Good morning VA Bird Listers,
After many years of trying to entice Eastern Bluebirds to nest in our backyard,
we had a pair nest this spring. To counter the House Sparrows, we put another
nest box on the opposite side of the yard and one in the front yard; we took
down all but one feeder; and moved the suet to the opposite side of the yard,
and we hung a gourd from a tree in the front yard that attracted the House
Wren. That, and a very aggressive and protective male bluebird, distracted any
other birds from trying to take over the nest box.
Yesterday afternoon, two young bluebirds fledged.
The back yard was already quite busy with newly fledged House Sparrows; adult
Gray Catbirds flying around; Northern Cardinals feeding; Blue Jays at the pond.
The young bluebirds ended up in two different places, but by early evening, the
parents had them together.
We are going to clean out the nest box and wait to see if the pair attempt a
second nesting.
Good birding to you all,
Jay and Carol Hadlock
Herndon, VA (Fairfax County)