[va-richmond-general] Message From RAS Website Link
- From: Joe Lively <joelively@xxxxxxx>
- To: va-richmond-general@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2015 14:35:04 -0500
Re: Report of dead bluebirds by Alyssa Salomon.
I live in a very rural area near Farmville. After reading your report, I
checked my boxes today and found two male bluebirds dead (each in seperate
boxes). Another was found on the back deck. There were no external marks to
indicate dying due to predator action. Although bluebirds will tend to crowd
into a nesting box on cold nights, no active bluebirds have been observed
subsequent to the two snows.
First thought: I would think that a die-off might well be related to the
unusually cold conditions. During our recent snows, two bluebirds were observed
feeding at suet blocks, along with other species that are not commonly seen
around house. In past years, I have taken photographs of bluebirds showing them
consuming berries from wild sumac bushes. They have also been observed visiting
a hanging feeder filled with black-oil sunflower seeds that had been liberally
sprinkled with freeze dried meal worms. So from field observations, supported
by photographic documentation, I do know bluebirds eat seeds. Each observation
(and photographs taken) occurred during snow, ice and unusually cold
conditions. Record cold conditions prevailed this past month.
The questions are:
1. Was a source of wild seeds or supplemental feed available?
2. Was this apparent die-off due to the frigid temperatures
3. Did pathology have a role?
If more reports come in from a wide radius, concerned bluebird hosts might
consider delaying the cleaning out of nesting debris from the previous season.
This would provide addition insulation against the cold.
Should numerous reports continue to come in, it might be an issue for Audubon
to explore.
Joe Lively
Jetersville, Va.
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