COLOR CAPE COD BLUE (3/28/02)

I ended my last column with the statement that "although 'Color the Cape White' might seem appropriate for this winter, I think 'Color the Cape Blue' would be even better." Here’s why.

Bluebird numbers here are way up over past years! Participants recorded an astonishing 343. If ever there is a crowd pleaser, bluebirds are it! They always produce ecstatic, enthusiastic responses and offer instantaneous rewards to those who labor to make their yards inviting for birds. As I have stated repeatedly in the past, bird baths are popular bluebird attractions, although they do not guarantee success in attracting bluebirds.

Here’s a sampling of evocative reactions to bluebirds’ appearances in various Cape yards. From Margaret Considine, Brewster: “In all the many, many years I have been feeding our beautiful birds, I had never seen a Bluebird. I was some thrilled and I still have them every day about three times a day. They eat suet and sunflower seed.” Will Mason in West Barnstable stated, “The surprise was the appearance of the two bluebirds. At first I paid no attention to two birds flying from across the street. They stopped in a holly right in front of my house. My neighbor was snow blowing our driveway and exclaimed, ‘Hey, are those robins?’ Then I saw they were bluebirds. They took off at eye level, flying right over the loud snow blower, as if they were attracted by the noise, and finally into the woods. What a treat!”

Marla Menzies of Harwich provided interesting information about bluebirds’ feeding that shows how birds learn new ways of surviving harsh conditions. “I had a flock of bluebirds (8-12) who came for the suet and the heated birdbath water. I counted up to 12 in the cedar trees and overgrown privet but no than 4 came to the suet at any one time. One bright male figured out how to stand on the suet cage and seemed to teach the others. They also pecked away at suet pieces which had fallen to the ground.” Other hosts indicated that this was the first year they’d been visited by bluebirds and all agreed, “They are beautiful!”

Here’s an important tip from Winty Harrington. “If you have bluebirds (and Carolina wrens) and want to keep them in your yard, provide them with meal worms and sunflower hearts. You might find meal worms at a local bait shop, or you can send for them from Grubco, Box 15001, Hamilton, OH, 45015-0001, for about $18.00 per 5000. Winty says, “Receiving, unpackaging, storing in an open plastic container and separating the worms for ‘distribution’ is probably not for every one!! But the pleasure of having bluebirds all day long is an unbelievable joy. To find out how I ‘keep’ the worms, you may call me at 781-259-8032 (house) or the office @781-259-9509 or email me: wintyh@aol.com.”

Another way to attract and help bluebirds is to provide them with “Miracle Meal,” which you will need to spread on the ground or place inside a bluebird house. Save this recipe for future reference!

1 cup peanut butter or 2 cups peanut hearts/bits

3 cups yellow corn meal

1 cup lard (no substitutions)

1 cup white flour

Bring lard to room temperature or melt it before blending with other ingredients. Store in refrigerator. Use this meal especially after a late and heavy snow, as many birds, especially robins and starlings, will appreciate it.

While I’m still on the subject of bluebirds, if you want to try to attract them to nest in your yard, now is the time to prepare for them. You can either buy or build your own nest box, but the dimensions must be specific to bluebird tastes. Plans are available at lumber companies, in books and on the Internet.

I did not include 5 turkey vultures last time that alert watchers spotted overhead, although Jan Pinette of E. Falmouth had a more up close and personal encounter. “The turkey vulture flew over our house and landed on the neighbor’s yard where it stayed for minutes fighting off two crows. Quite a sight!”

The most unusual birds participating in this year’s count, though, in my opinion, were the number of mallards and other waterfowl that made their way from the frozen ponds onto adjacent yards and gorged themselves on the seeds meant for their smaller kin. I’m sure you’ll agree that David Bessom’s photo shows a sight few of us have ever seen!

Now, readers, I need your help. Can you help me identify Jane Geiger’s “green bird” in Brewster? She says “He is yellow on his breast but his back is moss green (pale). I cannot see an eye ring. He is a fluff ball, and when the sun hits his breast he is beautiful!” Also, Nancy Smith in Yarmouthport puzzles me with her “Three sparrows with long legs that stay on the feeder very long and are extremely aggressive to other birds.” I hope someone can clear that up!

Readers reported number of mammals including a coyote, a fox, and, of course, squirrels, but what do you make of this observation from Eleanor Findley in East Sandwich? “I have had 3 squirrels with very short tails. One tried to climb a tree and fell over; no balance, apparently. Is this a disease?” My guess is that the three are siblings and inherited a genetic defect.

Perhaps Barbara Nagle of Barnstable spoke for many when she said, “There were many more birds, but until I can train them to stand still, in profile facing the direction in the bird books, I’m at a loss!”

I send my thanks again to all of you who participated in this year’s count. I wonder what next year will bring! Please continue to keep me apprised of the status of your yard’s Carolina wrens.

GRAPHIC: A sord (or a paddling?) of Mallards. Photo courtesy of David Bessom