Q When do bluebirds start nesting, and where can we read up on them?
A Bluebirds are early birds, and many are already sitting on eggs in nest boxes and tree cavities. To learn more about these beautiful thrushes, you might visit the website of the North American Bluebird Society: www.nabluebirdsociety.org. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology also has good information: www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/eastern_bluebird/id.
Robin on the rampage Q A robin is attacking one of my windows again and again. Why is he doing this, and how can we get him to quit?
A That robin is attacking himself, although he doesn't know it. At this time of year, when the territorial urge is the strongest in male birds, they attempt to drive off any interloper they see, even if the intruder is only their own reflection.
To stop him from attacking the window and to reduce the chances that he might harm himself, try placing a square of cardboard over the outside of the offending window. A sheet of paper also does the job. Another option is to rub that pane of glass with soap, which can be washed off later. Once the robin's hormone levels subside, he should move on to other things.
Nesting in wreaths Q What kind of small bird could be building a nest in the fake pine wreath on my front door? The nest now has eggs in it, but I never see a bird, so it's a mystery.
A That mystery bird almost surely is a house finch. They do this so often they're becoming known as the Holiday Wreath Bird. They're also known to nest in hanging flower baskets, requiring some fancy tiptoeing with the hose, to make sure you're not drowning nestlings when watering your plants. The minute you see that the nest is empty, you'll probably want to take that wreath down--house finches are known to nest twice during the season.
Val Cunningham, a St. Paul nature writer, bird surveyor and field-trip leader, can be reached at valwrites@comcast.net.
