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Carol,
Wouldn’t it be awesome if it was one of the babies that was hatched and raised in my nest box last year and came back to raise some bluebird babies of her own!Dana
Hi lccarlen:
I would wait before cleaning it out. Bluebirds sometimes build a nest then wait a week or even more before laying any eggs. They could be waiting for the weather or food supply to improve, or they’re taking a break. Also check to see if any wasps are building a nest in the upper corner of the roof inside. That will cause them to abandon the nest. If no wasp nest then I would wait longer to see if they return. In my case I have found early in the mornings are when they are most active around the nest site. Also try putting out some mealworms to entice them to return. If they don’t return at all (which is a BIG if) try and save the nest by placing it in a ziplock sandwich bag. This way you can use it for future nest changes if you ever encounter a wet nest with baby bluebirds in it. One question for you…did you notice any eggs BEFORE the nest appeared abandoned? Snakes will swallow an entire clutch of eggs and leave no trace of the nest being disturbed. This will also cause the birds to abandon the nest. Hope this info helps some..
Dana
Hi Julie!
It was the first time for me too seeing the 2 pairs battle. I was gobsmacked to say the least! First the 2 males fought and one flew off. Then the 2 females fought! The intruding pair came back again only to be chased away again by the bluebird pair claiming my box. Here in Lancaster, PA, you’ll see many yards with bluebird boxes and the parks have bluebird trails throughout due to all the farmland and open spaces. The Amish also have bluebird boxes erected on their land. So I’m hoping the other bluebird pair has found another nest box readily available.
Dana
Agreed phillyblues! It’s been rainy and chilly here lately (Lancaster, PA). The extended weather forecast is calling for possibly mid-70s temps next week. [Fingers crossed]
– Dana
Carol congrats on the 1st egg!
My pair just got done finishing their nest. Hoping for eggs soon! – Dana
Hi David here is mine:
–1ST BROOD–
Number of nests: 1
Number of eggs: 5
Eggs that hatched: 5
Babies that fledged: 5–2ND BROOD–
Number of nests: 1
Number of eggs: 5
Eggs that hatched: 4
Babies that fledged: 4Total: 9 more bluebirds added to the population
Like Chris I don’t have a heat shield yet. My nestbox is in the shade during the hottest part of the afternoons/days. Here in Pa., it gets hot but not super blistering hot like in the Southern States.
Carol your bluebirds and mine seem to be on the same schedule. The 2nd batch of bluebird eggs are due to hatch in my box this weekend too. So awesome!
Connie congratulations! I agree this year seems like a better year than last year for the bluebirds!
