Replacing Existing Nest Box with Approved Bluebird Box

[Beck2014]

My wife and I are retired and able to monitor the backyard routinely throughout the day and have a panoramic view from the interior of our home. The backyard is open and measures about 120’ wide and 100’ deep, bordered on the back by a wooded area. I appreciate your concerns mentioned and noted.

I also wonder if the former box, if mounted as described, although not in direct sight, would create confusion for the pair given it was used for the recent successful clutch (fledged May 25). And the male has already been bringing material to the new box.

Thanks.

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Steve, NE Florida

Steve, NE Florida

[AIH]

I doubt the birds would be confused. But it is the sort of thing where you just have to find out.

- Ira / Coastal NW Florida

[tamsea]

You can definitely put your boxes that far apart. I have a chickadee and tree swallow nesting about 10-15 feet apart on the trail I monitor.
If I were you I would wait until the pair lay their first egg in that new box before putting that old box back up. You don’t want them switching boxes at this time.
It’s best if you just let that pretty box be a decorative box and put something black in it that would make it look like a hole but no bird could go in.
That being said….if it’s a fairly safe box you can put it up for another species. Not many birds are cavity nesters. But you could get a chickadee. They are the most common. Titmice, nuthatches and then tree swallows are other cavity nesters.
You’ll probably eventually decide that you need another “good” box to put up to replace that one. But I think for now you could see what you got.
I think Chickadees only nest once per season and they are done nesting. I may be wrong about chickadees. Same with Tree Swallows.

Tammy

[Beck2014]

Thank you for the comments. I did install the former box June 14 approximately 65’ from the new approved box, not in direct line of sight and separated by a grouping of several trees and Saw Palmettos. Interestingly, within maybe 10 min of reinstalling the decorative box at the new location, the adult pair and at least one fledgling were excitedly checking out the box (video) for about 10-15 minutes with the male and female entering on one occasion each.

After the initial intense curiosity, none of the bluebirds have been seen approaching the former box. Actually, I’ve seen no birds at this box and it seems it is being totally ignored by the many varieties in the “neighborhood” (yard).

Tammy, reference your mention of blocking entrance to the decorative box, I was in the process of cutting a wooden “door” to prevent access as a precaution and peace of mind. Thanks. I have procrastinated getting that completed.

For information purposes, as of yesterday June 19, mom was for the first time, actively bringing in nesting material to the new box during the morning hours. Both adults have been active daily. The, I guess “juveniles” (fledged May 25) are still around frequently, almost always when the parents are present. Yesterday I saw four perched together on the privacy fence, very cool. Its been fun to watch (and video). I even have them landing on the box on rare occasions and at least twice, the adults “shooed” the young away.

Steve

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Steve, NE Florida

Steve, NE Florida

[tamsea]

Sounds like you are all set. Everything seems to be going well for you!

Tammy

[Author]

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