While I'm on the subject of bluebirds, it's a good time to warn all bird
lovers about tree tubes. These are used to protect saplings from deer.
Usually consisting of a plastic tube about 4' high held up by plastic ties
and wooden stakes, these tubes are attractive nuisances for bluebirds: the
male EABL wants to explore all possible nesting cavities, so he will go into
the tube and fall to the bottom and not be able to get out (this kind of
thing doesn't exist in the wild). I have freed quite a few trapped
bluebirds (along with occasional EUropean STarling) from these infernal
devices, and have removed even more dead ones.
The tree tube manufacturers sell (or include) woven plastic tops, or "socks"
to go over the tops of the tubes. These will effectively prevent male EABL
from going into the tubes. If you see tops on the tubes, you're okay.
If not, you can use some means to create a small exit slot or hole at the
bottom of the tube, such as pulling the stake out of the ground 1.5 inches.
I don't want deer to eat saplings, but even more than that I don't want any
birds, much less native birds already suffering from competition from
invasives, to die of starvation/dehydration due to thoughtless human
activity.
Paul Kilduff, Baltimore
_________________________________________________________________
With tax season right around the corner, make sure to follow these few
simple tips.
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Taxes/PreparationTips/PreparationTips.aspx?icid=HMFebtagline |