Birding/Bluebirds

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Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 4/24/2007


Question
We have had bluebirds in the boxes around our house for years. But, for the first time this year, the male birds apparantly see their reflection in our windows and spend a large part of their time flying into the windows, pecking, and poop gets all over the windows.  Also, this is the first time they have ever done the same thing in our car side mirrors.  They sit there fighting their reflection in the mirrors and pooping down the side of our vehicles.

My question is, what can I do to about my home windows to keep them from doing this? Putting a paper bag over the car mirrors does the trick there.

Also, I noticed a grackle trying to get into one of the boxes this week. I don't think he could because the holes are cut just for bluebirds.  What was the grackle after the eggs?

Answer
1. Cover window with cloth or paper, hang garden netting or screen, soap window, or hang strips of cloth, ribbon or mylar. It will stop after the nesting season. 2. Probably.

We have a great 20 page Bluebird book that is free, but we ask for a few stamps and a small donation to cover printing and mailing. Bluebird Bob, 26001 E. 118th St. S., Coweta OK 74429

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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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