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Well, we were gone several days over the weekend and today when we got home I was checking all my four boxes. One had a tall HOSP nest – put trap in. Another had a beginning of a nest, but not for sure what it is so left it. One was empty, and one had a tall nest and I thought – no no – another HOSP nest. Well I went out with another VanErt trap and when I looked in there was a pretty blue egg in it! Now, I had not been seeing any bluebirds at this box so this was really a surprise. My regular pair I still believe have a nest in my neighbor’s tree cavity. Tomorrow morning I will know more if this nest (which is at the back of my property line) has another egg. I am a little worried as this nest is quite tall, like someone else posted a picture of here, forgot who. I tried to take a small amount out from the bottom but thought it might mess up the nest too much, so then just left it.
Taking a small amount of the nest from the bottom should not be a problem as long as you do not open the cup. Leave enough to cushion the eggs. Happy for you. A second thought – I haven’t tried this but it may be possible to “snip” some of the nest from the top to lower it. I think that I would do it on the front and sides of the nest and leave the back untouched. The female then can reshape as necessary.
David-
This reply was modified 6 years, 10 months ago by
. Reason: added second thought
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This reply was modified 6 years, 10 months ago by .
David
Stafford, VAAww, Carol. That’s a sweet surprise. Glad you have the experience to know what to do with extra tall nests and pretty much everything else that comes your way. :)
Tammy
Carol, you could stick a spatula in the nesting material a little way up from the bottom. That lifts almost the whole nest. Then you just rake out what is under your spatula. Ta da! You are done. Well as soon as you wash the spatula before the next batch of pancakes.
Gin
Atlanta, GACongrats on the eggs!!!! Yay! Mine finished 5 more Sunday but this Spring is starting out WAY hotter than usual so I pray for no August surprises this year!
We fledged 4 already this Spring. Have not seen them back yet but frankly haven’t been home much but the parents are hauling the worms next door like crazy.
Really – I need to wash that spatula, Gin? Golly, gee – that’s lots of work (ha, ha) Thanks for the idea, but it seems like the nest has settled down somewhat and mama is incubating now. I have taken precautions as far as climbing critters so I’m thinking to leave well enough alone, but will check the nest in a day or so when I find her off the nest.
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This reply was modified 6 years, 10 months ago by
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