I have a box in my front yard that I hoped, and succeeded, in attracting
tree swallows to. Before they came though, the resident mockingbird often
perched on top. It did not seem to deter them at all, and he has not used
that particular perch since they took up residence. So perhaps your
mockingbirds just like perching there, and when bluebirds show interest,
they'll give way. Or not! It will be interesting to watch and see.
I've also had experience with a very territorial mockingbird, but it was
over feeders, and he did not allow any other bird to even look at any of the
feeders. But that finally faded away. I understand an unmated second-year
male can be especially territorial like that.
-----Original Message-----
From: va-bird-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <va-bird-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf
Of Kent Clizbe
Sent: Sunday, June 7, 2020 10:37 AM
To: va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [va-bird] Re: Question on mocking birds and bluebirds
Liezel,
In my experience, even without interference, it may take 1-2, or even
several seasons before bluebirds discover, accept, and use your box. Other
species use the bluebird boxes, too. I've had these species in bluebird
boxes, in order of frequency: tree swallow, titmouse, chickadee. Sparrows
and finches sometimes mess around putting straw in. I generally clean their
attempts out before they can get traction.
With interference-such as territorial mockingbirds-bluebirds may shy away
from a specific box.
While all birds will defend their nest and feeding grounds to some extent,
mockingbirds are ultra-territorial. They'll attack anything that moves if it
comes near their nest. They seem to prefer dense shrubs and trees as nesting
sites, and slip in and out quickly, so you may not notice their nest. But
you will notice them protecting the area. They sort of stand guard, perching
somewhere with a view of the area around their nest.
I've found that if a mockingbird nest shares frontage on a
field/yard/lawn/area with a bluebird box, the mockingbirds will attack and
chase away any bird that tries to access the box.
You could call them a nuisance, but that seems to be their nature. Maybe
bluebirds will nest later in the season, after the mockingbird babies
fledge.
Good luck!
Kent Clizbe
571 217 0714
<mailto:kent@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> kent@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
* From: Liezel D'souza <ldsouza@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
* To: "va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
* Date: Sat, 6 Jun 2020 20:18:09 +0000
Hi,
I put up a bluebird box in my backyard. I have a pair of mocking birds that
sit on the weathervane, deck railing etc and now also on the nestbox every
now and then. Seems like this is their area.
My box is still unclaimed although I did see a bluebird sit on it and hover
at the entrance one day.
Will the mocking birds not allow the bluebirds to nest? Or do I just give it
time?
Thanks,
Liezel
Falls Church, VA
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