Nesting Eastern Bluebirds at Bluebird Meadows B&B

So far this spring, Bluebird Meadows Bed and Breakfast is home to 2 pairs of nesting Eastern Bluebirds.   We are hoping for more in the coming days as with nearly 50 acres there is lots of room and nest boxes for more.  We will check the boxes in the coming days to count the eggs and check for parasites.  Putting up nest boxes is only part of the job of a good Bluebird box landlord.  There is cleaning the boxes out in the fall and the spring.  Then, once the first batch of babies leave the nest, you should clean out the box again for hopefully another brood.  We have found they will not use the same nest again.  There is also blow fly larvae infestations to be aware of.  In our case, we lift the nests with a 5 inch drywall compound spatula , babies and all, and clean out any larvae that has infested the bottom of the box with a little stiff brush.

Bluebirds prefer open habitat, with a few trees for perching while hunting for bugs.  They also like fruit and the wild grapes that grow in our fencerows are one of their favourites.   These are my photos for a change.

The Female Easter Bluebird is much duller in colour than her mate, but she is still a beauty.

#Spring #exploreON #CountryBampB #birding #YourstoDiscover