Evie, I too struggled with this situation when I first hosted blues, which was 9 seasons ago. It didn’t take me very long before I realized the threat they were to the blues & other native birds – they are smart and relentless about taking over a box. I totally agree with Tammy that they must be removed if you are going to have boxes up. I believe a temporary solution for you might be to move your boxes as far apart as possible & let the HOSP keep busy with one box, taking out their nesting material and NOT letting them lay eggs, or at least not hatching any. This way maybe the blues will have a chance. A spooker is only put up after the blues have laid their 1st egg, or it might deter the blues from laying and the HOSP just get accustomed to it. Sorry you had such a bad year last year, but this is why we have to monitor our boxes and protect them after we invite them into our yards. But, I totally understand what you are going through. We squash bugs, flies, mice, & other pests, and the HOSP are definitely in that category! Thank about it.
