Looking for Mr. Bluebird

 

I was excited about watching birds through the clear backed

Nest View Birdhouse I bought earlier this spring (read about it here).  

Although I moved it to a bedroom window

and kept the blinds drawn, so as not to frighten the birds, 

it sits quiet and empty. 

I was disappointed...but all was not lost.

Quite by coincidence a friend appeared, 

Bluebird house in hand. 

It turns out that he builds them and gives them as gifts, in memory of a friend. 

Visions of pretty Bluebirds filled my head.
The house is made with specific dimensions to attract Bluebirds,

with a hinged front door to allow monitoring of the nest. 

I absentmindedly listened to his instructions on

identifying the nest building habits of Sparrows, Wrens and Bluebirds 

and his warning that he sometimes has to clean

House Sparrow nests out of his Bluebird house 3 times a day.

Was I in for a surprise.

We held our breath for the first sign of activity. 

Within a week, there was nesting material in the house.

Identifying the nesting style wasn't necessary. 

The House Sparrows taking up residence made their presence abundantly clear.

 

They were all over the house when no one was around,

but once I stepped foot out of the house, they were nowhere to be found.  

I couldn't get a clear shot of them through the back door. 

So, I one sunny morning I went out to wait.

The first to come out from hiding was Mr. Cardinal,

ready to put on a show. 

Soon, friendly Robins joined in. 

Seemingly without fear, they hopped ever nearer.

 

Blue Jay made a brief appearance on high.

It was a cold morning and I underestimated the tenacity of those Sparrows. 

I gave up and went in without catching them on the house.

Their tenacity in claiming the birdhouse was unrelenting as well.

I did some research on House Sparrows and learned here that 

"House Sparrows are non-native invasive pests, and are not protected by law. 

They will attack and kill adult bluebirds (sometimes trapping them in the nest box),

and destroy eggs and young. 

House Sparrow nests, eggs, young, and adults may be legally removed or destroyed.  

It is better to have no box at all than to allow House Sparrows to reproduce in one."

Clearly, something had to be done. 

I learned about mounting fishing line on the house,

which scares House Sparrows, but apparently doesn't bother Bluebirds here.

Our Bluebird house now looks like this. 

The House Sparrows are gone...

we're still waiting for Bluebirds. 

Ready For Birds

We're ready for spring. 

Oh, the garden still awaits my attention,

but we have our new birdhouse up. 

I found this Nest View Birdhouse doing research for my Birdhouse post.  The plexiglass allows you to observe the innerworkings of the nest through your window.  It sounded like so much fun, I couldn't resist trying it.  Even my twenty-something son seems excited about the possibilties.

It mounts to your window with suction cups. 

I'm hoping that they'll be strong enough to hold it in place with a nest and birds in residence. 

In mounting, my placement was a bit off; when I tried to remove it for repositioning, the grip felt quite strong, so I'm hoping for the best.

View from our kitchen window.

The theory sounds great, but will it deliver? 

Reviews on Amazon are varied.  Some people seem to have had good results even on a kitchen window, but others say that activity in the house scares the birds away.  Perhaps I should move it higher up on the window, or to a bedroom window with blinds.  If you have experience with this type of birdhouse, I've love to hear how it went.  I'll keep you posted on any activity.

Update:
The Nestview Birdhouse has been silent and empty.
Although I moved it to a bedroom window where I've kept the blinds drawn,
no birds have ventured to take up residence.
It looks like the nice theory isn't much in practice. 

However, soon after I got this birdhouse, a friend showed up with a gift of
a homemade bluebird house. 
We've had more action there - read about it here.

Be Kind to Your Feathered Friends

 Birdhouses are a great addition to the garden.

Cavity nesting birds will thank you!  

With this simple element, you can 

help support the populations of native bird species, since 

development has disturbed natural nesting places.

And birds aren't the only ones who'll benefit. 

You'll not only enjoy watching birds nest and produce young,

but boost your garden style at the same time. 

A unique birdhouse can add personality and

function as a focal point. 

The multitude of styles means

a birdhouse can be found to fit any garden.

From organic like this gourd birdhouse....

to classic lines....

or a bit of whimsy.

Gardening-for-Wildlife.com suggests that 

fall or early winter is the best time to 

add a new birdhouse since cavity nesters may 

begin house hunting by mid-winter.

For more information on the benefits and criteria for birdhouses, check out the following articles by the Alabama Wildbird Conservation Association:
A Birdhouse in Every Garden
Birdhouses and the Birds That Use Them

Be kind to yourself 

and to our feathered friends.

Add a special birdhouse 

to your garden.