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Oh Tammy, this is so heartbreaking to read. I truly am sorry you had to go through this experience on such a large scale. I hope the TRES and the BB’s return for another try and you are able to eliminate that nasty predator.
Connie (PA)Renee, that is great news on both fronts. I am hoping for a 3rd nesting, my little ones fledged today.
Connie (PA)Hi Carol, was happy to read your post about your fledglings and sorry one did not make it. Wow, but that is a lot of rain. We seem to have rain almost every day, and it comes down by the bucket, but no where near to your totals.
I checked my little ones today and the box is not so clean here either. I think the parents did a much better job on the first go round.
Waiting to hear if you get a third nesting. I am keeping my fingers crossed for you.
Connie (PA)David, so happy to read about your fledge, and sorry # 5 didn’t make it. Hope you have a great trip and that nest #3 will be there with some beautiful blue eggs in it when you return.
My 4 should fledge on Monday the 15th. I am hoping I get a 3rd nest, never had one but this pair is earlier than any I have had before.
Connie (PA)Phillyblues: Here in Western Pa, the storms and wind and rain mainly come from the west, or from the southwest. I find the south east is the most protected from the elements in this neck of the woods. I am hoping moving the direction of the opening has brought you BB success.
Connie (PA)Hi phillyblues:
I think I would try changing the direction of the box to a more south/easterly direction. It certainly can’t hurt. I am rooting for you and the blues. Keep us up to date.
Connie (PA)Hi Judy:
Yes, it did take a while before I saw my fledglings, I think they stay mostly in the trees until they get stronger and they can fly a little better. Now they zip around almost as good as the adults.
All the eggs did hatch, so if all goes well there will be 4 more BB’s in the sky in about 15 days.
Glad to hear yours are building another nest, I am hoping mine will do the same. Keep us informed.
Connie (PA)Hi phillyblues:
I know the exact box you are talking about and I had no trouble with the Bluebirds accepting the new cedar box from Walmart the first year I put it up.
A friend of mine has had BB’s every year for last 16 years, her husband ordered a new box from Duncraft?? And they absolutely refuse to use it, so no BB’s for her this year even though the BB’s investigated it.
One silly question, is if faced in the right direction? Just had to ask.
Connie (PA)Rich, so happy to hear about all the BB’s in your neighborhood. They are a delightful bird to watch. You and your neighbors are doing a great service to the survival of this species. My hat is off to all of you. Keep up the good work.
Connie (PA)Well Renee, that is good news on both fronts, the warblers returning and 4 new BB hatchlings. I hope the wren guard is working. I will look for an update from you. Wishing you the best of luck this go round.
Connie (PA)Congrats Judy on a successful fledge. I can feel your joy. I too hope you have another nesting this season.
I am amazed how quick that wren tried to take over the nest but with the box down I hope he becomes discouraged and moves out of the neighborhood.
ConnieThanks Judy. Good luck on your second nesting. I was so hoping I would get a second pair of adults in the backyard box but front yard Papa keeps a close eye on it. I thought I had another pair investigating it yesterday, a male was looking in and a female was close by then I saw 2 young ones fly to the ground so I realized it was my front yard pair with their first clutch. The only thing I have seen take an interest in that box was a chickadee and a HOWR, and Papa was right there flushing them out.
ConniePhillyblues, that relieves me greatly to hear the box isn’t in a tree. I can’t wait to hear if you have BB’s. I know how exciting that feels.
ConniePhillyblues, I am so happy for you. I hope he returns with a female and they take up residence in your empty box, even though your location is not ideal for any bird. Predators can climb the tree and get to the eggs or babies. I do not want to burst your bubble but I learned the hard way that any device that allows a predator access can lead to heartbreak. In my case it was a raccoon 🦝, I know because of the foot prints. A few of the babies were gone, 2 were left, then Mama disappeared, I surmised she was injured and died.
Keep us informed on what transpires in the next few days.
Connie (PA)
