I have a bluebird box not far from my wannabe Martin house and it has always had bb and they always had young. This year I had 5-6 eggs and everything was going good and then wammmo, Something got them. No trace of the eggs makes me think black snake. I would’ve thought a raccoon would’ve cracked them and made a mess but no remnants. Any thoughts. I haven’t seen the adults hanging around either.
Thanks
Buckdog
Bluebird question
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Laverne
- Posts: 2216
- Joined: Thu Jan 08, 2004 1:58 pm
- Location: TX/Alvin
- Martin Colony History: Erected 1st house in 1997. Birds were checking it out before Mike got down from the ladder. Six cavities had a little colony 1st year. Grown to 88 cavities all gourds with near 100% occupancy. Most important factor for success is rain = bugs.
I agree with snake. I put an e-collar beneath my bb house and have stove pipe baffles on all 11pm poles. No snake problem anymore, but I watch for evidence of them constantly. Used bird netting for a few years, but got tired of cutting snakes out of it all the time. They are out there and will clean your housing out without leaving a trace. Please take measures to protect your nests.
Sincerely,
Laverne
Laverne