Bluebird literature states these paired boxes for Bluebirds and Swallows can
be anywhere from 5 to 25 feet apart. Mine are two big steps apart which
amounts to 6 feet.
No nests here either. Last year there was a nest of eggs at this
time....which was suddenly abandoned after a cold snap - so take heart.
Tree Swallows are also checking boxes and they are indeed beautiful.

# # #
www.orgs.muohio.edu/AudubonMiamiValley
~ connecting via birds ~
Citizen Science, Debra Bowles
rehabilitating native songbirds via
Second Chance Wildlife
513.875.3433  [log in to unmask]


                         -----Original Message-----
                         From: MU Ornithology Listserv (ZOO 408)
                         [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
                         Behalf Of Eric Burgess, Lara
                         Askill
                         Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2004 6:24 PM
                         To: [log in to unmask]
                         Subject: E. Bluebirds and Tree swallows


                         There was a pitched battle this afternoon
                         on our bluebird trail between the
                         above mentioned birds over a house in a
                         choice location. The bluebirds have
                         built a sizable nest but have not produced
                         any eggs yet. Might installing
                         another house in close proximity solve the
                         problem? That way, the bluebird
                         would keep theirs, the swallows would take
                         over the new house, both would
                         fend off other aggression from their own
                         species and leave each other
                         alone. If so, how close should the other
                         house be located. I've heard some
                         people putting them back to back but that
                         doesn't seem quite right to me.
                         By the way, our other houses have had
                         activity (a few blades of grass,
                         investigations ect.) but no permanent
                         occupancy. Even if the bluebirds are
                         evicted, might they take over one of the
                         others? I'm interested to hear
                         from others who have maintained a trail.
                         This is our first year. We
                         wouldn't mind having swallows; but we
                         don't want the bluebirds left out in
                         the cold either. Eric