Bluebird people please help

chickadee · Thu Apr 24, 2014 10:19 pm

I know they are not martins. But please tell me what's up with these BB? They built a nest. It has been done for days. But they are here in morning and gone all day and back in the evening. When here I see them go in the box. But why know eggs? Why not here all day to protect it? Are they on decided? Could she have built a nest elsewhere? Or are they secretive because all the martins and hawk attention? I have never seen this. I will take all thoughts.

volkmerk · Thu Apr 24, 2014 10:26 pm

I have no clue, in fact i have a similar story. i have a bluebird box up on a 7 ft pole inte side yard overlooking open spaces that they prefer. I had a couple take up residence in March and were in and out and protection the box from sparrows and Starlings. i thought for sure they would nest as they or others have nested in years past. Then this morning i get up and no bluebirds. They were no where to be found. For hours i waited and watched but they did not show. They use to be here for hours, on the fence, on the box, even on the martin house. But today gone, no evidence of foul play and no dead bodies in the box. Matter of fact jack Sparrow has tried to move in. I am miffed!

chickadee · Thu Apr 24, 2014 10:34 pm

Sounds like something maybe got both or one of yours. Mine has not disappeared yet. Their is boxes at the ponds. But they will never make it their. If they nest their they will end up back here for a second brood. They have been here like always but I do not feel like they have their heart set on here. Why leave all day? I feel like you I will find them not here soon. I have had a pair for years. Always protected and nothing happens with their young. Don't know why they would leave. And they went right to the meal worm feeder. So they are eaither the same birds or one of their young.

jasalva · Fri Apr 25, 2014 6:29 am

We live in Delaware about 5 miles from the Delaware Bay. We live on a pond and on two acres. We feed our BB mealworms throughout the year. When Spring arrived only two of the six that stay here during the winter made a nest. Another pair tried to take a nest box but the original pair wouldn't allow them. They have been sitting on 5 eggs for almost two weeks and guard the property and the food source the entire day. So, to answer your questions...I don't know where your birds may be going, unless you are having inclement weather. Do you have any HOSP in the area, maybe the BB perceive the HOSP as a threat and are unsure that their nest would be safe. We once had a couple that left for that reason but eventually returned. Remain hopeful!

MamaBruff · Fri Apr 25, 2014 6:53 am

Kinda the same thing here; BBs use the suet/mealworm feeder, check out holes, then go to the woods. I put up some new houses during the winter (2 hole BB Mansions) but they won't move in. Titmice did! So I replaced a mansion with one of their old regular houses...we'll see what happens.

DornCounty · Fri Apr 25, 2014 9:35 am

I say relax... Blues will sometimes build multiple nests then pick one to lay eggs. They also typically build the nest way in advance of egg laying.

Just enjoy them.. if they are roosting in that house I like your odds.

Also do you have a predator baffle on your house? Same sort of protection rules apply to bluebirding as do to martins. Never mount a BB house to a tree, ect.

chickadee · Fri Apr 25, 2014 12:12 pm

I feed them. they come and eat. they was both in and out the box this morning like always. nest has been complete. lol me have a sparrow I don't think so. that box is safe as can be. and it does have a predator guard. the TS are know longer trying to take it. its like they know it is not available. I have been protecting that box while the BB are out sight seeing.

chickadee · Fri Apr 25, 2014 12:38 pm

I just went outside and their was a bluebird egg in the box! so I guess these guys just are secretive. maybe they are low key because of all the other heavy bird traffic in the yard. I guess I will watch and see if they are around more in the day time hours now.

jasalva · Fri Apr 25, 2014 12:40 pm

If they don't lay eggs at your place, they are dumb birds!

chickadee · Fri Apr 25, 2014 3:49 pm

Lol I was starting to think that. I am a stay at home mom and while my son is at school I am the guardian of all boxes. When he gets home I am off duty so they have to do it then. I think these BB think their eggs and boxes are on touchable here and well protected just to stay gone all day. I wish they would rethink that.

threelilkids · Sat Apr 26, 2014 9:41 pm

After the first egg is layed I put up a sparrow spooker. It works wonders, I lost eggs once without it, I don't make that mistake anymore.

chickadee · Sat Apr 26, 2014 10:22 pm

What is that. I have heard of it but don't remember please refresh me.

William A · Sun Apr 27, 2014 5:36 am

Good Morning Chickadee, a sparrow spooker is a commercial product that you mount to your box. It has a fiberglass rod that extends behind the box and up about a foot. Attached are strands of silver and red strands that blow in the breeze and extend down to the top of the house. After the first egg is laid, the BB is not annoyed at all but sparrows and other birds will not attempt to go in the hole. Before I started trapping and shooting sparrows, I have seen them hover in front and leave immediately.

You must take it down after the birds fledge so the sparrows do not become accustomed to it.