5 replies to this topic

[barbrich54]

I was all excited that the bluebirds were building a nest in our bluebird house. On June 4, they were putting straw in the nest. That was 2 weeks ago and I haven't seen them since. I just checked the nest and the box is half full or nice, neat straw. What could have happened? There are sparrows farther down the fence at their house and I have seen them sitting on the bluebird house also. Could they have run the bluebirds off? Is there any chance the bluebirds will return?

[fisherman1313]

It is possable that the sparrows (I assume you mean House Sparrows) could have driven off the bluebirds. Of course I would think that if the sparrows did run off the bluebirds than the sparrows would have taken over the nest. Another explanation may be that a predator disturbed the bluebirds during the night. In either case, if the bluebirds started nest building and then abandonned the nest I don't think they are likely to return. Perhaps another pair will move in.

[barbrich54]

There's a bluebird checking out the house this morning. Should I clean out the straw in there or just leave it be. I am so excited that the bluebird is back! I don't know if this is one of the same birds or not.

[fisherman1313]

Since the nest was not used, I'd just leave it. It should be OK and if you clean it out you may disturb the birds that are checking it out and cause them to look somewhere else. Even a very small disturbance, as you probably arleady know, can cause a bird to move on. I was at my sister's house a few months ago when a pair of cickadees came to inspect the bird house my brother-in-law (Neil, a non-birder) hung on the fence when they moved in. Neil was very excited because they have lived there for 15 years and these were the first birds that ever showed any interest in the bird house. Several of us were in the yard watching the birds while they were conducting their inspection with Neil and his dad taking pics, Neil got too close and the birds flew off and never returned.

[barbrich54]

I guess that means I had better keep a very low profile then when I am out watching the birds. :-) Thank you for the help. I will not touch that birdhouse!

[fisherman1313]

I don't know if would be neccessary to "keep a very low profile". My brother-in-law walked up to within five feet of the box while the female chickadee was clinging to the inside, peering out through the hole.