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Well all was going so well until this morning. Another house wren attack killed all 5 eggs. I could only find 2 of the destroyed eggs on the ground. This is the first time ever that house wrens have been around my area this late. Im half tempted to just remove the nest boxes and let the birds search for other/natural nesting sites.
So far none of my usual nesting birds have had a successful nesting this year except the carolina wren who started their nest in mid March.
The blues had 3 eggs at last check and I did look around the groumd below the box but didnt find any eggs there. I wasnt sure if the female was in the box so i didnt check it.
Next year no matter what I am putting a wren guard on. It is better that the female abandons the box than wrens kill developing chicks because there wasnt a guard on.
When the new wears off the old shines through
When The New Wears Off The Old Shines Through.
Renee, sorry about those wrens destroying your blue eggs – bummer! Yes, I believe it is always best to error on the high side than to not put up a guard, even if you think they are not around. Since the beginning of my passion for bluebirds, and after reading everything I could get my hands on about hosting them. I have put up a sparrow spooker and a wren guard. I have had no actual destruction from the HOSP, but I have had my eggs thrown on the ground by wrens & destroyed about 3 times (in about 11 years). Not too bad odds, and one time we were gone and I didn’t get the guard on in time. After the one attack from wrens when I found one egg that I could actually see the fetus in it, that was enough for me to be very diligent about the guards. I’m pretty sure these were wren attacks because I saw the wrens around – the HOSP were being kept busy (rebuilding) at their own box. I really find that more than one box is very helpful. Don’t give up – just keep on trying – for the blues’ (or other native bird) sake!
Hi Renee:
I am so sorry to read about the loss of the eggs. How one little bird like a HOWR can be so destructive is beyond me but from reading many posts and articles I have come to be very cautious of them. Maybe you should give it another try with a wren guard after the first egg is in the nest. I can understand you not wanting to be disappointed again, but no guarantee if the blues build in a tree cavity, the same thing won’t happen with a HOWR or raccoon or other predator. Looking forward to reading what you decide to do.
Connie (PA)Renee, I just realized it was warbler eggs that were destroyed and not bluebirds. I know nothing about warblers and wren guards but I may have to read up on them. I hope the Bluebird eggs are OK. Still sorry for your loss.
ConnieRenee, that is sad news. I had wrens ruin eggs last season. They poked holes in 2 eggs the first attack, came back the next day and got the other 3 eggs. Grrrrr…..this happened with a wren guard put on after the first egg…..attack was on the 10th day of brooding! I cringe when I hear them. I try not to check on the boxes if I hear them singing in my area. As everyone on this site has said we can only do the best we can. I wish you the best.
Judy-Michigan
Renee – I can’t say too much more than what the others have said. I encourage you to keep trying this year. If you see any wren activity at all I would act quickly to keep them at bay or deter them from getting to the box. I have removed my box only once in the 10 or so years that I have been housing the bluebirds due to the persistence of the wrens. They did not come back the next year.
Good luck to you.
David
Stafford, VAI don’t know of any data on PROW and the use of guard so I well understand your hesitation to use one. But I agree! Better she abandon than have a wren kill the eggs. I am so sorry and you know I feel your pain. HOWR! Ugh.
I have a HOWR couple trying to succeed in one of my boxes right now. It’s not going so well.
Gin
Atlanta, GAThank you everyone for the encouragement. I will never give up hosting my birds. But one just needs to vent sometimes.
Gin, last year a female warbler accepted the guard with no problem. I am not sure why the first female of this year did not. I’m hoping that this female will accept it.
Strange thing is yesterday another? female warbler had tried building a nest in my trap box, which is about 20-22 feet away from the hexagon box currently wren guarded, and was trapped in it. She was released gently. I cant tell you how relived I was seeing it was her and not another #%$@*(>× house wren. I can only guess that most natural nesting sites are full of water because of the amount of rain we have had this year. It has been a strange year weather wise for sure. Although I can remember Spring being this way when I was a child.
Well in a few hours we will see if it is a success or not. Cross your fingers everyone.
When the new wears off the old shines through
When The New Wears Off The Old Shines Through.
I really really dislike house wrens.
Really? I never knew that. rofl
As for me, I wish the first one had never evolved. That’s your feeling too isn’t it?
Gin
Atlanta, GA
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