7 replies to this topic

[threeofhardts]

Hello All ~

It's been a while since I've been here but I'm still into birding, when time allows. I have a question that I hope one of the experts can answer.

A pair of Eastern Bluebirds built a nest in the BB nesting box I have in my backyard. The female laid 4 eggs last week. On Saturday when I checked to see if she had laid a 5th, I found the nest empty, 2 broken eggs on the ground below the box (couldn't find the other two eggs) and just a few feet away, I found mom. She had a small wound on her side. She died trying to defend her nest. (That's her in my avatar.)

I was so upset that I took the nesting box down. A few minutes later, Dad came and sat on top of the pole the box had been on. I was worried that he wouldn't know what had happened so I put Mama back in the nest and rehung the box so Dad could find her. (Humanizing, I know.)

Here's my question: There is definitely a House Wren hanging around. I know they will attack BB eggs/nests but can they kill an adult Bluebird?

[threeofhardts]

I just thought of another question. There are also Tree Swallows showing interest in three of my nesting boxes. Can/will they kill an adult Bluebird?

TIA

[JimBob]

Maybe HOSP or European Starlings. I don't think native birds get so mean as to kill an adult bird.

[threeofhardts]

Thanks JimBob. I do have those nasty European Starlings. Can they fit inside a 1½" hole? I almost never see HOSP here but I'm not always looking. Either way, I'm not sure if I want to risk another nest being attacked. Sure wish the female hadn't been killed.

[spyonabird]

A starling cannot get inside the 1 1/2 hole. It was probably a HOSP. grrrrr I have never heard of a Tree Swallow or Wren attacking an adult - but there is always a first time.

[threeofhardts]

Thanks Denise. I've seen the Tree Swallows inspecting every nesting box I have but so far, they haven't started any nests. I have a nesting tube with 9 Black-capped Chickadee eggs that I fear has been abandoned. I've seen no activity from the adults for several days. I had no idea they would lay 9 eggs!

[Kaysei]

That's awful.

[sailormom64]

So sorry to hear that. I know how frustrating it is, those bluebirds are just adorable little birds and to think another bird would attack them for no good reason is upsetting. My husband scolds me and tells me it is just nature taking its course...But I feel attached to the little guys and want them to do well! My bluebirds are in an old stump, the babies are literally stacked on top of each other there is so little room. I was going to take the stump out and put up a nesting box, but I think I will leave the stump because unless you saw the dad feeding them you would never know birds are in there, the opening is so narrow. Good luck with your chickadees. Are you going to put your bluebird box back up? The NABS site says not to let predation problems stop you from putting up your boxes and enjoying bluebirds. But I know if that happened to me I would not want to see that happen again.