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After fighting off the house sparrows for a month, we now have a new bluebird nest in our box. We recently had some severe rain and weather. Our bluebird box is essentially aimed south. I checked the nest yesterday and noticed it was somewhat damp due to heavy rain that had blown into the box. How often does this affect their nesting characteristics? Of note, I noticed the father checking the box this morning and also this evening but have not seen the female.
Todd, several of us have had this problem. Just found my 5 blues dead inside box which I believe due to the weather. Although I noticed one slightly damp side on the box I did not think the bottom of the nest was wet. When I removed the nest and babies today, they were just dead, no trauma. I believe the mama just could not keep all 5 of the then 5-6-day old babies warm enough. They had been feeding them regularly until yesterday evening when I noticed they did not bring them the mouthful of worms. Since you have no eggs or babies yet, and suspect the nest is wet, maybe you need to do a nest change if you have a spare nest. P.S. Always face your box hole AWAY from the prevailing winds, which is different in each locale. Prevailing winds here in Missouri are definitely north and south, so we face our hole south-east – you would never face it west because of the hot sun in the summertime.
Thanks! Our winds are normally from the West but can change from Northwest to Southwest. South on occasions like this last time. The male was here this AM. I’m going to check the nest after work. I don’t have any other nests to switch out unfortunately. Will have to wait and see. Thanks again.
Todd
Todd, is the roof bigger than the box? I large roof helps keep out blowing rain.
Another thing that helps is a pivoting box. My boxes are mounted with a flange and allowed to pivot with the wind. After a storm I often have to swing them around so they face away from the normal prevailing winds but the pivoting action helps keep the interiors dry.
Gin
Atlanta, GAThe roof is about 1-1/2 inches over the entrance. Just had another down pour but not much wind. The box is mostly dry inside. The nest seems dry. Male was by this AM but still no female. Wondering if she might be sitting on a a nest that they made during the time that I was fending off the sparrows. Or worse, she was hurt in the last storm. Wondering what the lifespan of a box is?
Also there is a robin’s nest around and the male has been more aggressive this year at chasing other birds. Just saw the female. At least they are still around!
There are too many variables to determine the lifespan of any one box. Among them are material, design, and quality of construction.
If you put a bigger roof over the one you have, the interior will always be dry.
Gin
Atlanta, GAThanks for all of the replies. I just looked today and there are 3 eggs in the nest. Looks like they are ok with the box. Planning on modifying the roof a little after they fledge. House Finches Bldg a nest out front as well.
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