AboutBluebird 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. A free 20 page Bluebird book is available by sending your mailing address to walshaw1@cox.net
Experience I have had a 100+ nestbox trail for more than 15 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, etc.
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.
Question I have house wrens in a small bird house directly on the back wall of our house.They are mere feet away from where we spend time on our deck.What can I do or not do to make sure these beautiful little singers stay in their home and not flee, as I know that they are preparing,(if not already) to "make a family.)Also, if I hung a bird feeder with seed within the proximity of their home, would they take to it,or is it a bad idea, as it may just attract other birds to the area. One more thing, would they bathe in a bird bath or small fountain if one was handy to them?
Thank-you for taking the time to answer these and others questions...not many people left in the world these days that offer anything for free..
Carrie :)
Answer Do nothing. And they eat insects at this time of year, and will eat suet if they stay there in the winter. I have not seen Wrens in my bird baths.
I am hoping that you have the Carolina Wren or one of the other Wrens and not the very bad House Wren which punctures other bird's eggs and throws babies out of nests. This baddie builds its nest out of sticks, and also fills other nest boxes with sticks to keep other birds out. If the nest is made of grass and dry leaves you have one of the good ones. Feel free to look and you can check often as after eggs are laid it takes a lot to cause them to leave.
I am in touch with many Bluebirders in Canada. Do you have Bluebirds? Bluebird Bob Walshaw.