Hi everyone it’s Cindy here. There has been so much bird action around our yard this past week that I had to do a Wild Bird Wednesday post.
I was hoping to be able to tell you about our Eastern Bluebird fledglings by now but sadly the first brood of babies were attacked by a House Sparrow and did not survive. This is not an unusual occurrence for bluebirds and many other cavity nesting birds but it is a first for our property. Prior to this year house sparrow sightings in our yard were very rare but for some reason this year we had a couple try to nest in our spare bluebird box. Usually the other box is inhabited by a House Wren but the sparrow started taking over the box before the wren arrived for the season.
The sparrows also started harassing the bluebirds who, by this time, were feeding their hatchlings. One day last week while Charlie was working in the yard both adult bluebirds were out hunting for food when sadly a sparrow entered the box and killed the babies. We removed both nest boxes immediately and set about looking for ways to prevent this in the future. After a quick search on the internet we found plans for a “Sparrow Spooker” and quickly added it to the box.
The reports indicated that these funny devices were very effective in deterring the sparrows but didn’t bother the bluebirds. Ours is a simple design of a large diameter dowel with two smaller dowels near the top sticking out at right angles to each other. We stapled strips of Mylar to the smaller dowels and the large dowel is screwed to the back of the house. The renovated house was put up by the end of the tragic day so we hopefully wouldn’t loose our bluebirds. We are happy to report that the bluebirds have stayed, the house sparrows have left, and the bluebirds are working on another brood already. We haven’t seen or heard any house sparrows in our yard since.
In happier news we have had a huge rush of migratory birds to our yard. Some are on their way further north but many are here to stay for the season. The Grey Catbird is always one of my favorite summer residents in our yard. I love listening to their cat like calls and laugh at how they try to mimic other birds.

American Redstart
(Image Source)
We had a huge explosion of warblers in our yard. A few of these such as the Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat Warbler and American Redstart are some that stick around for the summer. The warblers are very difficult to photograph since they move quickly and hang out in thick trees and shrubs. I was able to capture an American Redstart (male pictured above) on video looking for bugs in our Leatherleaf Viburnum.
If you can’t see the video you can go here to view it.

Baltimore Oriole
(Image Source)
The second bird that is often heard long before we see it is the Baltimore Oriole. I found ours hanging out in one of the apple trees on our property. Here is a brief video where you can catch a glimpse and hear his piercing call.
If you can’t see the video you can go here to view it.
You can also hear the Common Yellowthroat call in the oriole video (you can find a sample of the call at the link for reference).
Okay I know this post is already a bit long but this is a busy time of year for birds. I have one more thing to tell you about. For years we have heard but never seen a Hermit Thrush on our property. These birds often hang out in dense woods and forage on the ground but this week we have had one regularly visit our perennial garden where he discovered the meal worm feeder!
We are thrilled to see him return often to partake of our meal worms and hope to see him much of the summer.
I hope you have enjoyed this edition of Wild Bird Wednesday and will take some time to stop by the blog hop host too.
Great bird shots. They are out in full around here, too. My favorite each year is the cardinals that nest in the tall trees out back.
I had no clue about a Sparrow Spooker, that’s a good idea. I like the Orioles, I never saw one here. have a great wednesday and many thanks for sharing a great idea.
You practically have a sanctuary in your backyard. And you must have to keep your camera ready to go to catch them in action. Very cool to see all the different types passing through.
Wonderful and lucky you. We never knew that sparrows would do that. Gosh you learn a new thing everyday. The spooker looks great and we hope it works. Have a wonderful Wednesday.
Best wishes Molly
Beautiful birds! I especially love the Orioles!
KZK
I love seeing pretty new birdies! We only have sparrows, grackles, pigeons and doves. The human quit feeding the birds after one was killed while eating by the patio. Now I rarely have Birdie TV 😦
You know how much I love birds. This post has been wonderful. I always struggle with the predator/prey situation in my yard. How much to interfere and how much not to. I like the streamers because it is a very passive and successful approach. My hummingbirds are out like crazy with more variety now than in the winter. I love looking at all your variety. Sam
That spooker is a brilliant idea!
Gorgeous pictures! I love that shot of the catbird.
Oh no, not the baby birds! That’s just so sad.
We love, love, love your bird pictures!! We’ve never seen an American Redstart before and wow!!!!! We sure are missing all the birding action in NY these days.
Hugs,
Lily Belle & Muffin
Mom just loves those birds! She is always looking for new ones
Lily & Edward
WOW YOUR BIRD POPULATION IS AMAZING! Currently I have 4 Bluebird hatchlings. I expect them to fledge in a week or so. They are so beautiful. I am sorry you lost you first brood to the dang sparrows. I love the sparrow scare crow
Hugs
C
Ahhhhhhhh darn it… we are so sorry about the babies… butt we LOVE the Spooker thingy.
If you go to Sarge’s Blog Today… he has a JELLY FEEDER fur Orioles… butt they are Also eating from the HUMMING BIRD FEEDER!!!
We have lots of sparrows, but we didn’t know they were so ruthless!
Love your birds and the sounds. Our birds tend to squawk and scream…definitely not relaxing.
We love those colourful birds. Hope the spooker thing works.
Sorry abouts the babies. That is tragic. Butts good work on the deterrent!
Our second set of hummingbird babies are abouts to leave the nest! Ma has taken TONS of pics and is gonna do a postie soon.
You guys have lots of burdies in your yard!! Must be fun to watch!
Kisses,
Ruby ♥
What a great idea. Thanks for doing this post. I wish I knew more about birds, we see so many birds on our walks and this is a great way to learn (even if it isn’t all nice, nature can be cruel).
That’s so cool. I’ve always wanted to learn more about birds. We have had a few birds with yellow wings – I think they are finches, but seeing the orioles maybe that’s what they are?
Awww, poor baby bluebirds, but we are so hapy to hear that your new creation is working. We can’t wait to hear about some new babies. We really enjoyed your post – the Baltimore orioles are so pretty and the sounds from the others are really nice. Thanks for sharing.
Woos – Phantom, Ciara, and Lightning
Yes, you do have lots of bird action! We have too. A robin has attacked our windows for a week. We think he is about done now.
Your Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Oh Cindy, this is a wonderful post, I just love learning more about our feathered friends!
You have wonderful birds in your garden. Sorry to hear of the birds lost but the Spooker looks like a great idea. Hope it works.
What a beautiful bird the American Redstart is, wish we had them.
Lynne x
You have such beautiful birdies that visit your yard! How sad about the bluebirds. Our Auntie always told us that sparrows were nasty and I guess she was right!
Love ya lots♥
Mitch and Molly
Nice post! – and the stick up the nose post is remarkable!
Cheers – Stewart M – Melbourne
Thank-you for posting this–Along with great photos, your info has taught me something because we just had a similar thing happen in our yard, and I am just so sad for our little birds, and hope they come back. I hope those strips will work for our birds too, thanks again!