Yesterday, today and tomorrow we are in the mid 80s. My blues nest today should include 3 eggs and it is not unusual for a pair to have up to 6. The nest is in full sun. I have a shade cover, but am afraid to use it for fear it could disturb the newby parents. When it gets hot in the summer I use it when there are nestlings, but am not sure if I dare use it with just eggs. I welcome all opinions and/or experience.
I dont think 80 temps would cause incubation to start.
I put a heat shield on my bb box it doesnt bother them in the least. Note: any kind of addituon to the box such as sparrow spookers, wren guards etc should be done after the first egg is layed. The female is more bonded to the box after laying her eggs so is less likely to abandon it.
Yes, Renee’s comment is VERY IMPORTANT – you can’t throw too much at the pair at once – only put up one guard at a time to be sure they accept it. And true, don’t believe mid 80’s will be a threat to the blues – I begin to think heat shield when it reaches 90 degrees.