Bluebirds are Building Nests in Tarrant Park!

We monitored the Tarrant Park boxes today.

Box #1: House Sparrow Nest - and House Sparrows going in and out. We removed the nest. House Sparrows and Starlings are not native to North America and are not protected by federal law, so it is okay to remove their nests and eggs. However, it is illegal to interfere with Tree Swallows, House Wrens and any other native species who try to set up house in nest boxes.

Box #2 no activity

Box #3 no activity

Box #4 no activity

Box #5 Bluebird Nest Activity

Box #6 Bluebird Nest Activity

Box #7 no activity

Box #8 Bluebird Nest Activity.

We also checked out the boxes in the School Bus parking lot (installed by a man who works at the bus company).

Tree Swallows are back and they appear to be defending 3 boxes parallel to the Chippewa River State Trail. The 4th box, on the opposite side of the bus parking lot by the gas tank has had no activity. In previous years, because of its location, it has attracted House Wrens.

Here's the info on these 4 boxes:

    

Yellow Box #1   Tree Swallow Activity    

                                                      N   44º 38.256'    Elevation 709 feet
                                                     W 091º 57.016'

   

Tan/Green Box #2   Tree Swallow Activity

                                                    N   44º 38.247'     Elevation 719 feet
                                                   W 091º 57.055'

  
                                                 Yellow Box #3    Tree Swallow Activity
                                                  N  44º 38.222'     Elevation 721 feet
                                                W 091º 57.119'

  

Yellow Box #4    no activity

                                                              N   44º 38.205'    Elevation 725 feet
                                                              W 091º 57.081'

   
There is a Peterson style bluebird box on the utility pole between boxes 2 and 3. It was over-flowing with the remainders of old nests. I could not reach the opening without a ladder, so I left it full and have my fingers crossed that no birds will attempt to use it.