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Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 7/17/2008


Question
This past  spring we noticed a bluebird pair starting to use the nesting box we mounted near our shed in the backyard.  We were excited. However, after a little while we noticed that the male was always beating his wings against the nearby window of the shed... it is about 3 feet away. Soon after the pair disappeared.  We were wondering if they thought they were in danger, and fighting what they thought was another bird.  Will they ever come back?  If we cover the window somehow will that help.  What would you do?

Answer
That is a normal thing. Birds fight their reflection as they see it as competition. Being so close to the box probably caused them to move. Either cover the window or move the box. Send your mailing address to me at walshaw1@cox.net and I will send you a free 20 page bluebird book that will make you experts. Especially see page 19 about your one box.

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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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