Interesting, Strange, Happy, Sad, Anecdotes while caring for our beautiful Bluebirds
Once, after the first brood, I saw some extra pine straw sticking out of the box. Upon opening I saw that the straw reached clear to the top with no nest! Hmmm. I began poking a little and got bitten on my finger. More poking resulted in a flying squirrel jumping out of the box. Pulling out the straw also pulled out 4 little baby squirrels a few days old. Mama began picking each one up individually, then climbing the adjacent tree, and gliding over to another tree where she had a back up nest. Fascinating adventure.
Another time, when I unknowingly attached an old bluebird box to a tree, which I wasn't supposed to do, I saw a strange black head sticking out of the box. Opening the side exposed a 5' black snake. Yes they do climb trees. Not sure if there were eggs. Those days I didn't monitor so was unaware of activity inside the box.
Monitoring is a blast. Each week is an adventure discovering new bird life changes and contributing to their health and welfare.
The summer heat of 2025 was tough on the mothers' and eggs. Many eggs did not develope. Try to make sure the boxes have some shade.
Note: If you have an interesting happening email it to Dick Hurlbut at rphurlbut@gmail.com