Nest Building Question

[NickNackHummer]

I’ve been away from this forum for several years but have recently put a nest box back up and remembered this forum. I have a pair of bluebirds that have been nest building since March 25th. I set up the nest box on March 22nd, and two days later the male was sitting on the box. I checked the box this morning, and the nest is very tall. I can’t see inside the nest but tried to take a picture from the top of it. I couldn’t tell much.

Isn’t that an awfully long time to spend building a nest? I Googled it, and it said 3 to 4 days. The pair have been in and out of the box today. Would they keep. building on top of eggs? I can’t see inside the nest and have a Sparrow Spooker ready to go up after the first egg. I’ll just keep trying to take a picture from above the nest every day.

• This topic was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by NickNackHummer.

Carol
East Tennessee

[NickNackHummer]

Just wanted to add that we’ve had a few very cold nights, so maybe that’s why she hasn’t laid an egg yet. At least I don’t think she has.

Carol
East Tennessee

[Carol – Mid-Mo.]

You just need to gently put your hand inside to see if you feel an egg – they will wait until the right time, especially if it is a little too cool. I, too, have a BB nest built within the past couple days. With the warmer day we had here in Mid Missouri (over 70 degrees), I thought there might be an egg laid, but nothing yet. They are smart and will do what is correct (usually!).

[NickNackHummer]

Thank you Carol. I didn’t check for an egg today but will tomorrow. It was beautiful today. I think the nights won’t be so cold later this week.

Carol
East Tennessee

[Dana]

Hi Carol you can also use a small hand held mirror by holding it above the nest and slightly tilting it so that you can see any eggs in the nest. Try not to touch the eggs as the oils of your skin can clog the tiny pores of the shell which the embryos inside need to breathe.

[NickNackHummer]

Thank you Dana. I’ll try the mirror today. A strange thing just happened. The bluebird was sitting on top of the nest box. Then he (she?–I couldn’t tell because of the glare of the sun) went in and took some nesting material out and flew away with it. What could that mean?

Carol
East Tennessee

[NickNackHummer]

I just wanted to add that I saw the bluebird sticking its head out of the nest box just now. I do wonder what removing the nesting material from the nest meant. I was so afraid he was choosing another nest box for some reason.

Carol
East Tennessee

[Sassy]

Hi Carol:
I have seen a male BB do that here, and think he doesn’t like her choice of material for his off spring. It never prevented mama from laying her eggs.

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