Bluebird Trail

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=160 BGCOLOR="#0000BF" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sarahs Purple Martins Bluebird Trail"><U><B>Home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id31.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Site Journal"><U><B>Site Journal</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id95.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Becoming A Martin Landlord"><U><B>Becoming A Martin Landlord</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id192.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="My Martin Colony"><U><B>My Martin Colony</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id27.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Purple Martin Pictures"><U><B>Purple Martin Pictures</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id96.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Purple MartinFest "><U><B>Purple MartinFest </B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id188.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Emergency Supplemental Feeding"><U><B>Emergency Supplemental Feeding</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id329.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Project Purple Martin"><U><B>Project Purple Martin</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id330.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Purple Martin Links"><U><B>Purple Martin Links</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id34.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Predator Control"><U><B>Predator Control</B></U></A></div> <div> <B>Bluebird Trail</B></div> <div> <A HREF="id30.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Tree Swallows "><U><B>Tree Swallows </B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id286.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Cliff Swallows"><U><B>Cliff Swallows</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id86.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Creative Innovations"><U><B>Creative Innovations</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id187.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Growing Gourds"><U><B>Growing Gourds</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id33.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Downloads"><U><B>Downloads</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id307.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Monarch Butterfly"><U><B>Monarch Butterfly</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id279.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Purple Martin Articles"><U><B>Purple Martin Articles</B></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" BGCOLOR="#9999FF" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="575" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 137 ><NOBR><div> <B>          </B></div> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="538" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 76 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="89846380.gif" border=0 width="70" height="56" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <B>Bluebird Trail</B></div> <div> <B>BOOKS - LINKS - PICTURES - INFO.</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="89b46380.gif" border=0 width="70" height="56" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <bR> <bR> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 2960 WIDTH="575"><bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="1c4400e0.png" border=0 width="576" height="14" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="480" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#009900" BORDERCOLORDARK="#006600" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#A6CAF0 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 307 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="cefc92c0.jpg" border=0 width="457" height="300" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>There is a basic rule of thumb for mapping out a </B><A HREF="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/birdhouse/instructions/placement" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/birdhouse/i"><U><B>Bluebird Trail</B></U></A><B>. Above is a simple drawing of the placement technique I use for my Bluebird Trail. This is not the only way to do a trail, just the way I prefer. In general, the boxes or </B><A HREF="http://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/gettingstarted.htm" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/getting"><U><B>pairings</B></U></A><B> (boxes placed back to back, up to 25' apart) should be 200' (minimum) to 300' (max) apart, in an open area. The pairings allows other species to occupy the second box, such as </B><A HREF="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/birdhouse/bios/sp_accts/tres" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/birdhouse/b"><U><B>Tree Swallows</B></U></A><B>, thus making it easier for the Eastern Bluebirds to occupy the other. A particular bird species will protect an area around their nest site from the same species, making a second box available for a </B><A HREF="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/birdhouse/bios/sp_accts/" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/birdhouse/b"><U><B>different species</B></U></A><B> to occupy. Although pairing is not necessary, it is recommended because of the aggressive nature of Tree Swallows and other cavity nesting species. You will also have to do </B><A HREF="http://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/sparrowcontrol.htm" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/sparrow"><U><B>House Sparrow</B></U></A><B> control or your Bluebirds won't stand a chance. This will be a never ending battle, but one worth waging.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Try to keep any housing in an open area as possible and at least 30' from any trees or shrubs. As far as entrance hole direction, I recommend keeping them faced in a direction away from summer storm direction. For me, that would be west. So any direction BUT west would be recommended. The reason for this rule of thumb is that if an entrance hole is facing a direction where winds and moisture can easily enter the cavity, you have more of a change for nest failure due to wet, cold & damaged nests. Some recommend to keep entrances facing in opposite directions in your pairings. For example, one facing north and the other 10' away facing east. The reason for this belief is that this will make two different species more willing to accept the other if they cannot readily see the other while entering or exiting the nest. I have tried this both ways and have not noticed a difference in the birds willingness to accept or not accept a cavity. I also have boxes on my trail that face north, south & east with no preference shown as to entrance direction from the birds who nest there. So bottom line I would say ultimately, face your boxes in a direction that works for your property. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>What type of Bluebird house you chose is up to you. Typically they are made of wood, Cedar is best because it allegedly repels some nest parasites such as </B><A HREF="http://nabluebirdsociety.org/blowflies.htm" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://nabluebirdsociety.org/blowflies.h"><U><B>blowflies</B></U></A><B>, but you can use pretty much any type. Mounting your box will depend on what type you are using. I use a 7' </B><A HREF="http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1278562&cp=&sr=1&origkw=post&kw=post&parentPage=search&searchId=33339761374" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.acehardware.com/product/index"><U><B>U-Post</B></U></A><B> for a pole with my wood boxes and then secure the box to the post with a bolt & washer.  Make sure you get the thicker ones as they make two kinds. The post goes into the ground about a foot which puts the top of my houses at about 6' making the entrance hole 5' to 5 1/2' off the ground. This works well for me and I find the posts easy to move yet strong enough to withstand the elements. The last thing you will then need is to attach a predator guard. Which one you will need will depend on what type of pole you are using.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>When installing your Bluebird housing, you should make sure the bottom on the entrance hole is at least 4' off the ground. You can go to 6' high if you would like, but unless you want to carry a step ladder along while you walk your trail, I recommend placing the box at a height that is comfortable for you, where it can be easily accessed for nest checks. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Maintaining your trail is a must! If you are going to put up a Bluebird box and just let nature take it course, please don't. Proper maintenance is vital to the birds is so many ways. Plus, didn't you put the box up to enjoy the birds in the first place? The Birdhouse Network website has some great </B><A HREF="http://birds.cornell.edu/birdhouse/getting_started/getstart_index.html" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://birds.cornell.edu/birdhouse/getti"><U><B>record keeping forms</B></U></A><B> for you print out. I check my trail at least once a week and sometimes every day for trapping if I notice House Sparrows trying to occupy boxes. I use these forms religiously and I would be lost without them. I simply print out a form for every box I have and put these in a binder to take with me on nest checks. At the end of the season, I record my information and send in my results.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>If you are interested in making your own Bluebird trail, I strongly suggest reading all you can on the species and other cavity nesting birds that will also nest in a Bluebird box. There are many books that talk about what's involved in owning and maintaining a trail. You might also try doing a search on the Internet for other information that you can print out and use later for reference. Below are some recommended books that will get you started.</B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="http://www.drugfreeworkplace.com/%7EDan/TRIHABITATION/TSEMERGENCY.html" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.drugfreeworkplace.com/%7EDan/"><U><B>*What To Do If Bluebirds Try To Nest In Martin Housing*</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="1c4400e0.png" border=0 width="576" height="14" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>  </B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Books & Links</B></FONT><B> </B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT></div> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="563" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 159 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="0f8537e0.jpg" border=0 width="83" height="126" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="168"><div> <A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0964254840/kropp" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0"><U><B>Bring Back The Bluebirds Even On Your Hand!</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>By Andrew M. Troyer</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="0f9547f0.jpg" border=0 width="84" height="127" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="159"><div> <A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/188024103X/kropp" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1"><U><B>Enjoying Bluebirds More</B></U></A><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>By Bird Watcher's </B></div> <div> <B>Digest Press</B></div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 149 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="0d36e8e0.jpg" border=0 width="110" height="142" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="168"><div> <A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0062737430/kropp" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0"><U><B>The Bluebird Monitor's Guide</B></U></A><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>By Cynthia Berger, Keith Kridler & Jack Griggs </B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="0fc6e8e0.jpg" border=0 width="110" height="142" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="159"><div> <A HREF="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0316817457/kropp" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0"><U><B>Stokes Bluebird Book</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>By Donald & Lillian Stokes </B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 111 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="15886e680.jpg" border=0 width="110" height="104" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="168"><div> <A HREF="http://www.globalbirdphotos.com/book/" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.globalbirdphotos.com/book/"><U><B>Birds of North</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.globalbirdphotos.com/book/" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.globalbirdphotos.com/book/"><U><B>America Journal</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>By Damon Calderwood</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="115"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="111" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="115" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="159"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="111" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="159" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><IMG SRC="8b749350.gif" border=0 width="329" height="53" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/"><U><B>NORTH AMERICAN BLUEBIRD SOCIETY</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>A nonprofit conservation, education and research organization, promotes the recovery of bluebirds and other native cavity-nesting bird species.</B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="http://audubon-omaha.org/bbbox/index.htm" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://audubon-omaha.org/bbbox/index.htm"><U><B>THE BLUEBIRD BOX</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>The Bluebird Box is the starting point for finding information about bluebirds and other cavity nesting birds. Articles, Nest box drawings, the Best of Bluebird Mailing Lists Classified, and more are all available right here and for the most part only here.</B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="http://www.stokesbirdsathome.com/birding/id/idpages/id110.html" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.stokesbirdsathome.com/birding"><U><B>STOKES BIRDS AT HOME</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>This is the official web site of Donald & Lillian Stokes. Here you can find general information on Bluebirds. You can also </B><A HREF="http://www.stokesbirdsathome.com/tvseries/formold.html" TARGET="_self" TITLE="http://www.stokesbirdsathome.com/tvserie"><U><B>sign up</B></U></A><B> for their e-mail newsletter that will give you great birding tips and keep you updated on the TV series. </B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/birdhouse/" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/birdhouse/"><U><B>THE BIRDHOUSE NETWORK</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>A birdhouse-monitoring project!  TBN is a citizen-science project of the </B><A HREF="http://birds.cornell.edu/" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://birds.cornell.edu/"><U><B>Cornell Lab of Ornithology</B></U></A><B> in which people place birdhouses, or nest boxes, in their yard or neighborhood and then monitor the birds that nest inside. Participants gather information such as the number of eggs and young in the nest, then submit their data over the Internet to scientists at the Lab of Ornithology.</B></div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 5944 WIDTH="575"><div> <B><IMG SRC="445f13a0.gif" border=0 width="497" height="58" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>*WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE AN INJURED BIRD*</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Perhaps you have found a chick that has fallen out of it's nest in the past. </B></div> <div> <B>Or maybe you will in the future. </B></div> <div> <B>Do you know what you are supposed to do in such a situation?</B><B> </B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="89e395d0.gif" border=0 width="57" height="93" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contact.htm" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contact."><U><B>LOCATE A WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="89ff13a0.gif" border=0 width="497" height="58" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Did You Know?</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Bluebirds are known to eat beetles, weevils, ants, bees, wasps, cicadas, assassin bugs, caterpillars, grasshoppers, crickets, spiders, millipedes, centipedes, sow bugs, snails, earthworms and more!</B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><IMG SRC="1c4400e0.png" border=0 width="576" height="14" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Depending on where you live, will depend on what type of Bluebird you can attract. There are three types of Bluebird species. Eastern, Mountain & Western. Below are the species pictures with their nesting information.</B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>When Are Bluebird Eggs Laid?</B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="546" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 115 WIDTH="178"><div> <B><IMG SRC="4514b570.jpg" border=0 width="75" height="87" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>Eastern Bluebird</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="4524b560.jpg" border=0 width="75" height="86" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>Mountain Bluebird</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="89c66560.jpg" border=0 width="102" height="86" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>Western Bluebird</B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 199 ><NOBR><bR> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="170" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#006699" BORDERCOLORDARK="#0000FF" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#33CCFF > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 39 WIDTH="83"><div> <B>In The South</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="68"><div> <B>Late March</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 58 WIDTH="83"><div> <B>In The Middle Latitudes</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="68"><div> <B>Early April</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 40 WIDTH="83"><div> <B>In The North</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <B>Mid April</B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <bR> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><bR> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="169" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#006699" BORDERCOLORDARK="#0000FF" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#33CCFF > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 39 WIDTH="84"><div> <B>In The South</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="66"><div> <B>Early April</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 58 WIDTH="84"><div> <B>In The Middle Latitudes</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <B>Mid April</B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 39 WIDTH="84"><div> <B>In The North</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="66"><div> <B>Late April</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <bR> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><bR> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="165" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#006699" BORDERCOLORDARK="#0000FF" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#33CCFF > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 39 WIDTH="72"><div> <B>In The South</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="74"><div> <B>Late March</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 58 WIDTH="72"><div> <B>In The Middle Latitudes</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="74"><div> <B>Early April</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 39 WIDTH="72"><div> <B>In The North</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <B>Late April</B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <bR> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="8a046460.gif" border=0 width="70" height="70" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>BLUEBIRD NEST CYCLE</B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="406" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#006699" BORDERCOLORDARK="#0000FF" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#33CCFF > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 39 WIDTH="110"><div> <B>NEST BUILDING</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="67"><div> <B>1 to 6 Days</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="128"><div> <B>EGG LAYING</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="68"><div> <B>5 to 7 Days</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 39 ><NOBR><div> <B>INCUBATION</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="67"><div> <B>12 to 14 Days</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <B>FLEDGE NEST</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="68"><div> <B>16 to 22 Days</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>*</B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Bluebirds can lay up to three broods per season</B></FONT><B>*</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Bluebird  Baby Growth Information</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="567" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#0099FF" BORDERCOLORDARK="#330099" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#00CCFF > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 374 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="10bb266f0.jpg" border=0 width="550" height="367" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 82 WIDTH="555"><bR> <div> <B>Day 1: </B>Eyes closed; black down on head and sometimes spine; young are a little larger than egg.</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 374 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="10bd266f0.jpg" border=0 width="550" height="367" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 82 WIDTH="555"><bR> <div> <B>Day 2 - 4: </B>Eyes closed; body weight has at least doubled; feathers begin to appear as dark areas on wings and head (day 4).</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 374 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="10bf266f0.jpg" border=0 width="550" height="367" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 82 WIDTH="555"><bR> <div> <B>Day 5 - 7: </B>Eyes open as slits; feathers break through skin on wings and head; feathers begin to open (day 7).</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 420 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="10c4269d0.jpg" border=0 width="550" height="413" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 125 WIDTH="555"><bR> <div> <B>Day 8 - 11: </B>Eyes wide open; primary wing feathers still opening; weight is 75 percent of adult weight. By day 11, wing feathers on males may appear bright blue and on females, pale blue-gray. Nestlings may preen a little.</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 420 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="10c2269d0.jpg" border=0 width="550" height="413" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 82 WIDTH="555"><bR> <div> <B>Day 12 - 21: </B>White eye ring; young actively stretching, preening, and flexing their wings.</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="1c4400e0.png" border=0 width="576" height="14" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="527" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 71 WIDTH="120"><div> <B><IMG SRC="8b848400.gif" border=0 width="72" height="64" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <B> </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#0000CC" FACE="Arial" ><B>BLUEBIRD TRAIL TIP </B></FONT></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="120"><div> <B><IMG SRC="8ba44370.gif" border=0 width="68" height="55" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="10c0a0d90.jpg" border=0 width="160" height="217" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Here are three suggestions to help control </B><A HREF="http://bluebird.htmlplanet.com/paperwasp.htm" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://bluebird.htmlplanet.com/paperwasp"><U><B>Paper Wasps</B></U></A><B> that typically try to start nests in Bluebird boxes and gourds. (see above) These suggestions are best applied in the early spring when the weather starts to warm up.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="567" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#009900" BORDERCOLORDARK="#006600" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#A6CAF0 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 54 ><NOBR><div> <B>Ivory Soap Bar</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="435"><div> <B>Apply a good coating to the inside top of the Bluebird box. One application should last all season and will not harm the birds.</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 46 ><NOBR><div> <B>Aluminum Foil</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="435"><div> <B>Staple a sheet, cut to size, to the inside top of your Bluebird box. This method has had mixed results.</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 45 WIDTH="113"><div> <B>Vaseline </B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="435"><div> <B>Apply a thin coating to the inside top of your Bluebird box. Boxes will then have to be removed and cleaned in the fall.</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="1c4400e0.png" border=0 width="576" height="14" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="411" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 63 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="8a73c2d0.gif" border=0 width="60" height="45" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="319"><div> <B>MY BLUEBIRD TRAIL </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Broadway" ><B>PICTURES</B></FONT></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>CLICK ON A THUMBNAIL TO SEE PHOTO ENLARGED</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>* These Pictures Have Sound*</B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="373" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#000099" BORDERCOLORDARK="#0000FF" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 72 ><NOBR><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_4"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id44.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird Picture 4"><U><B><IMG SRC="1bf4b270.jpg" border=0 width="75" height="39" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="85"><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_6"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id46.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird Picture 6"><U><B><IMG SRC="1c34b300.jpg" border=0 width="75" height="48" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="84"><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_5"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id45.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird Picture 5"><U><B><IMG SRC="1c14b260.jpg" border=0 width="75" height="38" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_7"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id47.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird Picture 7"><U><B><IMG SRC="9fb413d0.jpg" border=0 width="65" height="61" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 95 ><NOBR><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_8"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id48.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird Picture 8"><U><B><IMG SRC="b294b380.jpg" border=0 width="75" height="56" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="85"><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_2"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id42.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird Picture 2"><U><B><IMG SRC="19f4b390.jpg" border=0 width="75" height="57" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="84"><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_3"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id43.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird Picture 3"><U><B><IMG SRC="1a14b330.jpg" border=0 width="75" height="51" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id39.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird Picture 1"><U><B><IMG SRC="37739550.jpg" border=0 width="57" height="85" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 95 ><NOBR><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_9"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id49.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird Picture 9"><U><B><IMG SRC="dd34b380.jpg" border=0 width="75" height="56" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="85"><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_10"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id50.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird Picture 10"><U><B><IMG SRC="de74b380.jpg" border=0 width="75" height="56" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="84"><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_11"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id236.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird Picture 11"><U><B><IMG SRC="dea4b380.jpg" border=0 width="75" height="56" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="81"><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_12"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id237.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird Picture 12"><U><B><IMG SRC="ded4b380.jpg" border=0 width="75" height="56" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 96 ><NOBR><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_13"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id238.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird Picture 13"><U><B><IMG SRC="df64b380.jpg" border=0 width="75" height="56" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="85"><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_14"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id239.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird 14"><U><B><IMG SRC="e034b380.jpg" border=0 width="75" height="56" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_16_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id244.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird 16"><U><B><IMG SRC="e4346590.jpg" border=0 width="70" height="89" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="81"><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_17"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id245.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird 17"><U><B><IMG SRC="e8646380.jpg" border=0 width="70" height="56" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 97 ><NOBR><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_18"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id246.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird 18"><U><B><IMG SRC="ea946540.jpg" border=0 width="70" height="84" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_15"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id240.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird 15"><U><B><IMG SRC="158b46410.jpg" border=0 width="70" height="65" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_19"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id252.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird 19"><U><B><IMG SRC="158e46310.jpg" border=0 width="70" height="49" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_20"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id253.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird 20"><U><B><IMG SRC="15c13c5a0.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="90" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 97 ><NOBR><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_21"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id254.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird 21"><U><B><IMG SRC="15c43c5a0.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="90" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_22"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id255.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird 22"><U><B><IMG SRC="15c73c5a0.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="90" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_23"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id338.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird 23"><U><B><IMG SRC="15ca3c530.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="83" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_24"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id339.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird 24"><U><B><IMG SRC="15cd3c590.jpg" border=0 width="60" height="89" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 95 ><NOBR><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_25"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id340.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird 25"><U><B><IMG SRC="15d046390.jpg" border=0 width="70" height="57" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_26"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id341.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird 26"><U><B><IMG SRC="15d341510.jpg" border=0 width="65" height="81" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <B> <A NAME="bluebird_27"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><A HREF="id342.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bluebird 27"><U><B><IMG SRC="15d6464a0.jpg" border=0 width="70" height="74" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="81"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="95" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="81" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="1c4400e0.png" border=0 width="576" height="14" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="8a218180.gif" border=0 width="24" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Arial" ><B>Blue Feathers an Illusion?</B></FONT><B> <IMG SRC="8a318180.gif" border=0 width="24" height="24" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Scientists have determined that there are no blue pigments in blue feathers. None. Bird feathers that appear blue actually have a brown pigmented structure in them that reflects the blue portion of the light spectrum, causing the feathers to appear blue, despite the lack of any blue pigments. Smash a bluebird feather and it looses its reflective structure and therefore its blue color. Without this feature, bluebirds would appear a drab gray or brown, perhaps much like a brown house sparrow or a European starling. Just as clear water isn't actually red like the beautiful crimson sunset it reflects, bluebirds are actually without blue, they just reflect it.</B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B>By Doug Inkley, Ph.D.</B></I></div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 2633 WIDTH="575"><div> <B><IMG SRC="11ec7bab0.gif" border=0 width="379" height="171" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>*HOUSE SPARROW DETERRENT IDEAS*</B></div> <div> <B>FOR BLUEBIRD BOXES</B></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://bluebird.htmlplanet.com/larry.htm" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://bluebird.htmlplanet.com/larry.htm"><U><B>Larry's arrangement for hanging monofilament line</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>I wanted to get the word out about a new monofilament technique on Bluebird nest boxes that I have been using, and it seems to be working.   I wanted to share it with everyone I could so the monofilament experimentation can continue and that maybe there could be a successful way to finally deter house sparrows (HOSP).   </B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="http://www.sialis.org/sparrowspooker.htm" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.sialis.org/sparrowspooker.htm"><U><B>Sparrow Spooker</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>After talking with Lillian Lund-Files, past president of the North American Bluebird Society, about "sparrow spookers", she found the article and diagram below from the March 1985 issue of the NABS magazine. Her comment was, "I personally had luck with this idea, but used plastic flags." </B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><IMG SRC="1c4400e0.png" border=0 width="576" height="14" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>BLUEBIRD FEEDERS</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Bluebirds are primarily insect eaters. </B><B>Approximately two-thirds of the diet of an adult Eastern Bluebird consists of insects and other invertebrates. The remainder of the bird's diet is made up of wild fruits. Planting dogwood, hawthorn, wild grape, sumac seeds, or hackberry seeds is said to be the 'most crucial' during the winter months although there are many variety of plants & fruits that are beneficial. </B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="541" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#3300FF" BORDERCOLORDARK="#003366" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#0099CC > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 195 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="ca8fabc0.jpg" border=0 width="250" height="188" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="ca6fabb0.jpg" border=0 width="250" height="187" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <div> <B>Photo's Taken By Linda Reynolds</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>When fresh fruits and/or insects are not readily available, you can put out a </B><A HREF="http://audubon-omaha.org/bbbox/ljbbfeeder.htm" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://audubon-omaha.org/bbbox/ljbbfeede"><U><B>Bluebird feeder</B></U></A><B> </B><B>and offer nourishment in hard times. Duncraft offers some good quality feeders at decent prices, click </B><A HREF="http://www.duncraft.com/merchant.ihtml?id=113&step=2" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.duncraft.com/merchant.ihtml?i"><U><B>here</B></U></A><B>. This is especially crucial if you have over wintering Bluebirds and/or a cold spring. The supplements you provide can mean the difference between life or death for baby or even adult Bluebirds. There are basically two kinds of feeders we can put out to help our blue feathered friends. One is a </B><A HREF="http://www.duncraft.com/Suet-and-Block-Feeders-C35.aspx" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.duncraft.com/Suet-and-Block-F"><U><B>suet feeder</B></U></A><B> and the other is a </B><A HREF="http://www.duncraft.com/Mealworm-Bird-Feeders-C29.aspx" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.duncraft.com/Mealworm-Bird-Fe"><U><B>mealworm feeder</B></U></A><B>. If you live in a cold area during the winter, there are mealworm feeders available with </B><A HREF="http://www.bluebird-love.com/feed.htm" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.bluebird-love.com/feed.htm"><U><B>heaters</B></U></A><B> so the worms wont freeze. These are a bit pricey, but the Blue's will thank you for it. Bluebird feeders not only provide food for the birds but also give us a closer look at these elusive birds. Click </B><A HREF="http://www.sialis.org/suet.htm" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.sialis.org/suet.htm"><U><B>here</B></U></A><B> for a good site to make your own Bluebird suet.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="541" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#3300FF" BORDERCOLORDARK="#003366" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#0099CC > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 195 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="a3bfa870.jpg" border=0 width="250" height="135" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="a3dfabc0.jpg" border=0 width="250" height="188" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Above is my meal worm farm. The picture on the left is my container. As you can see you just need a small plastic, clear tub with a lid. Make sure you drill holes in the lid for ventilation. Neither the worms nor the beetle can climb the smooth sides, so don't worry.  I simply filled the bottom with 1" to 2" of Oat Meal, added some baby carrots, cut up a potato or two and then added some meal worms. The egg carton material came with my order from Reptile Food. Keep these, as I did and add lay them on top of your feed. The meal worms will crawl on these, making it easier to grab them for offerings to the Bluebirds. This sure beats digging in the mix looking for them. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>The picture on the right is what the meal worms and beetles look like. They start out as worms, they do not bite, and then change to beetles in a few weeks if not used. These beetles then mate and lay eggs in the meal, making more meal worms. The beetles die after a few weeks and the process just keep repeating itself. The idea is you will never have to buy meal worms again. That sounds good, doesn't it?  </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Below are two of my favorite </B><A HREF="http://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/mealworm.htm" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/mealwor"><U><B>mealworm</B></U></A><B> suppliers, but there are quite a few out there. You can also purchase suet or </B><A HREF="http://audubon-omaha.org/bbbox/ljrecipe.htm" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://audubon-omaha.org/bbbox/ljrecipe."><U><B>make your own</B></U></A><B>. You can also </B><A HREF="http://audubon-omaha.org/bbbox/bbrp/mealworm.htm" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://audubon-omaha.org/bbbox/bbrp/meal"><U><B>make your own</B></U></A><B> mealworm feeder if you prefer. These are just but a few suggestions.</B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="http://www.reptilefood.com" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.reptilefood.com"><U><B>Reptile Food</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>Reptilefood.com is a live pet food company as close as your desktop. We have created a convenient site that is both functional and appealing. Including the selection needed to nourish almost any pet. We will remain reliable and hope to be as informative as possible while still remaining competitive and above all letting you feel secure with your purchase</B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="http://www.jennabird.com/" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.jennabird.com/"><U><B>JENNA BIRD</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>For the past 9 years, Jenna Bird has been helping bluebird lovers successfully enjoy this special hobby by providing quality and functional blue birding products, and conservation efforts. Jenna Bird nesting boxes and meal worm feeders will attract Bluebirds (our personal favorite), Tree Swallows, Chickadees and Tufted Titmice. For whatever your favorite song bird, you can provide your cavity nesting feathered friend the perfect home or feeder. . . a handcrafted Jenna Bird product!</B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="http://www.grubco.com/" TARGET="_blank" TITLE="http://www.grubco.com/"><U><B>GRUBCO</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>Live food supplements for birds. Orders are immediately filled, carefully packed, and quickly shipped. Grubco has developed methods that are widely copied in the industry. It gives us satisfaction that we are the leaders that others try to duplicate. </B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><IMG SRC="10b126220.gif" border=0 width="550" height="34" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>