FreeLists / bristol-birds / [Bristol-Birds] Re: bluebird boxes

[Susie Stout <susiestout@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Actually the real push for bluebird boxes came after people brought 
starlings and house sparrows over to the United States. The 
introduction of starlings occurred in the late 1800s. A club called  
the American Acclimatization Society of New York sponsored novelty 
wildlife introductions at this time. This group imported a few of each 
of the species of birds mentioned in Shakespeare's plays. During 1890 
and 1891, more than 100 starlings were freed in Central Park.

House sparrows were imported and released in the United States several 
times, beginning in the 1850s. Promoters claimed the birds would eat 
cankerworms on shade trees.
Both species multiplied. The house sparrows reached the west coast by 
the late 1800s. Starlings made it by 1950.

Interestingly enough, nightingales and skylarks were released as well, 
but quickly perished due to the different habitats and food sources.

Due to the aggressive nature of these birds and the competition for 
cavities, the bluebird populations declined to about 10% of what it was 
previously. This decline occurred in the early 1900s. If it weren't for 
the bluebird trails (and boxes in backyards and other properties) and 
individuals who monitor them, there would be few if any bluebirds 
remaining today.

House sparrows are especially difficult to control since they can fit 
into a 1-1/8" hole. Male house sparrows will take over and remove nests 
of bluebirds, wrens, chickadees, and other songbirds by breaking or 
throwing out eggs, killing nestlings and even killing adult birds. One 
male often defends as many as five potential nest sites and can support 
two female mates at the same time.

I agree with putting up more houses than recommended. You can actually 
put two bluebird houses on one post, one facing one direction and one 
facing the other direction. Sometimes you'll get tree swallows in one 
and a bluebirds in the other. I have read that they will take care of 
each others nestlings on some occasions. Monitoring is very important 
also. Sparrows need to be removed until they move on. And enlarged 
openings need to be fixed so they remain 1.5" for bluebirds.

Susie Stout
Knoxville, TN

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