tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439217614964375870.post41709268081104225..comments2023-10-28T08:11:31.703-04:00Comments on KatDoc's World: Know Your EnemyKathihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13186814675058675885noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439217614964375870.post-14128220646898043862008-04-10T08:23:00.000-04:002008-04-10T08:23:00.000-04:00Congratulations, Kat. I know first hand how fulfil...Congratulations, Kat. I know first hand how fulfilling it is to see your first returning Martins. It took us 5 years to finally get them settled into our colony, and we now fledge around 100 babies a year and track data for the PMCA annually. Here in the Ohio River Valley, you should have your housing up before March 20, but at least at our site, I've learned that the first scouts usually arrive in conjunction with fruit tree budbreak. Regarding the MALBs, they threaten vineyards, not because of their eating habits, but by the mere fact that only a few crushed in a batch of grapes will impart a nasty taste in the wine. Just squeeze one between your fingers and smell; You'll see what I mean.harmonyhillbillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00317481143077986269noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439217614964375870.post-2385151899839415672008-04-10T07:57:00.000-04:002008-04-10T07:57:00.000-04:00I've got my bluebird boxes up again this year.So f...I've got my bluebird boxes up again this year.<BR/>So far, no bluebirds--not even in the area!<BR/><BR/>But, the Male <A HREF="http://natureremains.blogspot.com/2008/04/lingering.html" REL="nofollow">tree swallow</A> has appeared again.<BR/>He's so lovely--I'm just as happy to have them nest with me again!nina at Nature Remains.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07888238636692649668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439217614964375870.post-73373008705656942092008-04-09T08:51:00.000-04:002008-04-09T08:51:00.000-04:00Susan:My Tree Swallows came back on Sunday, April ...Susan:<BR/><BR/>My Tree Swallows came back on Sunday, April 6. Seen yours yet?<BR/><BR/>Cestoady:<BR/><BR/>Spooking devices aren't HOSP-specific. In case I didn't explain it well, my spooker only works because I wait to put it on until AFTER the bluebird has finished her nest and laid her first egg. At that time, she is bonded to the site and her need to complete her clutch out-weighs the neophobia (fear of new things) that all birds have. The first time I used mine was with a young female bluebird, one who was new to my site, and it took her a long time to accept it. I had to tie up the streamers and let them down slowly over several days before she was comfortable with it. Now, the bluebirds are used to my weird house decoration, and take it in their stride. You must take down the spooker after the bluebirds fledge and wait to put it up until the second clutch is started, or else HOSP will become acclimated to it and it won't work any more. Go to the Sialis site for much more information on the how's and why's of using sparrow spookers, magic halos, monofilament fishing line, etc., to discourage HOSP.<BR/><BR/>April:<BR/><BR/>Glad you like the blog. You reminded me that I haven't done a Clermont County post in a while. I'll have to come up with one soon. Ask any questions you like here; I'll try to answer them.<BR/><BR/>Mary:<BR/><BR/>I wish you luck with your goal to attract bluebirds to your yard. The thing about them is, Location, Location, Location. You can put up all the houses you want, offer mealworms and suet dough, have birdbaths and native plants, but if the bluebirds don't like your neighborhood, they won't come. Oh, and once daily monitoring is fine; I work full time and still can keep track of my cavity-nesters.<BR/><BR/>Bill:<BR/><BR/>Thanks for visiting here! I can't wait to stop by Harmony Hill again this year. I saw my first Purple Martin scout on March 22, and had 3 here on Sunday, April 6 (along with 2 Tree Swallows). I was surprised to see them so early. After so many years of waiting to attract new PUMA, I wasn't prepared for a returning colony to show up so early. Gotta freshen up the old gourds and get the new one ready to hang. Here's to a successful season! Oh, and VERY interesting information about Carolina Wrens and Asian lady bugs. I didn't know they were a threa to Ohio's wineries, but I do know they make a mess in my house each fall.<BR/><BR/>~KathiKathihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13186814675058675885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439217614964375870.post-66249181621025652192008-04-08T09:10:00.000-04:002008-04-08T09:10:00.000-04:00Hi Kath.We maintain 14 BB houses here at Harmony H...Hi Kath.<BR/>We maintain 14 BB houses here at Harmony Hill, and I have to tell ya, the HOSPs are a 'Pain ITA'. I weekly walk the BB trail and evict HOSPs and tree swallows. On a brighter note, the martins are back, the true harbingers of spring. First pairs arrived yesterday, so the colony is active again. One final note you might find interesting; You've seen the vineyards immediately adjacent to the winery, and last summer, I witnessed a pair of Carolina Wrens devouring live Multi-colored Asian Lady Beetles (MALBs)from the inside windowseal of the winery. To make a long story short, after many phone calls and letters, I am now working with the Ohio Agricultural Research & Development Center to study the possibilities of using CWs as a control method against one the largest threats to Ohio vineyards in years, MALBs. I'll keep you posted.harmonyhillbillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00317481143077986269noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439217614964375870.post-52586617426091785182008-04-07T22:22:00.000-04:002008-04-07T22:22:00.000-04:00Kathie, I thank you so much for this post - I'm bo...Kathie, <BR/><BR/>I thank you so much for this post - I'm bookmarking it to refer again... I have a small number of HOSP (maybe six) who are a minority at my feeders but I have already witnessed them removing nesting material from a Carolina Wren's nest on my front porch. I've been looking forward to having nesting boxes for the first time at my house. I don't have bluebirds here but I sure do have plenty of other cavity-nesting birds... Wish me luck? I'm teetering on whether to try it or not since I can only monitor in the evenings. Damned HOSP. This is a wonderful post!<BR/><BR/>Keep us posted on your lovely bluebirds? I love watching them on the campus where I work :o)<BR/><BR/>MaryMaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02040099513110890878noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439217614964375870.post-18845091179479724292008-04-06T06:16:00.000-04:002008-04-06T06:16:00.000-04:00Hi KatDoc,I've been reading your blog now for almo...Hi KatDoc,<BR/>I've been reading your blog now for almost two hours. I'm really fasinated about your section on Clermont County. I also live in Clermont County & would like to ask you some questions. If you would like to talk with me, my name is April & my email is <BR/>skooby026@yahoo.com. Thanks a bunch and I hope to hear from you soon.<BR/>AprilAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439217614964375870.post-37743408827115233682008-04-05T07:50:00.000-04:002008-04-05T07:50:00.000-04:00For someone like me who was unaware of what it tak...For someone like me who was unaware of what it takes to keep bluebird boxes free of HOSP, I found your well done post most informative. I am intrigued by the use of the "spookers" and wonder why they do not bother the BB, but scare (?) the HOSP. What is the behaviorial basis for this -- any ideas ??cestoadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00653689058424312225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3439217614964375870.post-59055507808154159552008-04-04T23:23:00.000-04:002008-04-04T23:23:00.000-04:00Well, you know that for me, you are preaching to t...Well, you know that for me, you are preaching to the choir.<BR/><BR/>I hope it reaches those who say "oh, poor HOSP. They didn't ask for this..." etc. Well, neither did the bluebirds.<BR/><BR/>I look forward to coming out and ohhing and ahhing over your multitude of baby birds.Susan Gets Nativehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00216170589750418861noreply@blogger.com