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Birding/Bluebird Death
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Question
5 days ago there were a number of live baby blue birds in one of my nests. On either side there are nests of tree swallows but both spieces appeared to be cohabiting. I went away for the weekend and when I returned I did not notice either of the bluebird parents and upon checking the box I found all the baby bluebirds were all dead. I checked but found no evidence of mites or larvae of any kind. Any hints as to what might have happened or how it could be prevented in the future. Thankyou Jack Frost
This sort of thing does happen and often we don't know why. A predator may have gotten one or both of the parents (one will usually keep feeding), and sometimes if the weather is cold and food is short the parents will stop feeding the young to save themselves for the future. Send your mailing address to walshaw1@cox.net and I will send you a free 20 page Bluebird book.
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Answers by Expert:
Bluebird Bob Walshaw
Expertise
I can answer almost any question on Eastern Bluebirds and small cavity nesters such as Chickadees, Titmice, Wrens, etc. Also general questions on other songbirds. No pet bird questions please.
Experience
I have had a 100+ nestbox trail for more than 20 years, I do a lot of writing, public speaking and educational work in this field. My hands-on Bluebird talks include more than 1000 people each year.
Organizations
Oklahoma Bluebird Society, North American Bluebird Society, National Audubon Society, Oklahoma Audubon Society, Oklahoma Fur Bearers Alliance
Publications
Bluebird Magazine, Oklahoma Today, Fur-Fish-Game, Birds & Blooms, Nature Society News,Back Woodsman Magazine, Tulsa World, Broken Arrow ledger, Teaching Tolerance magazine,Trappers World, OK Hole Story, Birders World
Education/Credentials
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA, Graduate of the Home Study Course in Bird Biology from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Oklahoma Master Naturalist. I am also a pofessional speaker and writer.
Awards and Honors
Chosen as a public speaker for the North American Bluebird Society, Bluebird trail accepted as part of the Transcontinental Bluebird Trail, Chosen as a panel speaker at the 2006 NABS Convention.
Past/Present Clients
Many
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