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I’ve studied here for years, always learning from all of you. Thank you!! Today I need some advice. The blues had a finished nest in front yard Gilberston box 4-13. Last year we had 3 nests in that box, so thinking we’re off to good start. Tree swallows nest in a box way across front yard (easily 300 feet). They showed up 4-13 & all was peaceful between TRES and EAB (they typically nest peacefully, sharing street light post perch). On 4-14 I noticed a bluebird nest starting in backyard Gilbertson box. (We have a big yard with ample room for these boxes.) The male bluebird for the backyd box is the bluest I’ve ever seen. Brilliant blue! Last week the cold hit, snow, wind, etc. The TRES are tending to their box & nest building. Backyard blues are building. Front yard nest seems abandoned. The only bird I’ve seen at the front box is Mr. brilliant blue, and he checks it out just as darkness falls at night (it’s so dark he’s barely visible) and in early morning. I was waiting for the cold to pass & assumed the front blues would be back. It seems they’re gone. Should I wait? Remove the nest? Thoughts?
From experience this spring I would leave it for another couple of weeks. You may read about my mistake in another thread. I thought they were gone also and then found a circle for a new nest and an egg in my empty nestbox. They are probably waiting out the cold weather and will start when they are ready. Remember they do not follow a rule book.
David
Stafford, VAThank you, David! I did read about your experience and that’s one reason I’ve kept waiting–and it’s also why I posted. Seeing Mr. Brilliant Blue pop in and out at dusk is what has had me puzzled. He’s actually scared me once or twice as I walked thru the yard at dusk! Thank you for a reply. I really appreciate it. It encourages me to wait. Thank you!!!
This happened to me three years ago with my backyard Gilbertson. I believe the female was killed either by predation, a car or the bad storm we had the day before. I left the nest in the box. The male began singing for his mate that day on the electrical wires at the back of our property. This went on for two days. Then he moved to the row of trees on the other side of the street and began his trilling call for what I assume was a new mate. About 8 days later a new female showed up, continued the nest building and hatched a successful brood of 4!! So I would say let it play out over the next few days!! Nature truly is amazing and resourceful.
Rich, thanks for that encouragement! Just as I started typing this a male blue swooped up to the light post arm. It’s not Mr. Brilliant, so maybe he’s back. We still have a few freezing nights to get through this week. I keep wondering if the female was killed. I’ll be patiently waiting. It sure does help to have a team where we can ask these important questions! Thank you!
Julie, I agree with David & Rich – we sometimes get too anxious over something that is not exactly what it should be, or so we think. Even after all these years I have a tendency to still do this, but usually back off and think about it some more. Yes, it is truly great to be able to post here and get others opinions and stories they have learned from. Good luck.
Carol, thank you for the encouragement! I checked everything a bit ago, and still no visible activity in that box. The nest in the backyd is progressing nicely, though, under Mr. Brilliant’s supervision. I have chickadees methodically visiting all the boxes in the yard. Not sure if the ones in back have moved on due to sparrow interference or if this a new pair. I’m just going to focus on what needs done and keep an eye out as I can. I’ll post as things unfold. Thank you for the encouragement! I do learn so much from all of you. It’s a blessing.
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