a nestbox. > Repeating bait traps are also wonderful tools and catch a lot of them. > > Paula Z > Powell (Central) Ohio > > > > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lee, Jill" > > To: > Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 5:39 PM > Subject: RE: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping > > > > I will check with our DNR guys too. I can at least say what the law > is for MD. > > On a bit of the same note, I have a question. I've seen pictures of > the ground traps that catch multiple HOSP and EUST and I understand > those. I have not been able to wrap my head around the nestbox > traps. (I still consider myself to be relatively new at this). > I've seen some pictures, but not them in action, so I think that's > what I'm having a hard time with. Does it just keep the bird in the > box until you can come and get it out, and subsequently do what ever > you do with it? Does it differentiate between species? If so, > how? What is the trigger? I thought I saw someone mention a few > days back something about trapping the HOSP when they start > harassing the EABL/TRES. The idea of trapping them when there's > already a bird in the box (and nesting at that) just didn't fit with > the already vague idea I had in my head. Or maybe it's as simple as > my first guess, and I just misunderstood the post I was reading. So > I was hoping someone could help me wrap my poor little brain around > it, please? :) > > Thanks, > Jill Lee > Lusby, MD > > > *********************** > To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu > The body of the message is simply > leave > > More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html > > > *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds From: "Bruce Burdett" <blueburd AT myfairpoint.net> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:36:26 -0500 Paulette, In my area, Tree Swallows raise only one brood and then disappear. Bruce Burdett ----- Original Message ----- From: Paulette Cothern To: Paula Ziebarth ; bluebird Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 10:22 AM Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds Thanks for the box location suggestions. I may try grouping more in my yard. I'm glad you've had great success with fledging TRES. Do they raise more than one brood like bluebirds or just one set? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: Paula Ziebarth To: Paulette Cothern ; bluebird Sent: Fri, March 12, 2010 6:53:44 AM Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds Paulette, By housing and fledging them each year, you may have some of the young returning with you this year to nest also and the population may increase there. I always fledge over 40 TRES in our little yard on the island up north. None nest with me here in our suburban lot in central Ohio, but they do nest less than a half a mile away on a small trail I have in public park around a wet retention pond. If you want to house more, remember that they will nest fairly close together. At the island, I have had them nesting as close as 7 yards apart, but that is unusual situation as populations and food sources for them there are huge. One of my mentors who sets up TRES grids in our area recommends spacing boxes 25 yards apart. He recommends 22 yards as minimum distance between TRES boxes to reduce harrassment and competition - i.e. they get along fine at that distance whereas closer spacing and they are not happy with each other. Wonderful regarding swallows nesting on the bridge. Are they Bank Swallows, Barn Swallows? I know Duane reported TRES are back in TN. I have not seen any here in Ohio yet, but boxes are ready. Regarding your airport proposal, Rob posted some very interesting information about bird strikes and airplanes. If they airport management is concerned with birds nesting in boxes and attracting them, show them the hole size of the box (i.e. little birds) and make them understand that nesting EABL, rather than attracting flocks of their species which could be a problem, will actually chase away other members of their species due to their nesting territory requirements. Individual birds of EABL or TRES size are no threat to pilot safety whereas large flock of almost any bird could be. Nesting populations are not flocking populations. Paula Z Powell (central) Ohio ----- Original Message ----- From: Paulette Cothern To: Paula Ziebarth ; bluebird Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 10:22 PM Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds Paula, wish I were that lucky! I had 3 pair of TRES nesting in bluebird boxes in my backyard last year. I would love to see even more of them here! I did watch the swallows build under a bridge on the Harpeth River last summer. There were 30 or more nests attached to the sides of the cocrete bridge--very impressive! I'll have to drive over in a few weeks and see if they are back--about 20 miles from my home but worth the drive! (DR if you are interested and need directions, let me know.) Also, I may get my husband to ask the Springfield Airport owner's if we can put up bluebird boxes there. He goes there (25 miles one way) a couple of times a week and he could check on the boxes while he's there. Paulette N. Mid. TN *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds From: Paulette Cothern <cothern AT bellsouth.net> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 07:22:22 -0800 (PST) Thanks for the box location suggestions.  I may try grouping more in my yard.  I'm glad you've had great success with fledging TRES.  Do they raise more than one brood like bluebirds or just one set? ________________________________ From: Paula Ziebarth To: Paulette Cothern ; bluebird Sent: Fri, March 12, 2010 6:53:44 AM Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds Paulette, By housing and fledging them each year, you may have some of the young returning with you this year to nest also and the population may increase there.  I always fledge over 40 TRES in our little yard on the island up north.  None nest with me here in our suburban lot in central Ohio, but they do nest less than a half a mile away on a small trail I have in public park around a wet retention pond.  If you want to house more, remember that they will nest fairly close together.  At the island, I have had them nesting as close as 7 yards apart, but that is unusual situation as populations and food sources for them there are huge.  One of my mentors who sets up TRES grids in our area recommends spacing boxes 25 yards apart.  He recommends 22 yards as minimum distance between TRES boxes to reduce harrassment and competition - i.e. they get along fine at that distance whereas closer spacing and they are not happy with each other. Wonderful regarding swallows nesting on the bridge.  Are they Bank Swallows, Barn Swallows?  I know Duane reported TRES are back in TN.  I have not seen any here in Ohio yet, but boxes are ready. Regarding your airport proposal, Rob posted some very interesting information about bird strikes and airplanes.  If they airport management is concerned with birds nesting in boxes and attracting them, show them the hole size of the box (i.e. little birds) and make them understand that nesting EABL, rather than attracting flocks of their species which could be a problem, will actually chase away other members of their species due to their nesting territory requirements.  Individual birds of EABL or TRES size are no threat to pilot safety whereas large flock of almost any bird could be.  Nesting populations are not flocking populations. Paula Z Powell (central) Ohio ----- Original Message ----- From: Paulette Cothern To: Paula Ziebarth ; bluebird Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 10:22 PM Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds Paula, wish I were that lucky!  I had 3 pair of TRES nesting in bluebird boxes in my backyard last year.  I would love to see even more of them here! I did watch the swallows build under a bridge on the Harpeth River last summer. There were 30 or more nests attached to the sides of the cocrete bridge--very impressive!  I'll have to drive over in a few weeks and see if they are back--about 20 miles from my home but worth the drive!  (DR if you are interested and need directions, let me know.)  Also, I may get my husband to ask the Springfield Airport owner's if we can put up bluebird boxes there.  He goes there (25 miles one way) a couple of times a week and he could check on the boxes while he's there. Paulette N. Mid. TN *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply   leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply   leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Rifle, pellet From: "Bob Walshaw" <walshaw1 AT cox.net> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:52:44 -0600 Modern air rifles have come a long way. Most people don't know that they have been around for a long time, and that there are large caliber ones available by special purchase for hunting larger game. Lewis and Clark took one on their journey, and the Indians were amazed that it could keep repeating shots. Bob Walshaw, NE OK. ----- Original Message ----- From: Robert Barron To: Bruce Burdett Cc: Paula Ziebarth ; Lee, Jill ; bluebird-l AT cornell.edu Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 7:00 PM Subject: Re: Rifle, pellet I concur with Bruce on Diana (also sold as RWS) pellet rifles. I've owned both model 48 and 52 .177 and .22 caliber RWS/Diana air rifles and a low end Model 24 that was cheap, and underpowered. I found the quality of the high end guns to be excellent. They weren't cheap though, which is why I mentioned the Ruger, which is imported from China for any Ruger purists. My RWS/Diana air rifles eventually wore out their seals after many thousands of shots. They come with a lifetime warranty though, and can be sent back to be refurbished. One thing to be aware of, single shot, break action-single cock air rifles can take fro 32 -45 pounds of force to pull the barrel back and cock them. Not everyone can or would want to do that. .22 CB caps in a bolt action or single shot rifle are quieter (all you hear is the firing pin click) than any pellet rifle and throw more energy down range. They are very accurate out to 30-40 yards with a scope or good iron sights. Rob Barron Wilderness, Virginia On 12 March 2010 09:12, Bruce Burdett wrote: I have a German pellet gun. a Diana "Panther", which works like a charm. It is powerful, hard-hitting, quiet, phenomenally accurate, and has the best open sights I've ever seen. I zero it in now and then on a yellow "GO SLOW" sign across the road, about 60 yards away. I clang it every time, and it's full of dents. The German craftsmanship is A+ - an admirable shooting-machine. You can google the whole Diana line Bruce Burdett SW NH ----- Original Message ----- From: Robert Barron To: Paula Ziebarth Cc: Lee, Jill ; bluebird-l AT cornell.edu Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 8:59 AM Subject: Re: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping I would add just one thing to Paula's great post. House sparrows are indeed "sitting ducks" when perched on top of a nest box, but if you miss on the first shot, they will become incredibly vigilant and spooky making a second attempt much more difficult. There is now a lot of research indicating that crows and mocking birds can recognize human faces and I believe that House sparrows can too. So, if you opt for this House sparrow control option, I would recommend sighting in your pellet rifle (away from your nest boxes) so you'll be sure that the first shot is the last shot needed, and to do your shooting from a concealed area (such as from a window, or behind trees), and wear a hat or something different when shooting to make you look different than the person who comes and opens the nest box to monitor it. Ruger makes some very accurate out of the box pellet rifles that are fairly inexpensive at Dick's, Gander Mountain, Bass Pro etc., that are quiet enough to use in suburbia, easy to site in and have enough velocity and power to instantly, humanely do the job. Rob Barron Fredericksburg, Virginia On 12 March 2010 08:26, Paula Ziebarth wrote: Jill, My inbox trap of choice is the Van Ert Universal Sparrow Trap. You can look at it and see pictures of installation at the website: http://www.vanerttraps.com/universal.htm All inbox traps work on the same principle. When the trap is set inside the box, the approaching bird has unobstructed access to enter through the nestbox hole. When he/she does, bird trips a wire mechanism that causes trap to spring shut, closes off bird's exit from the hole, and traps them alive inside the nestbox. The trap itself harms them in no way IF you are diligent and check the trap every hour or so. I only set inbox traps in boxes that have had HOSP on or in them. I can tell this by the nesting material inside the box, by hearing or seeing them on top of the box or in the box, and/or by identifying the bird excrement in the box. Male HOSP looking for mates will very often "claim" more than one nestbox if boxes are in close proximity, and if boxes are already paired for TRES use (about 12 - 15 feet apart), this placement can help trap them. If an EABL is nesting in the adjacent box and suffering HOSP harrassment, evidence of HOSP entering the paired box lets me know it is time to set an inbox trap for him. To entice him in there, I place HOSP nesting material on the ground in front of the box and stick a blade of grass out of the hole. I have other tricks later in the season. When the trap is sprung, you can visually see it. Van Ert has bright orange dot that makes it easy to see from quite a distance in the field, especially if you carry binoculars. To remove bird, I recommend placing a mesh laundry bag over entire nestbox, cinching tight at pole, open box, give it a couple taps, and bird flies into the laundry bag. You can easily see what you have then. If it is a native bird (unlikely if trap is set in box with HOSP evidence, but it happens), release it immediately. If it is a HOSP, deal with it differently. Inbox traps are wonderful tools and can be used covertly on public trails. The past couple of days, I have captured 7 HOSP trying to use nestboxes on my city trail for example. If you are having HOSP problems in your yard, there are other methods you can use to rid your yard of them too. First, stop feeding them. Once nesting season begins, I set out no food that they would find appealing. If it is legal to shoot BB/Pellet gun in your area, you can get rid of them that way. They are a sitting duck on top of a nestbox. Repeating bait traps are also wonderful tools and catch a lot of them. Paula Z Powell (Central) Ohio ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lee, Jill" To: Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 5:39 PM Subject: RE: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping I will check with our DNR guys too. I can at least say what the law is for MD. On a bit of the same note, I have a question. I've seen pictures of the ground traps that catch multiple HOSP and EUST and I understand those. I have not been able to wrap my head around the nestbox traps. (I still consider myself to be relatively new at this). I've seen some pictures, but not them in action, so I think that's what I'm having a hard time with. Does it just keep the bird in the box until you can come and get it out, and subsequently do what ever you do with it? Does it differentiate between species? If so, how? What is the trigger? I thought I saw someone mention a few days back something about trapping the HOSP when they start harassing the EABL/TRES. The idea of trapping them when there's already a bird in the box (and nesting at that) just didn't fit with the already vague idea I had in my head. Or maybe it's as simple as my first guess, and I just misunderstood the post I was reading. So I was hoping someone could help me wrap my poor little brain around it, please? :) Thanks, Jill Lee Lusby, MD *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Rifle, pellet From: Robert Barron <rebarron AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:00:31 -0500 I concur with Bruce on Diana (also sold as RWS) pellet rifles. I've owned both model 48 and 52 .177 and .22 caliber RWS/Diana air rifles and a low end Model 24 that was cheap, and underpowered. I found the quality of the high end guns to be excellent. They weren't cheap though, which is why I mentioned the Ruger, which is imported from China for any Ruger purists. My RWS/Diana air rifles eventually wore out their seals after many thousands of shots. They come with a lifetime warranty though, and can be sent back to be refurbished. One thing to be aware of, single shot, break action-single cock air rifles can take fro 32 -45 pounds of force to pull the barrel back and cock them. Not everyone can or would want to do that. .22 CB caps in a bolt action or single shot rifle are quieter (all you hear is the firing pin click) than any pellet rifle and throw more energy down range. They are very accurate out to 30-40 yards with a scope or good iron sights. Rob Barron Wilderness, Virginia On 12 March 2010 09:12, Bruce Burdett wrote: > I have a German pellet gun. a Diana "Panther", which works like a charm. > It is powerful, hard-hitting, quiet, phenomenally accurate, and has the > best open sights I've ever seen. I zero it in now and then on a yellow "GO > SLOW" sign across the road, about 60 yards away. I clang it every time, and > it's full of dents. The German craftsmanship is A+ - an admirable > shooting-machine. > > You can google the whole Diana line > > Bruce Burdett SW NH > > ----- Original Message ----- > *From:* Robert Barron > *To:* Paula Ziebarth > *Cc:* Lee, Jill ; bluebird-l AT cornell.edu > *Sent:* Friday, March 12, 2010 8:59 AM > *Subject:* Re: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping > > I would add just one thing to Paula's great post. House sparrows are > indeed "sitting ducks" when perched on top of a nest box, but if you miss on > the first shot, they will become incredibly vigilant and spooky making a > second attempt much more difficult. There is now a lot of research > indicating that crows and mocking birds can recognize human faces and I > believe that House sparrows can too. > > So, if you opt for this House sparrow control option, I would recommend > sighting in your pellet rifle (away from your nest boxes) so you'll be sure > that the first shot is the last shot needed, and to do your shooting from a > concealed area (such as from a window, or behind trees), and wear a hat or > something different when shooting to make you look different than the person > who comes and opens the nest box to monitor it. > > Ruger makes some very accurate out of the box pellet rifles that are fairly > inexpensive at Dick's, Gander Mountain, Bass Pro etc., that are quiet enough > to use in suburbia, easy to site in and have enough velocity and power to > instantly, humanely do the job. > > Rob Barron > Fredericksburg, Virginia > > On 12 March 2010 08:26, Paula Ziebarth wrote: > >> Jill, >> >> My inbox trap of choice is the Van Ert Universal Sparrow Trap. You can >> look at it and see pictures of installation at the website: >> http://www.vanerttraps.com/universal.htm >> >> All inbox traps work on the same principle. When the trap is set inside >> the box, the approaching bird has unobstructed access to enter through the >> nestbox hole. When he/she does, bird trips a wire mechanism that causes >> trap to spring shut, closes off bird's exit from the hole, and traps them >> alive inside the nestbox. The trap itself harms them in no way IF you are >> diligent and check the trap every hour or so. >> >> I only set inbox traps in boxes that have had HOSP on or in them. I can >> tell this by the nesting material inside the box, by hearing or seeing them >> on top of the box or in the box, and/or by identifying the bird excrement in >> the box. Male HOSP looking for mates will very often "claim" more than one >> nestbox if boxes are in close proximity, and if boxes are already paired for >> TRES use (about 12 - 15 feet apart), this placement can help trap them. If >> an EABL is nesting in the adjacent box and suffering HOSP harrassment, >> evidence of HOSP entering the paired box lets me know it is time to set an >> inbox trap for him. To entice him in there, I place HOSP nesting material >> on the ground in front of the box and stick a blade of grass out of the >> hole. I have other tricks later in the season. >> >> When the trap is sprung, you can visually see it. Van Ert has bright >> orange dot that makes it easy to see from quite a distance in the field, >> especially if you carry binoculars. To remove bird, I recommend placing a >> mesh laundry bag over entire nestbox, cinching tight at pole, open box, give >> it a couple taps, and bird flies into the laundry bag. You can easily see >> what you have then. If it is a native bird (unlikely if trap is set in box >> with HOSP evidence, but it happens), release it immediately. If it is a >> HOSP, deal with it differently. >> >> Inbox traps are wonderful tools and can be used covertly on public trails. >> The past couple of days, I have captured 7 HOSP trying to use nestboxes on >> my city trail for example. If you are having HOSP problems in your yard, >> there are other methods you can use to rid your yard of them too. First, >> stop feeding them. Once nesting season begins, I set out no food that they >> would find appealing. If it is legal to shoot BB/Pellet gun in your area, >> you can get rid of them that way. They are a sitting duck on top of a >> nestbox. Repeating bait traps are also wonderful tools and catch a lot of >> them. >> >> Paula Z >> Powell (Central) Ohio >> >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lee, Jill" >> >> To: >> Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 5:39 PM >> Subject: RE: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping >> >> >> >> I will check with our DNR guys too. I can at least say what the law is >> for MD. >> >> On a bit of the same note, I have a question. I've seen pictures of the >> ground traps that catch multiple HOSP and EUST and I understand those. I >> have not been able to wrap my head around the nestbox traps. (I still >> consider myself to be relatively new at this). I've seen some pictures, but >> not them in action, so I think that's what I'm having a hard time with. Does >> it just keep the bird in the box until you can come and get it out, and >> subsequently do what ever you do with it? Does it differentiate between >> species? If so, how? What is the trigger? I thought I saw someone mention >> a few days back something about trapping the HOSP when they start harassing >> the EABL/TRES. The idea of trapping them when there's already a bird in the >> box (and nesting at that) just didn't fit with the already vague idea I had >> in my head. Or maybe it's as simple as my first guess, and I just >> misunderstood the post I was reading. So I was hoping someone could help me >> wrap my poor little brain around it, please? :) >> >> Thanks, >> Jill Lee >> Lusby, MD >> >> >> *********************** >> To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message >> bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu >> The body of the message is simply >> leave >> >> More info on leaving e-lists: >> http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html >> > > *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: RE: Test From: "Shari Kastner" <smk AT teamv.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:49:10 -0800 Thanks for the quick replies. Apparently, emails to me were "held" because my end was bouncing them back. I'll check it out and get it corrected so I can start reading them again. Thanks! Shari in New Berlin, WI *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Test From: "Shari Kastner" <smk AT teamv.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:40:52 -0800 Hello group, I haven't gotten an email from this group in a long time. I'm just checking that it works. Shari in New Berlin, WI *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: RE: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds (and Cliffies--oh, my!) From: Tina Mitchell <ztsipapu AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:21:33 -0700 Tina Mitchell Coaldale, CO Hi, list-- Starting in late spring, Cliff Swallows nest down by the Arkansas River in our area. One of the most stunning memories I have of our summer of atlasing our priority block (which included 2 miles of the Arkansas) was the colony of cliffies nesting on the short bridge over the river. (For those of you in the east and south, you would laugh at this skimpy river up here--probably would be tempted to call it a wide creek. Yet it's a major river for the west and the target of much water litigation. Gives you a sense of how desperate the water situation is out here.) At the height of the season, Zell estimated 425 active nests on both sides of the bridge. The motion and chatter made it seem like the air itself was alive. While Zell was counting the nests, I spotted a female Common Merganser paddling at the head of her 14-newly-hatched-babies parade along the river bank under the bridge. (We'd been trying for weeks to confirm that she was nesting in an old cottonwood further upriver, but we'd never seen her entering, in, or leaving the suspect cavity--just flying oddly around the tree and then disappearing. Did you know that Common Mergansers are cavity nesters? It was news to me.) This delightful little bridge also hosts a breeding pair of American Dippers most seasons. I love that bridge. About 1/2 mile downriver from the bridge, in short, steep mud banks along the Arkansas, a colony of ~50 Northern Rough-winged Swallow pairs takes up residence each year also. They seem to take the niche that Bank Swallows fill in Duane's environment. Violet-greens can be found at the river as well as up in our dry, scrubby pinyon/juniper habitat--such different environments! Interestingly, we don't have many Barn Swallows and no Tree Swallows anywhere in the area. I had expected to find more when we were atlasing, because there are areas of habitat that seem good for those species. Shows what I know, I guess... Tina http://sipapu.wordpress.com/ (information about central Colorado's pinyon/juniper habitat) http://galapagos2009.wordpress.com/ (a detailed trip report & photos about our 2009 trip to Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands) _________________________________________________________________ The New Busy is not the old busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID27925::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:032010_3 *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: RE: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds From: Duane Rice <drbirdsong4 AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:03:35 -0600 Paul, Paula, Paulette, and others who want to know,or don't, The swallows Paulette referred to are Cliff Swallows. Many can be seen near where we live (we are neighbors) at the interstate overpass on Dixie Bee Rd, just a couple of miles from here (middle Tn). They're not here yet, but when they return, they nest repeatedly year after year at this location. The golfers at Eastland Green are attacked by the "bats" on a regular basis. The golf course is divided by Interstate 24, so to get from one hole to another, they have to drive under the interstate where the Cliff Swallows are nesting. Check your local interstste overpass or bridges in your woods of the neck, and see if you too have these wonderful ariel acro"bats". I bet you do. Bank Swallows nest in riverbanks. We have those here too. Many nests can be seen along the banks of the Harpeth River near Kingston Springs. Look for muddy banks with holes. Of course, timing is important. Nest too soon, the nest gets flooded by Spring rains. Too late, the muddy banks aren't soft enough to excivate new holes. You will find both species nest in colonies. A trait true with most swallow species. I wonder if this is why Tree Swallows prefer the company of Bluebirds? I know, Bluebirds are thrushes, but do the Tree Swallows know? Safety in numbers. dr > From: paulaz AT columbus.rr.com > To: cothern AT bellsouth.net; bluebird-L AT cornell.edu > Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds > Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:53:44 -0500 > > Paulette, > > By housing and fledging them each year, you may have some of the young > returning with you this year to nest also and the population may increase > there. I always fledge over 40 TRES in our little yard on the island up > north. None nest with me here in our suburban lot in central Ohio, but they > do nest less than a half a mile away on a small trail I have in public park > around a wet retention pond. If you want to house more, remember that they > will nest fairly close together. At the island, I have had them nesting as > close as 7 yards apart, but that is unusual situation as populations and > food sources for them there are huge. One of my mentors who sets up TRES > grids in our area recommends spacing boxes 25 yards apart. He recommends 22 > yards as minimum distance between TRES boxes to reduce harrassment and > competition - i.e. they get along fine at that distance whereas closer > spacing and they are not happy with each other. > > Wonderful regarding swallows nesting on the bridge. Are they Bank Swallows, > Barn Swallows? I know Duane reported TRES are back in TN. I have not seen > any here in Ohio yet, but boxes are ready. > > Regarding your airport proposal, Rob posted some very interesting > information about bird strikes and airplanes. If they airport management is > concerned with birds nesting in boxes and attracting them, show them the > hole size of the box (i.e. little birds) and make them understand that > nesting EABL, rather than attracting flocks of their species which could be > a problem, will actually chase away other members of their species due to > their nesting territory requirements. Individual birds of EABL or TRES size > are no threat to pilot safety whereas large flock of almost any bird could > be. Nesting populations are not flocking populations. > > Paula Z > Powell (central) Ohio > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Paulette Cothern > To: Paula Ziebarth ; bluebird > Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 10:22 PM > Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds > > > Paula, wish I were that lucky! I had 3 pair of TRES nesting in bluebird > boxes in my backyard last year. I would love to see even more of them here! > I did watch the swallows build under a bridge on the Harpeth River last > summer. There were 30 or more nests attached to the sides of the cocrete > bridge--very impressive! I'll have to drive over in a few weeks and see if > they are back--about 20 miles from my home but worth the drive! (DR if you > are interested and need directions, let me know.) Also, I may get my > husband to ask the Springfield Airport owner's if we can put up bluebird > boxes there. He goes there (25 miles one way) a couple of times a week and > he could check on the boxes while he's there. > > Paulette > N. Mid. TN > > > > > > > > > > *********************** > To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message > bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu > The body of the message is simply > leave > > More info on leaving e-lists: > http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html > > > > *********************** > To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message > bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu > The body of the message is simply > leave > > More info on leaving e-lists: > http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html > > > *********************** > To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message > bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu > The body of the message is simply > leave > > More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail has tools for the New Busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID27925::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:032010_1 *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Rifle, pellet From: "Bruce Burdett" <blueburd AT myfairpoint.net> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:12:58 -0500 I have a German pellet gun. a Diana "Panther", which works like a charm. It is powerful, hard-hitting, quiet, phenomenally accurate, and has the best open sights I've ever seen. I zero it in now and then on a yellow "GO SLOW" sign across the road, about 60 yards away. I clang it every time, and it's full of dents. The German craftsmanship is A+ - an admirable shooting-machine. You can google the whole Diana line Bruce Burdett SW NH ----- Original Message ----- From: Robert Barron To: Paula Ziebarth Cc: Lee, Jill ; bluebird-l AT cornell.edu Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 8:59 AM Subject: Re: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping I would add just one thing to Paula's great post. House sparrows are indeed "sitting ducks" when perched on top of a nest box, but if you miss on the first shot, they will become incredibly vigilant and spooky making a second attempt much more difficult. There is now a lot of research indicating that crows and mocking birds can recognize human faces and I believe that House sparrows can too. So, if you opt for this House sparrow control option, I would recommend sighting in your pellet rifle (away from your nest boxes) so you'll be sure that the first shot is the last shot needed, and to do your shooting from a concealed area (such as from a window, or behind trees), and wear a hat or something different when shooting to make you look different than the person who comes and opens the nest box to monitor it. Ruger makes some very accurate out of the box pellet rifles that are fairly inexpensive at Dick's, Gander Mountain, Bass Pro etc., that are quiet enough to use in suburbia, easy to site in and have enough velocity and power to instantly, humanely do the job. Rob Barron Fredericksburg, Virginia On 12 March 2010 08:26, Paula Ziebarth wrote: Jill, My inbox trap of choice is the Van Ert Universal Sparrow Trap. You can look at it and see pictures of installation at the website: http://www.vanerttraps.com/universal.htm All inbox traps work on the same principle. When the trap is set inside the box, the approaching bird has unobstructed access to enter through the nestbox hole. When he/she does, bird trips a wire mechanism that causes trap to spring shut, closes off bird's exit from the hole, and traps them alive inside the nestbox. The trap itself harms them in no way IF you are diligent and check the trap every hour or so. I only set inbox traps in boxes that have had HOSP on or in them. I can tell this by the nesting material inside the box, by hearing or seeing them on top of the box or in the box, and/or by identifying the bird excrement in the box. Male HOSP looking for mates will very often "claim" more than one nestbox if boxes are in close proximity, and if boxes are already paired for TRES use (about 12 - 15 feet apart), this placement can help trap them. If an EABL is nesting in the adjacent box and suffering HOSP harrassment, evidence of HOSP entering the paired box lets me know it is time to set an inbox trap for him. To entice him in there, I place HOSP nesting material on the ground in front of the box and stick a blade of grass out of the hole. I have other tricks later in the season. When the trap is sprung, you can visually see it. Van Ert has bright orange dot that makes it easy to see from quite a distance in the field, especially if you carry binoculars. To remove bird, I recommend placing a mesh laundry bag over entire nestbox, cinching tight at pole, open box, give it a couple taps, and bird flies into the laundry bag. You can easily see what you have then. If it is a native bird (unlikely if trap is set in box with HOSP evidence, but it happens), release it immediately. If it is a HOSP, deal with it differently. Inbox traps are wonderful tools and can be used covertly on public trails. The past couple of days, I have captured 7 HOSP trying to use nestboxes on my city trail for example. If you are having HOSP problems in your yard, there are other methods you can use to rid your yard of them too. First, stop feeding them. Once nesting season begins, I set out no food that they would find appealing. If it is legal to shoot BB/Pellet gun in your area, you can get rid of them that way. They are a sitting duck on top of a nestbox. Repeating bait traps are also wonderful tools and catch a lot of them. Paula Z Powell (Central) Ohio ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lee, Jill" To: Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 5:39 PM Subject: RE: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping I will check with our DNR guys too. I can at least say what the law is for MD. On a bit of the same note, I have a question. I've seen pictures of the ground traps that catch multiple HOSP and EUST and I understand those. I have not been able to wrap my head around the nestbox traps. (I still consider myself to be relatively new at this). I've seen some pictures, but not them in action, so I think that's what I'm having a hard time with. Does it just keep the bird in the box until you can come and get it out, and subsequently do what ever you do with it? Does it differentiate between species? If so, how? What is the trigger? I thought I saw someone mention a few days back something about trapping the HOSP when they start harassing the EABL/TRES. The idea of trapping them when there's already a bird in the box (and nesting at that) just didn't fit with the already vague idea I had in my head. Or maybe it's as simple as my first guess, and I just misunderstood the post I was reading. So I was hoping someone could help me wrap my poor little brain around it, please? :) Thanks, Jill Lee Lusby, MD *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: RE: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping From: Lynn Ward <lward AT pmai.org> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:12:35 -0500 That may be the key. The Michigan DNR, in one of it's older publications (1999) on Land Management & bluebirds, uses the word "destroyed" - quote: "Because sparrows are not protected by law, they can be destroyed." If you were trapping for any other reason, you might require a permit. The Amish in our state are very dedicated to bluebirding & helping Purple Martins. I doubt he was trapping for any other reason than to protect these birds for the upcoming nesting season. ________________________________ From: Duane Rice [mailto:drbirdsong4 AT hotmail.com] Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 11:47 PM To: Lynn Ward; Bluebird L Subject: RE: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping Lynn, I have heard this before too. Trapping is illegal, but shooting them isn't. It sounds just like something a lawyer would think of. Supposedly, trapping laws are different than hunting laws. Trapping implies you may possess them for some other use, though I can't imagine what. Well, yes I can imagine, but I won't go there. But wait, I will. I believe, in some parts of the world, they are considered a delicacy. Sort of like buffalo wings. If you shoot them, there are of no purpose to anyone? Strange but true. dr ________________________________ From: lward AT pmai.org To: bluebird-l AT cornell.edu Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:04:47 -0500 Subject: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping Hi folks, Our state bluebird society was contacted by an Amish fellow in our state who had an encounter with a state Dept. of Natural Resources officer. Evidently this Amish man, who has BB and Martin housing, was trapping sparrows and starlings. The DNR guy told him it was illegal to do so without a permit. He went on to also say that it WAS OK however to shoot them without any license or permit! Does this make sense to you? It sure doesn't to me. Anyway, the officer took photos and left without issuing a citation. However, this is not uncommon. We think the guy might come back in a few days with the ticket. Companies have been making and selling lots of traps for years with no warnings or instructions regarding the legality of using them, that I've seen. This may be just a VERY isolated case of selective enforcement of a statute by an officer looking for a promotion. So, my question is, has anyone ever had such experiences with DNR or Fish & Wildlife officers or does anyone have knowledge of the legality of trapping without permits? (Please copy me on any replies as I receive the digest format. Thanks.) Lynn Ward South Central Michigan ________________________________ Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free. Sign up now. *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping From: Robert Barron <rebarron AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:59:26 -0500 I would add just one thing to Paula's great post. House sparrows are indeed "sitting ducks" when perched on top of a nest box, but if you miss on the first shot, they will become incredibly vigilant and spooky making a second attempt much more difficult. There is now a lot of research indicating that crows and mocking birds can recognize human faces and I believe that House sparrows can too. So, if you opt for this House sparrow control option, I would recommend sighting in your pellet rifle (away from your nest boxes) so you'll be sure that the first shot is the last shot needed, and to do your shooting from a concealed area (such as from a window, or behind trees), and wear a hat or something different when shooting to make you look different than the person who comes and opens the nest box to monitor it. Ruger makes some very accurate out of the box pellet rifles that are fairly inexpensive at Dick's, Gander Mountain, Bass Pro etc., that are quiet enough to use in suburbia, easy to site in and have enough velocity and power to instantly, humanely do the job. Rob Barron Fredericksburg, Virginia On 12 March 2010 08:26, Paula Ziebarth wrote: > Jill, > > My inbox trap of choice is the Van Ert Universal Sparrow Trap. You can > look at it and see pictures of installation at the website: > http://www.vanerttraps.com/universal.htm > > All inbox traps work on the same principle. When the trap is set inside > the box, the approaching bird has unobstructed access to enter through the > nestbox hole. When he/she does, bird trips a wire mechanism that causes > trap to spring shut, closes off bird's exit from the hole, and traps them > alive inside the nestbox. The trap itself harms them in no way IF you are > diligent and check the trap every hour or so. > > I only set inbox traps in boxes that have had HOSP on or in them. I can > tell this by the nesting material inside the box, by hearing or seeing them > on top of the box or in the box, and/or by identifying the bird excrement in > the box. Male HOSP looking for mates will very often "claim" more than one > nestbox if boxes are in close proximity, and if boxes are already paired for > TRES use (about 12 - 15 feet apart), this placement can help trap them. If > an EABL is nesting in the adjacent box and suffering HOSP harrassment, > evidence of HOSP entering the paired box lets me know it is time to set an > inbox trap for him. To entice him in there, I place HOSP nesting material > on the ground in front of the box and stick a blade of grass out of the > hole. I have other tricks later in the season. > > When the trap is sprung, you can visually see it. Van Ert has bright > orange dot that makes it easy to see from quite a distance in the field, > especially if you carry binoculars. To remove bird, I recommend placing a > mesh laundry bag over entire nestbox, cinching tight at pole, open box, give > it a couple taps, and bird flies into the laundry bag. You can easily see > what you have then. If it is a native bird (unlikely if trap is set in box > with HOSP evidence, but it happens), release it immediately. If it is a > HOSP, deal with it differently. > > Inbox traps are wonderful tools and can be used covertly on public trails. > The past couple of days, I have captured 7 HOSP trying to use nestboxes on > my city trail for example. If you are having HOSP problems in your yard, > there are other methods you can use to rid your yard of them too. First, > stop feeding them. Once nesting season begins, I set out no food that they > would find appealing. If it is legal to shoot BB/Pellet gun in your area, > you can get rid of them that way. They are a sitting duck on top of a > nestbox. Repeating bait traps are also wonderful tools and catch a lot of > them. > > Paula Z > Powell (Central) Ohio > > > > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lee, Jill" > > To: > Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 5:39 PM > Subject: RE: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping > > > > I will check with our DNR guys too. I can at least say what the law is for > MD. > > On a bit of the same note, I have a question. I've seen pictures of the > ground traps that catch multiple HOSP and EUST and I understand those. I > have not been able to wrap my head around the nestbox traps. (I still > consider myself to be relatively new at this). I've seen some pictures, but > not them in action, so I think that's what I'm having a hard time with. Does > it just keep the bird in the box until you can come and get it out, and > subsequently do what ever you do with it? Does it differentiate between > species? If so, how? What is the trigger? I thought I saw someone mention > a few days back something about trapping the HOSP when they start harassing > the EABL/TRES. The idea of trapping them when there's already a bird in the > box (and nesting at that) just didn't fit with the already vague idea I had > in my head. Or maybe it's as simple as my first guess, and I just > misunderstood the post I was reading. So I was hoping someone could help me > wrap my poor little brain around it, please? :) > > Thanks, > Jill Lee > Lusby, MD > > > *********************** > To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message > bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu > The body of the message is simply > leave > > More info on leaving e-lists: > http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html > *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Tree Swallows in force From: "Paula Ziebarth" <paulaz AT columbus.rr.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:58:55 -0500 I don't know if this link will access my Flickr page or not, but try it if you want to see a really poor quality video of the TRES mobbing my dog on the island last spring. They were in attack mode - so much fun. There are also photos of my Purple Martins there. http://www.flickr.com/photos/39870201 AT N08/?saved=1 Paula Z Powell (Central) Ohio *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping From: "Paula Ziebarth" <paulaz AT columbus.rr.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:26:24 -0500 Jill, My inbox trap of choice is the Van Ert Universal Sparrow Trap. You can look at it and see pictures of installation at the website: http://www.vanerttraps.com/universal.htm All inbox traps work on the same principle. When the trap is set inside the box, the approaching bird has unobstructed access to enter through the nestbox hole. When he/she does, bird trips a wire mechanism that causes trap to spring shut, closes off bird's exit from the hole, and traps them alive inside the nestbox. The trap itself harms them in no way IF you are diligent and check the trap every hour or so. I only set inbox traps in boxes that have had HOSP on or in them. I can tell this by the nesting material inside the box, by hearing or seeing them on top of the box or in the box, and/or by identifying the bird excrement in the box. Male HOSP looking for mates will very often "claim" more than one nestbox if boxes are in close proximity, and if boxes are already paired for TRES use (about 12 - 15 feet apart), this placement can help trap them. If an EABL is nesting in the adjacent box and suffering HOSP harrassment, evidence of HOSP entering the paired box lets me know it is time to set an inbox trap for him. To entice him in there, I place HOSP nesting material on the ground in front of the box and stick a blade of grass out of the hole. I have other tricks later in the season. When the trap is sprung, you can visually see it. Van Ert has bright orange dot that makes it easy to see from quite a distance in the field, especially if you carry binoculars. To remove bird, I recommend placing a mesh laundry bag over entire nestbox, cinching tight at pole, open box, give it a couple taps, and bird flies into the laundry bag. You can easily see what you have then. If it is a native bird (unlikely if trap is set in box with HOSP evidence, but it happens), release it immediately. If it is a HOSP, deal with it differently. Inbox traps are wonderful tools and can be used covertly on public trails. The past couple of days, I have captured 7 HOSP trying to use nestboxes on my city trail for example. If you are having HOSP problems in your yard, there are other methods you can use to rid your yard of them too. First, stop feeding them. Once nesting season begins, I set out no food that they would find appealing. If it is legal to shoot BB/Pellet gun in your area, you can get rid of them that way. They are a sitting duck on top of a nestbox. Repeating bait traps are also wonderful tools and catch a lot of them. Paula Z Powell (Central) Ohio ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lee, Jill" To: Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 5:39 PM Subject: RE: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping I will check with our DNR guys too. I can at least say what the law is for MD. On a bit of the same note, I have a question. I've seen pictures of the ground traps that catch multiple HOSP and EUST and I understand those. I have not been able to wrap my head around the nestbox traps. (I still consider myself to be relatively new at this). I've seen some pictures, but not them in action, so I think that's what I'm having a hard time with. Does it just keep the bird in the box until you can come and get it out, and subsequently do what ever you do with it? Does it differentiate between species? If so, how? What is the trigger? I thought I saw someone mention a few days back something about trapping the HOSP when they start harassing the EABL/TRES. The idea of trapping them when there's already a bird in the box (and nesting at that) just didn't fit with the already vague idea I had in my head. Or maybe it's as simple as my first guess, and I just misunderstood the post I was reading. So I was hoping someone could help me wrap my poor little brain around it, please? :) Thanks, Jill Lee Lusby, MD *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds From: "Paula Ziebarth" <paulaz AT columbus.rr.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:53:44 -0500 Paulette, By housing and fledging them each year, you may have some of the young returning with you this year to nest also and the population may increase there. I always fledge over 40 TRES in our little yard on the island up north. None nest with me here in our suburban lot in central Ohio, but they do nest less than a half a mile away on a small trail I have in public park around a wet retention pond. If you want to house more, remember that they will nest fairly close together. At the island, I have had them nesting as close as 7 yards apart, but that is unusual situation as populations and food sources for them there are huge. One of my mentors who sets up TRES grids in our area recommends spacing boxes 25 yards apart. He recommends 22 yards as minimum distance between TRES boxes to reduce harrassment and competition - i.e. they get along fine at that distance whereas closer spacing and they are not happy with each other. Wonderful regarding swallows nesting on the bridge. Are they Bank Swallows, Barn Swallows? I know Duane reported TRES are back in TN. I have not seen any here in Ohio yet, but boxes are ready. Regarding your airport proposal, Rob posted some very interesting information about bird strikes and airplanes. If they airport management is concerned with birds nesting in boxes and attracting them, show them the hole size of the box (i.e. little birds) and make them understand that nesting EABL, rather than attracting flocks of their species which could be a problem, will actually chase away other members of their species due to their nesting territory requirements. Individual birds of EABL or TRES size are no threat to pilot safety whereas large flock of almost any bird could be. Nesting populations are not flocking populations. Paula Z Powell (central) Ohio ----- Original Message ----- From: Paulette Cothern To: Paula Ziebarth ; bluebird Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 10:22 PM Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds Paula, wish I were that lucky! I had 3 pair of TRES nesting in bluebird boxes in my backyard last year. I would love to see even more of them here! I did watch the swallows build under a bridge on the Harpeth River last summer. There were 30 or more nests attached to the sides of the cocrete bridge--very impressive! I'll have to drive over in a few weeks and see if they are back--about 20 miles from my home but worth the drive! (DR if you are interested and need directions, let me know.) Also, I may get my husband to ask the Springfield Airport owner's if we can put up bluebird boxes there. He goes there (25 miles one way) a couple of times a week and he could check on the boxes while he's there. Paulette N. Mid. TN *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: RE: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping From: Duane Rice <drbirdsong4 AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:46:56 -0600 Lynn, I have heard this before too. Trapping is illegal, but shooting them isn't. It sounds just like something a lawyer would think of. Supposedly, trapping laws are different than hunting laws. Trapping implies you may possess them for some other use, though I can't imagine what. Well, yes I can imagine, but I won't go there. But wait, I will. I believe, in some parts of the world, they are considered a delicacy. Sort of like buffalo wings. If you shoot them, there are of no purpose to anyone? Strange but true. dr From: lward AT pmai.org To: bluebird-l AT cornell.edu Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:04:47 -0500 Subject: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping Hi folks, Our state bluebird society was contacted by an Amish fellow in our state who had an encounter with a state Dept. of Natural Resources officer. Evidently this Amish man, who has BB and Martin housing, was trapping sparrows and starlings. The DNR guy told him it was illegal to do so without a permit. He went on to also say that it WAS OK however to shoot them without any license or permit! Does this make sense to you? It sure doesn't to me. Anyway, the officer took photos and left without issuing a citation. However, this is not uncommon. We think the guy might come back in a few days with the ticket. Companies have been making and selling lots of traps for years with no warnings or instructions regarding the legality of using them, that I've seen. This may be just a VERY isolated case of selective enforcement of a statute by an officer looking for a promotion. So, my question is, has anyone ever had such experiences with DNR or Fish & Wildlife officers or does anyone have knowledge of the legality of trapping without permits? (Please copy me on any replies as I receive the digest format. Thanks.) Lynn Ward South Central Michigan _________________________________________________________________ Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469229/direct/01/ *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping From: Paulette Cothern <cothern AT bellsouth.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:44:57 -0800 (PST) Here is a link to a very informative on-line site regarding house sparrows:   http://www.michiganbluebirdsociety.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=37 ________________________________ From: Lynn Ward To: BLUEBIRD-L Sent: Thu, March 11, 2010 1:04:47 PM Subject: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping Hi folks,   Our state bluebird society was contacted by an Amish fellow in our state who had an encounter with a state Dept. of Natural Resources officer.    Evidently this Amish man, who has BB and Martin housing, was trapping sparrows and starlings.  The DNR guy told him it was illegal to do so without a permit.  He went on to also say that it WAS OK however to shoot them without any license or permit!   Does this make sense to you?  It sure doesn't to me.    Anyway, the officer took photos and left without issuing a citation.  However, this is not uncommon.   We think the guy might come back in a few days with the ticket.    Companies have been making and selling lots of traps for years with no warnings or instructions regarding the legality of using them, that I've seen.  This may be just a VERY isolated case of selective enforcement of a statute by an officer looking for a promotion.      So, my question is, has anyone ever had such experiences with DNR or Fish & Wildlife officers or does anyone have knowledge of the legality of trapping without permits?    (Please copy me on any replies as I receive the digest format.  Thanks.)     Lynn Ward South Central Michigan *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds From: Paulette Cothern <cothern AT bellsouth.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:22:58 -0800 (PST) Paula, wish I were that lucky!  I had 3 pair of TRES nesting in bluebird boxes in my backyard last year.  I would love to see even more of them here!  I did watch the swallows build under a bridge on the Harpeth River last summer. There were 30 or more nests attached to the sides of the cocrete bridge--very impressive!   I'll have to drive over in a few weeks and see if they are back--about 20 miles from my home but worth the drive!  (DR if you are interested and need directions, let me know.)  Also, I may get my husband to ask the Springfield Airport owner's if we can put up bluebird boxes there.  He goes there (25 miles one way) a couple of times a week and he could check on the boxes while he's there. Paulette N. Mid. TN   ________________________________   *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply     leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply     leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds From: Robert Barron <rebarron AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:02:41 -0500 The Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has a Wildlife Services division that employs "biologists" at over 400 airports in the US to control bird populations to try to minimize bird strikes. Bob was correct that airplane manufacturers shoot live chicken out of air cannons at airplane windshields and jet engines to test the affect of their impact, but it has a lot more to do with the body density of the bird than its size. European starlings are known as "feathered bullets" for this reason. Their body density is 27% greater than herring Gulls. Just as our traveling around the world introduces exotic species, we travel in airplanes at the expense of birds. About 90% of all bird strikes in the U.S. are by species federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Between 1990 and 2009, 381 different species of birds were killed in air strikes reported to the FAA. That doesn't include military aircraft. I interviewed for a job with APHIS. The major job responsibility was to shoot any bird that entered a certain air space around JFK, regardless of species or protected status. Here are some interesting stats pasted from the USDA web site. Luckily for us, Tree Swallows and Bluebirds aren't mentioned. *The History of Wildlife Strikes* The first reported wildlife-aircraft strike that resulted in a fatality occurred on April 12, 1912, when a Model EX Wright Pusher collided with a gull and crashed into the ocean, killing the pilot. Since then, more than 400 people have been killed worldwide as a result of bird-aircraft collisions. - In 1960, a plane taking off from Boston's Logan Airport struck a large flock of starlings and went down, resulting in 62 human deaths. - In 1973, a jet crashed shortly after takeoff from the DeKalb-Peachtree Airport in Georgia after colliding with cowbirds, killing eight people on board and injuring one person on the ground. - In 1975, a plane sucked herring gulls into one of its engines at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFKIA). The engine exploded and separated from the aircraft, the takeoff was aborted, and the plane caught fire and was destroyed. Fortunately, no fatalities occurred, largely because all 139 passengers were airline employees trained in evacuation procedures. - In 1991, a plane carrying 350 passengers aborted takeoff at JFKIA after gulls were drawn into one of its engines. Although no one was seriously injured, the aircraft's brakes and tires were destroyed during the aborted, high-speed takeoff. - In 1992, a twin-engine, turbo-prop commercial aircraft struck a white-tailed deer while landing at Laredo International Airport in Texas, resulting in extensive damage to the propeller and fuselage. - In 1993, just one herring gull in the left engine of a plane carrying 158 passengers out of Chicago's O'Hare International Airport shut the engine down, necessitating an emergency landing. Damage to the plane was estimated at $1.5 million. - On two separate occasions in 1994, commercial aircraft struck a coyote during takeoff at O'Hare. - In 1997, an MD-80 aircraft struck more than 400 blackbirds after takeoff from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. The pilot made an emergency landing and returned to the airport safely, but the plane sustained substantial damage. Following the collision, approximately 100,000 blackbirds were found roosting near the airport. - In 1999, several snow geese were sucked into the engines of a DC-9 cargo plane making its final descent into Kansas City International Airport. One engine was destroyed and the other lost 50 percent of its power, but the pilot was able to land safely. - In 2000, the engine of a B-747 was destroyed in a fiery explosion after being struck by a Western gull following takeoff from Los Angeles International Airport. Parts of the engine fell onto a public beach and the pilot was forced to dump 83 tons of jet fuel over the ocean before safely landing the aircraft, which was carrying 449 passengers. - In 2001, a Learjet collided with two deer on the runway at Troy Municipal Airport in Alabama. The aircraft ran off the runway and burst into flames. Firefighters kept the flames at bay for 40 minutes until the pilots could be rescued. Rob Barron On 11 March 2010 20:27, wrote: > Charlene, I had an experience while wanting to put a trail up in our > boro park. The airport is nearby for small aircraft only and they objected > because it might bring in birds. I tried to explain but it falls on deaf > ears. There are tons of geese etc in the area as we are near a river, but > most people don't know about cavity nesters. They are trying to rid the > park of the geese which of course people won't stop feeding! I know that a > bluebird trail there would not harm any aircraft, but people are of one mind > and they really don't understand nor do they want to at times. Hope this > makes sense to you. It gives the cavity nesters a bad rap because of the > Canadian geese here. > > Kathy Clark New Cumberland, PA > > > > In a message dated 3/11/2010 2:54:50 PM Eastern Standard Time, > paulaz AT columbus.rr.com writes: > > Swallows are not major concern with single and twin engine aircraft. Now > the Canada Geese and Herrng Gulls are a concern. One of our friends almost > > crashed a twin engine aircraft when gull came through windshield - glass & > gull hit him in the face - lots of stitches and some scars, but he was able > > to land plane OK. Our Australian Shepherd loves to chase the geese off the > > airport, and off the island. > > It is interesting how swallows feed in layers: Barn, Tree, and Purple > Martins up high above the fray. I guess that is the way they share the > flying insect food source without competing with each other. > > Paula Z > South Bass Island (North) Ohio > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: ckanchor AT comcast.net > To: Paula Ziebarth > Cc: Dottie ; Bluebird L > Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 10:55 AM > Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds > > > Paula, > That does sound impressive. Matter of fact, I find just 10 swallows > feeding > impressive :-) They are beautiful to watch. On one of my trails I watch > Barn Swallows feeding down low while the Tree Swallows feed up > higher...fun! > > Anyway, I'm wondering if the swallows ever get close enough to the > airplanes > to have a collision? Is that a possibility? In this day and age of bird and > > plane accidents I would think someone (most likely the airport) would be > anxious about that. > > Charlene Anchor > E C Illinois > > > *********************** > To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message > bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu > The body of the message is simply > leave > > More info on leaving e-lists: > http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html > > > *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds From: KCBSP AT aol.com Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:27:56 EST Charlene, I had an experience while wanting to put a trail up in our boro park. The airport is nearby for small aircraft only and they objected because it might bring in birds. I tried to explain but it falls on deaf ears. There are tons of geese etc in the area as we are near a river, but most people don't know about cavity nesters. They are trying to rid the park of the geese which of course people won't stop feeding! I know that a bluebird trail there would not harm any aircraft, but people are of one mind and they really don't understand nor do they want to at times. Hope this makes sense to you. It gives the cavity nesters a bad rap because of the Canadian geese here. Kathy Clark New Cumberland, PA In a message dated 3/11/2010 2:54:50 PM Eastern Standard Time, paulaz AT columbus.rr.com writes: Swallows are not major concern with single and twin engine aircraft. Now the Canada Geese and Herrng Gulls are a concern. One of our friends almost crashed a twin engine aircraft when gull came through windshield - glass & gull hit him in the face - lots of stitches and some scars, but he was able to land plane OK. Our Australian Shepherd loves to chase the geese off the airport, and off the island. It is interesting how swallows feed in layers: Barn, Tree, and Purple Martins up high above the fray. I guess that is the way they share the flying insect food source without competing with each other. Paula Z South Bass Island (North) Ohio ----- Original Message ----- From: ckanchor AT comcast.net To: Paula Ziebarth Cc: Dottie ; Bluebird L Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 10:55 AM Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds Paula, That does sound impressive. Matter of fact, I find just 10 swallows feeding impressive :-) They are beautiful to watch. On one of my trails I watch Barn Swallows feeding down low while the Tree Swallows feed up higher...fun! Anyway, I'm wondering if the swallows ever get close enough to the airplanes to have a collision? Is that a possibility? In this day and age of bird and plane accidents I would think someone (most likely the airport) would be anxious about that. Charlene Anchor E C Illinois *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: RE: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping From: "Lee, Jill" <Jill.Lee AT pgparks.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:39:21 -0500 I will check with our DNR guys too. I can at least say what the law is for MD. On a bit of the same note, I have a question. I've seen pictures of the ground traps that catch multiple HOSP and EUST and I understand those. I have not been able to wrap my head around the nestbox traps. (I still consider myself to be relatively new at this). I've seen some pictures, but not them in action, so I think that's what I'm having a hard time with. Does it just keep the bird in the box until you can come and get it out, and subsequently do what ever you do with it? Does it differentiate between species? If so, how? What is the trigger? I thought I saw someone mention a few days back something about trapping the HOSP when they start harassing the EABL/TRES. The idea of trapping them when there's already a bird in the box (and nesting at that) just didn't fit with the already vague idea I had in my head. Or maybe it's as simple as my first guess, and I just misunderstood the post I was reading. So I was hoping someone could help me wrap my poor little brain around it, please? :) Thanks, Jill Lee Lusby, MD ________________________________________ From: bounce-5418393-11002060 AT list.cornell.edu [mailto:bounce-5418393-11002060 AT list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Lynn Ward Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 2:05 PM To: BLUEBIRD-L Subject: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping Hi folks,   Our state bluebird society was contacted by an Amish fellow in our state who had an encounter with a state Dept. of Natural Resources officer.    Evidently this Amish man, who has BB and Martin housing, was trapping sparrows and starlings.  The DNR guy told him it was illegal to do so without a permit.  He went on to also say that it WAS OK however to shoot them without any license or permit!   Does this make sense to you?  It sure doesn't to me.    Anyway, the officer took photos and left without issuing a citation.  However, this is not uncommon.   We think the guy might come back in a few days with the ticket.    Companies have been making and selling lots of traps for years with no warnings or instructions regarding the legality of using them, that I've seen.  This may be just a VERY isolated case of selective enforcement of a statute by an officer looking for a promotion.      So, my question is, has anyone ever had such experiences with DNR or Fish & Wildlife officers or does anyone have knowledge of the legality of trapping without permits?    (Please copy me on any replies as I receive the digest format.  Thanks.)     Lynn Ward South Central Michigan     *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping From: Robert Barron <rebarron AT gmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:25:09 -0500 House Sparrows and European starlings are not protected, but trapping is regulated in some states because traps are not selective and may trap game or protected species. Michigan law requires that live trapped nuisance animals be either euthanized or released. On 11 March 2010 14:04, Lynn Ward wrote: > Hi folks, > > Our state bluebird society was contacted by an Amish fellow in our state > who had an encounter with a state Dept. of Natural Resources officer. > > Evidently this Amish man, who has BB and Martin housing, was trapping > sparrows and starlings. The DNR guy told him it was illegal to do so > without a permit. He went on to also say that it WAS OK however to shoot > them without any license or permit! Does this make sense to you? It sure > doesn't to me. > > Anyway, the officer took photos and left without issuing a citation. > However, this is not uncommon. We think the guy might come back in a few > days with the ticket. > > Companies have been making and selling lots of traps for years with no > warnings or instructions regarding the legality of using them, that I've > seen. This may be just a VERY isolated case of selective enforcement of a > statute by an officer looking for a promotion. > > So, my question is, has anyone ever had such experiences with DNR or Fish & > Wildlife officers or does anyone have knowledge of the legality of trapping > without permits? > > (Please copy me on any replies as I receive the digest format. Thanks.) > > > Lynn Ward > South Central Michigan > > > *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping From: "Bob Walshaw" <walshaw1 AT cox.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:38:47 -0600 Charlotte Jernigan, ex-President of NABS and the founder of our OK Bluebird Society gave us some legal information on this some time ago. Her telephone number is 918-485-5974. Bob Walshaw, NE OK NABS should also have some information. ----- Original Message ----- From: Lynn Ward To: BLUEBIRD-L Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 1:04 PM Subject: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping Hi folks, Our state bluebird society was contacted by an Amish fellow in our state who had an encounter with a state Dept. of Natural Resources officer. Evidently this Amish man, who has BB and Martin housing, was trapping sparrows and starlings. The DNR guy told him it was illegal to do so without a permit. He went on to also say that it WAS OK however to shoot them without any license or permit! Does this make sense to you? It sure doesn't to me. Anyway, the officer took photos and left without issuing a citation. However, this is not uncommon. We think the guy might come back in a few days with the ticket. Companies have been making and selling lots of traps for years with no warnings or instructions regarding the legality of using them, that I've seen. This may be just a VERY isolated case of selective enforcement of a statute by an officer looking for a promotion. So, my question is, has anyone ever had such experiences with DNR or Fish & Wildlife officers or does anyone have knowledge of the legality of trapping without permits? (Please copy me on any replies as I receive the digest format. Thanks.) Lynn Ward South Central Michigan *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Question about EABL nesting in PUMA Gourds From: "Bob Walshaw" <walshaw1 AT cox.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:33:03 -0600 That is a good answer - only the birds know. I have even had Great Crested Flycatchers in my Martin Gourds. And I have been told that Martins will drive Bluebirds away. I had to move a box that was close to my neighbor's Martin gourds. Bob Walshaw. NE OK. ----- Original Message ----- From: Duane Rice To: tlp4456 AT sbcglobal.net ; Bluebird L Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 11:05 AM Subject: RE: Question about EABL nesting in PUMA Gourds Trudy, I'll try to answer as best I can. As you know, the female bluebird has the final say in where the nest is to be built, after the male has shown her all potential nest sites. If she chose the gourd, or in some cases, the Martin house compartment, either because all other nest sites were already occupied, or she didn't feel they were as safe a location, as the gourd/house. I assume you have nest boxes up near by your Martin set up? If not, I'd advise giving them such an alternative. Bluebirds will dominate Purple Martins, most of the time, so if you have Bluebirds moving in to your Martin set up, you should discourage them from doing so. Otherwise, "your" Martins will move elsewhere. The real answer is, only the Bluebirds know why they do what they do, and sometimes I think even they aren't too sure. (dislaimer) There are always exceptions. I have heard of them coexsisting in the same set up, but both species stressed each other out. the Martin experts I know, keep them segregated. They say it maximizes the production of both species. Hope this helps? Duane ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:22:36 -0800 From: tlp4456 AT sbcglobal.net Subject: Question about EABL nesting in PUMA Gourds To: Bluebird-L AT cornell.edu This may be a fundamental questions to my learned colleagues on Bluebird-L, but can someone explain to me , with all the scientific info and discussion about nest box placement for EABL (and TRES), why an EABL pair would choose to build a nest in one of eight PUMA gourds, 10 feet from the ground with two more racks of eight nearby??? Trudy Pischer Willard, MO 65781 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. Sign up now. *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds From: "Bob Walshaw" <walshaw1 AT cox.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:25:55 -0600 Airplane engines and cockpit windows are tested by firing big birds such as ducks and geese from cannons at them. Small birds are not a problem. Bob Walshaw, NE OK. ----- Original Message ----- From: ckanchor AT comcast.net To: Paula Ziebarth Cc: Dottie ; Bluebird L Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 9:55 AM Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds Paula, That does sound impressive. Matter of fact, I find just 10 swallows feeding impressive :-) They are beautiful to watch. On one of my trails I watch Barn Swallows feeding down low while the Tree Swallows feed up higher...fun! Anyway, I'm wondering if the swallows ever get close enough to the airplanes to have a collision? Is that a possibility? In this day and age of bird and plane accidents I would think someone (most likely the airport) would be anxious about that. Charlene Anchor E C Illinois ----- Original Message ----- From: Paula Ziebarth To: Dottie , Bluebird L Sent: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:27:52 +0000 (UTC) Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds Dottie, Forgot to add something, to give you some idea of the number of birds there. I generally put 12 - 15 nestboxes in our yard on the island. Yard is less than half an acre in size. All the nestboxes are successfully used by TRES each year. If I add an additional nestbox, it will immediately be swarmed by 20 to 30 TRES vying for a spot. The property is adjacent to the airport so we have a clear view of the hundreds of TRES feeding out over the mowed area by the runway - impressive! Paula *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping From: John Schuster <wildwing AT sonic.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:25:02 -0800 Dear Lynn, and friends, We build, and sell traps, and to date have had no challenges from Fish & Game. However, with the changing times we live in, I'll have to look into this. I do know that some of the laws have changes with regards to trapping fur bearing manuals. In some states (i.e. silly California) Rats are now consisted fur bearing (thank you Doris Day for that one). Though you can still buy rat traps at the store, if you go by the letter of the law, you now need a permit to trap RATS (go figure that one out). It may take me sometime as I'm leaving for Colorado, or someone may have the answer for you, but I've just printed out your request, and will personally take your request over to our local Fish & Game office in Napa for a direct answer. Cheers and as always... Happy Bluebird Trails To You, John Schuster, Owner / Operator Wild Wing Company 1179 Debbie Hill Road Cotati, CA 94931-9604, USA PH: (707) 795-4440 MOBILE: (707) 327-8505 E-MAIL: john AT wildwingco.com WEB: http://www.wildwingco.com/ On Mar 11, 2010, at 11:04 AM, Lynn Ward wrote: > Hi folks, > > Our state bluebird society was contacted by an Amish fellow in our > state who had an encounter with a state Dept. of Natural Resources > officer. > > Evidently this Amish man, who has BB and Martin housing, was > trapping sparrows and starlings. The DNR guy told him it was > illegal to do so without a permit. He went on to also say that it > WAS OK however to shoot them without any license or permit! Does > this make sense to you? It sure doesn't to me. > > Anyway, the officer took photos and left without issuing a > citation. However, this is not uncommon. We think the guy might > come back in a few days with the ticket. > > Companies have been making and selling lots of traps for years with > no warnings or instructions regarding the legality of using them, > that I've seen. This may be just a VERY isolated case of selective > enforcement of a statute by an officer looking for a promotion. > > So, my question is, has anyone ever had such experiences with DNR or > Fish & Wildlife officers or does anyone have knowledge of the > legality of trapping without permits? > > (Please copy me on any replies as I receive the digest format. > Thanks.) > > > Lynn Ward > South Central Michigan > > *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds From: "Paula Ziebarth" <paulaz AT columbus.rr.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:50:32 -0500 Swallows are not major concern with single and twin engine aircraft. Now the Canada Geese and Herrng Gulls are a concern. One of our friends almost crashed a twin engine aircraft when gull came through windshield - glass & gull hit him in the face - lots of stitches and some scars, but he was able to land plane OK. Our Australian Shepherd loves to chase the geese off the airport, and off the island. It is interesting how swallows feed in layers: Barn, Tree, and Purple Martins up high above the fray. I guess that is the way they share the flying insect food source without competing with each other. Paula Z South Bass Island (North) Ohio ----- Original Message ----- From: ckanchor AT comcast.net To: Paula Ziebarth Cc: Dottie ; Bluebird L Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 10:55 AM Subject: Re: Tree Swallows and Bluebirds Paula, That does sound impressive. Matter of fact, I find just 10 swallows feeding impressive :-) They are beautiful to watch. On one of my trails I watch Barn Swallows feeding down low while the Tree Swallows feed up higher...fun! Anyway, I'm wondering if the swallows ever get close enough to the airplanes to have a collision? Is that a possibility? In this day and age of bird and plane accidents I would think someone (most likely the airport) would be anxious about that. Charlene Anchor E C Illinois *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: The verdict is in From: Judith Mangiero <judith.mangiero AT comcast.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:45:29 -0500 The Bluebirds are building a nest in the 5x5 box. They are ignoring the 4x4 just 2 inches away. Maybe they'll use the smaller box for the second brood. Also, there's a younger female hanging about with them --perhaps a daughter. Judith Cranbury, NJ Sent from my iPhone *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Legality of sparrow & starling trapping From: Lynn Ward <lward AT pmai.org> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:04:47 -0500 Hi folks, Our state bluebird society was contacted by an Amish fellow in our state who had an encounter with a state Dept. of Natural Resources officer. Evidently this Amish man, who has BB and Martin housing, was trapping sparrows and starlings. The DNR guy told him it was illegal to do so without a permit. He went on to also say that it WAS OK however to shoot them without any license or permit! Does this make sense to you? It sure doesn't to me. Anyway, the officer took photos and left without issuing a citation. However, this is not uncommon. We think the guy might come back in a few days with the ticket. Companies have been making and selling lots of traps for years with no warnings or instructions regarding the legality of using them, that I've seen. This may be just a VERY isolated case of selective enforcement of a statute by an officer looking for a promotion. So, my question is, has anyone ever had such experiences with DNR or Fish & Wildlife officers or does anyone have knowledge of the legality of trapping without permits? (Please copy me on any replies as I receive the digest format. Thanks.) Lynn Ward South Central Michigan *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: PUMA From: Roy & Trudy Pischer <tlp4456 AT sbcglobal.net> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:47:03 -0800 (PST) Martins spotted all aroud SW Missouri too, but expecting mine to show up this weekend.  They used to appear March 22-24, but last year 2 pair showed up on the 13th of March.  Hope it stays warm!  Trudy Pischer Willard, MO 65781 ________________________________ From: Duane Rice To: yumyumkatts AT voyager.net; Bluebird L Sent: Thu, March 11, 2010 11:15:14 AM Subject: RE: Question about EABL nesting in PUMA Gourds Great answer Dottie! That's what I meant to say too. As a matter of fact, I keep an extra gourd, as a spare, just in case the Bluebirds get confused about where they belong. It works like a charm every time. Martin scouts have been spotted all around me, but I haven't seen any yet. However, I did see a pair of Tree Swallows yesterday, as I was preparing to do trail maintenence. Eyes to the skies! Duane  > From: yumyumkatts AT voyager.net > To: Bluebird-L AT cornell.edu > Subject: RE: Question about EABL nesting in PUMA Gourds > Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:52:36 -0500 > > > > A good question. I have to deal with that every year. However, I solved > the problem by putting a gourd on a shepherd's hook close by the martin rack > and also their mealworm feeder was close by. > > When the BB’s nested in the martin gourd on the martin rack, I took out the > nest and placed it into the gourd on the shepherd's hook. The BB’s looked > into the martin gourd on the rack and saw their nest was missing and then > went to the gourd on the shepherd's hook right away. No problem. > Everybody was happy! > > Dottie, Hickory Hollow >   Brown County, Indiana >      (50 miles south of Indianapolis) > Lat: 39.371N  Lon: 86.261W  Zone 5  Elevation:  680 ft > -----Original Message----- > From: bounce-5417491-3587711 AT list.cornell.edu > [mailto:bounce-5417491-3587711 AT list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Roy & Trudy > Pischer > Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 11:23 AM > To: Bluebird List > Subject: Question about EABL nesting in PUMA Gourds > > This may be a fundamental questions to my learned colleagues on Bluebird-L, > but can someone explain to me , with all the scientific info and discussion > about nest box placement for EABL (and TRES),  why an EABL pair would choose > to build a nest in one of eight PUMA gourds, 10 feet from the ground with > two more racks of eight nearby???  >   > Trudy Pischer > Willard, MO 65781 > > > *********************** > To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message > bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu > The body of the message is simply > leave > > More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html > ________________________________ Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. Get it now. *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: Tree Swallows in Tennessee From: Duane Rice <drbirdsong4 AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:23:42 -0600 In case you missed it. I saw a pair of Tree Swallows yesterday (3-10-10) 11am Cst, as I was preparing to leave to do some trail maintenence. Beautiful day! This was just ahead of a front that was moving through with good southerly winds. There should be other Spring migrants showing up in your woods of the neck soon. Daffodils are blooming too. Spring has sprung. Love it. dr _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469230/direct/01/ *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: RE: Question about EABL nesting in PUMA Gourds From: Duane Rice <drbirdsong4 AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:15:14 -0600 Great answer Dottie! That's what I meant to say too. As a matter of fact, I keep an extra gourd, as a spare, just in case the Bluebirds get confused about where they belong. It works like a charm every time. Martin scouts have been spotted all around me, but I haven't seen any yet. However, I did see a pair of Tree Swallows yesterday, as I was preparing to do trail maintenence. Eyes to the skies! Duane > From: yumyumkatts AT voyager.net > To: Bluebird-L AT cornell.edu > Subject: RE: Question about EABL nesting in PUMA Gourds > Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:52:36 -0500 > > > > A good question. I have to deal with that every year. However, I solved > the problem by putting a gourd on a shepherd's hook close by the martin rack > and also their mealworm feeder was close by. > > When the BB’s nested in the martin gourd on the martin rack, I took out the > nest and placed it into the gourd on the shepherd's hook. The BB’s looked > into the martin gourd on the rack and saw their nest was missing and then > went to the gourd on the shepherd's hook right away. No problem. > Everybody was happy! > > Dottie, Hickory Hollow > Brown County, Indiana > (50 miles south of Indianapolis) > Lat: 39.371N Lon: 86.261W Zone 5 Elevation: 680 ft > -----Original Message----- > From: bounce-5417491-3587711 AT list.cornell.edu > [mailto:bounce-5417491-3587711 AT list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Roy & Trudy > Pischer > Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 11:23 AM > To: Bluebird List > Subject: Question about EABL nesting in PUMA Gourds > > This may be a fundamental questions to my learned colleagues on Bluebird-L, > but can someone explain to me , with all the scientific info and discussion > about nest box placement for EABL (and TRES), why an EABL pair would choose > to build a nest in one of eight PUMA gourds, 10 feet from the ground with > two more racks of eight nearby??? > > Trudy Pischer > Willard, MO 65781 > > > *********************** > To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message > bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu > The body of the message is simply > leave > > More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html > _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469228/direct/01/ *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html Subject: RE: Question about EABL nesting in PUMA Gourds From: Duane Rice <drbirdsong4 AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:05:54 -0600 Trudy, I'll try to answer as best I can. As you know, the female bluebird has the final say in where the nest is to be built, after the male has shown her all potential nest sites. If she chose the gourd, or in some cases, the Martin house compartment, either because all other nest sites were already occupied, or she didn't feel they were as safe a location, as the gourd/house. I assume you have nest boxes up near by your Martin set up? If not, I'd advise giving them such an alternative. Bluebirds will dominate Purple Martins, most of the time, so if you have Bluebirds moving in to your Martin set up, you should discourage them from doing so. Otherwise, "your" Martins will move elsewhere. The real answer is, only the Bluebirds know why they do what they do, and sometimes I think even they aren't too sure. (dislaimer) There are always exceptions. I have heard of them coexsisting in the same set up, but both species stressed each other out. the Martin experts I know, keep them segregated. They say it maximizes the production of both species. Hope this helps? Duane Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:22:36 -0800 From: tlp4456 AT sbcglobal.net Subject: Question about EABL nesting in PUMA Gourds To: Bluebird-L AT cornell.edu This may be a fundamental questions to my learned colleagues on Bluebird-L, but can someone explain to me , with all the scientific info and discussion about nest box placement for EABL (and TRES), why an EABL pair would choose to build a nest in one of eight PUMA gourds, 10 feet from the ground with two more racks of eight nearby??? Trudy Pischer Willard, MO 65781 _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469226/direct/01/ *********************** To stop receiving messages from this list, send an e-mail message bluebird-L-request AT cornell.edu The body of the message is simply leave More info on leaving e-lists: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/elist/lyris/leave-more.html