Looking for info on protecting bluebird nesting box

[Lillyangel]

About 3 days before the chicks were ready to leave the nest something pulled them out of the nest, killed them, but did not eat them. Some have told me that it must have been other birds that did this. I believe this is true, but would like some info on how to protect the nesting box since there are many types of aggressive birds in my neighborhood. I am very upset about this because I never even knew that bluebirds were songbirds until the mother sang me the most beautiful song I ever heard a bird sing. After the slaughter she came back and sat on the light post across the street for 2 days. I only saw the father briefly one time after the tragedy. I am thinking that maybe I should take down the nesting box (which it just a birdhouse), since I don't know what I am doing and do not care to be an accessory to any more murders of such wonderful creatures. But then I think about how much I would like to help them expand their population.

[Pondboy]

It’s always best to leave nature to take care of things, don’t interfere. Take down the bird houses and don’t feed the birds.

Feeding birds attracts them to one spot and they become prey to the birds that feed on them. In addition, mass gathering of birds increases the spread of diseases from one bird to another. Avian Flu. Don’t worry, the birds won’t go hungry or be at a loss for shelter. They will actually do better without us.

I do feel your pain on the loss of your little feathery friends.

[Two Bills]

Magpies have taken two nests in my garden here in the UK this year.
A blackbirds eggs were taken, and young eaten from a Finch's nest.
I know where the Magpie nests, and it is hard not to drive them off, but I won't.
Every year, half the fledglings seem to make it, but a lot do not.
Nature is as wonderful, as it is cruel.

[VApeople]

We have a bluebird box but the sparrows have taken it over.

A couple years ago, the sparrows were killed and we figured a black snake climbed the pole and got into the birdhouse. Since then we have put a lot of grease around the pole and the sparrows have been safe.

[Happydaz]

Sorry to hear about the death of your bluebird offspring. You can buy various guards that extend the opening or have exposed ends of chicken wire over the opening. This keeps the baby bluebirds safe from raccoons, cats, squirrels , etc. I don’t know about snakes. (The exposed chicken wire ends would do a number on the them, though.) if it was other birds the guards might not help. Check some of the bird house suppliers. For example, Duncraft out of New Hampshire has a number of bluebird houses with different types of guards.

[vintageogauge]

My guess would be a snake also.

[Happydaz]

If it was a bird who killed the bluebird offspring it was probably a house sparrow. There are some ideas on discouraging them, such as cleaning out the birdhouse if they have built a nest after evicting the bluebirds and then move the nesting box to another location. Since these sparrows are not native birds they are not protected, bluebirds are protected. If you have a bird feeder nearby stop using it or relocate it farther away as seed feeders attract house sparrows. You can also purchase wider, slit opening bluebird houses that deter the sparrows who prefer a round hole. You may need a wire mesh guard over the wider opening as animals may have increased access to the babies. If no house sparrow builds a nest after this calamity maybe it was another creature. Usually a house sparrow throws out the bluebirds to build its own nest. Good luck! Keep trying.

[Sherkugawa]

My first guess is the bird house hole might be too large. Bluebirds need a specific type of house. As a modification I have seen wire cages built in front of the access that allows bluebirds in but larger birds out. Sorry for your loss!

QUOTE=Lillyangel;2330273]About 3 days before the chicks were ready to leave the nest something pulled them out of the nest, killed them, but did not eat them. Some have told me that it must have been other birds that did this. I believe this is true, but would like some info on how to protect the nesting box since there are many types of aggressive birds in my neighborhood. I am very upset about this because I never even knew that bluebirds were songbirds until the mother sang me the most beautiful song I ever heard a bird sing. After the slaughter she came back and sat on the light post across the street for 2 days. I only saw the father briefly one time after the tragedy. I am thinking that maybe I should take down the nesting box (which it just a birdhouse), since I don't know what I am doing and do not care to be an accessory to any more murders of such wonderful creatures. But then I think about how much I would like to help them expand their population.[/QUOTE]

[MandoMan]

My first guess is the bird house hole might be too large. Bluebirds need a specific type of house. As a modification I have seen wire cages built in front of the access that allows bluebirds in but larger birds out. Sorry for your loss!

QUOTE=Lillyangel;2330273]About 3 days before the chicks were ready to leave the nest something pulled them out of the nest, killed them, but did not eat them. Some have told me that it must have been other birds that did this. I believe this is true, but would like some info on how to protect the nesting box since there are many types of aggressive birds in my neighborhood. I am very upset about this because I never even knew that bluebirds were songbirds until the mother sang me the most beautiful song I ever heard a bird sing. After the slaughter she came back and sat on the light post across the street for 2 days. I only saw the father briefly one time after the tragedy. I am thinking that maybe I should take down the nesting box (which it just a birdhouse), since I don't know what I am doing and do not care to be an accessory to any more murders of such wonderful creatures. But then I think about how much I would like to help them expand their population.[/QUOTE]

“ For Eastern Bluebirds, you can use a 1½ inch round hole, a 1⅜ x 2¼ inch vertical oval hole, or 1⅛ inch horizontal slot entrance. Western and Mountain Bluebirds prefer a 1 9/16 inch round opening or 1 3/16 inch slot entrance. Where the ranges of the species overlap, use the larger opening.”
Lots of instructions here:
https://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/PDF/NABS%20factsheet%20-%20Nestbox%20Recs.pdf

[virtualcynthia]

Two mourning dove nests were destroyed in our area. We think it was a crow that’s been arround. Do you think the doves will nest in the same place again.

[vintageogauge]

Two mourning dove nests were destroyed in our area. We think it was a crow that’s been arround. Do you think the doves will nest in the same place again.

Doves are a favorite meal for birds of prey.

[Marmaduke]

Magpies have taken two nests in my garden here in the UK this year.
A blackbirds eggs were taken, and young eaten from a Finch's nest.
I know where the Magpie nests, and it is hard not to drive them off, but I won't.
Every year, half the fledglings seem to make it, but a lot do not.
Nature is as wonderful, as it is cruel.
Wonderfully stated! We live on a lake. 6-7 ducklings born every time we look in the Spring. 3 usually make it a month. Eagle and Osprey know Survival of the Fittest.

#1.Wrens are the only birds that fit into the bluebird house hole.
Can't stop it.

#2 Read about how to install a "Proper" Bluebird house or do not do it... take it down.
For instance, not a wood post, because it's easy for snakes to get those eggs. My husband got us a galvanized post for our house and we did NOT put it up near other trees or shrubs.

It's all a beautiful balance of mother nature. It is not murder.

[Two Bills]

Wonderfully stated! We live on a lake. 6-7 ducklings born every time we look in the Spring. 3 usually make it a month. Eagle and Osprey know Survival of the Fittest.

#1.Wrens are the only birds that fit into the bluebird house hole.
Can't stop it.

#2 Read about how to install a "Proper" Bluebird house or do not do it... take it down.
For instance, not a wood post, because it's easy for snakes to get those eggs. My husband got us a galvanized post for our house and we did NOT put it up near other trees or shrubs.

It's all a beautiful balance of mother nature. It is not murder.

When I used to fly fish, I saw large Pike take ducklings from off the water.
It's a hard life for young birds and animals everwhere.
They have every right to be paranoid, that something is out to get them!

[Kennygg]

I had the same problem with house sparrows and I tried all the remedies found on the internet—- nothing worked. A friend of a friend researched the problem and built a blue bird house with a hole covered with plexiglass on the top of the house. Blue birds like the sun light coming in but sparrows don’t. Problem solved. Had blue bird babies and they all lived and flew away. Good luck.

[annecobb]

I agree. I watched how many of the flying birds and bats were getting a heat stroked and put out a birdbath. On the first day peering out the blinds, I watched in horror a hawk swoop down, grab, and devour a little bird which moved and chirped during the entire ordeal. I went out and pulled the birdbath out of the ground and tossed it. I see neighbors 2 down with an active bird feeder and the hawks waiting on the roof for their next meal. You really cant tell folks about the bird feeders, its too sensitive. I admire the woman asking about this.

[birdawg]

Two mourning dove nests were destroyed in our area. We think it was a crow that’s been arround. Do you think the doves will nest in the same place again. the ravens bring baby birds to our bird bath and eat them in the water.

[jimjamuser]

My guess would be a snake also.
I think that a snake would have EATEN them. That makes me think that it was a bird like maybe a starling which kills to lessen the competition.

[jimjamuser]

Wonderfully stated! We live on a lake. 6-7 ducklings born every time we look in the Spring. 3 usually make it a month. Eagle and Osprey know Survival of the Fittest.

#1.Wrens are the only birds that fit into the bluebird house hole.
Can't stop it.

#2 Read about how to install a "Proper" Bluebird house or do not do it... take it down.
For instance, not a wood post, because it's easy for snakes to get those eggs. My husband got us a galvanized post for our house and we did NOT put it up near other trees or shrubs.

It's all a beautiful balance of mother nature. It is not murder.
I would think that a galvanized post is a great idea.

[Lillyangel]

It’s always best to leave nature to take care of things, don’t interfere. Take down the bird houses and don’t feed the birds.

Feeding birds attracts them to one spot and they become prey to the birds that feed on them. In addition, mass gathering of birds increases the spread of diseases from one bird to another. Avian Flu. Don’t worry, the birds won’t go hungry or be at a loss for shelter. They will actually do better without us.

I do feel your pain on the loss of your little feathery friends. I do not feed birds or any other wildlife. They were great parents

[Lillyangel]

If it was a bird who killed the bluebird offspring it was probably a house sparrow. There are some ideas on discouraging them, such as cleaning out the birdhouse if they have built a nest after evicting the bluebirds and then move the nesting box to another location. Since these sparrows are not native birds they are not protected, bluebirds are protected. If you have a bird feeder nearby stop using it or relocate it farther away as seed feeders attract house sparrows. You can also purchase wider, slit opening bluebird houses that deter the sparrows who prefer a round hole. You may need a wire mesh guard over the wider opening as animals may have increased access to the babies. If no house sparrow builds a nest after this calamity maybe it was another creature. Usually a house sparrow throws out the bluebirds to build its own nest. Good luck! Keep trying. I see mocking birds fighting huge raven type birds and other birds all the time. I also saw the bluebird parents fighting them off once, I thought nothing of it at the time. I am usually not a birder and don't put seed out for them. They nested in a decorative raccoon on our light post. I knew it had a hole with a nesting area, but never thought a bird would choose it. Now that I have experienced this tragedy with these sweet songbirds who sang me beautiful songs, I have changed.

[Lillyangel]

“ For Eastern Bluebirds, you can use a 1½ inch round hole, a 1⅜ x 2¼ inch vertical oval hole, or 1⅛ inch horizontal slot entrance. Western and Mountain Bluebirds prefer a 1 9/16 inch round opening or 1 3/16 inch slot entrance. Where the ranges of the species overlap, use the larger opening.”
Lots of instructions here:
https://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/PDF/NABS%20factsheet%20-%20Nestbox%20Recs.pdf[/QUOTE] Thanks so much

[Topspinmo]

It’s always best to leave nature to take care of things, don’t interfere. Take down the bird houses and don’t feed the birds.

Feeding birds attracts them to one spot and they become prey to the birds that feed on them. In addition, mass gathering of birds increases the spread of diseases from one bird to another. Avian Flu. Don’t worry, the birds won’t go hungry or be at a loss for shelter. They will actually do better without us.

I do feel your pain on the loss of your little feathery friends.

I take it you’re not member of blue bird society.

[Topspinmo]

About 3 days before the chicks were ready to leave the nest something pulled them out of the nest, killed them, but did not eat them. Some have told me that it must have been other birds that did this. I believe this is true, but would like some info on how to protect the nesting box since there are many types of aggressive birds in my neighborhood. I am very upset about this because I never even knew that bluebirds were songbirds until the mother sang me the most beautiful song I ever heard a bird sing. After the slaughter she came back and sat on the light post across the street for 2 days. I only saw the father briefly one time after the tragedy. I am thinking that maybe I should take down the nesting box (which it just a birdhouse), since I don't know what I am doing and do not care to be an accessory to any more murders of such wonderful creatures. But then I think about how much I would like to help them expand their population.


NestWatch | Predator Guards Carry Their Weight - NestWatch (https://nestwatch.org/connect/blog/predator-guards-carry-their-weight/)

I put out over 50 bluebird boxes in 5 states. Got 4 up here in Florida, one in my back yard. You will have to put guard on entry hole if something plucked them out. Unless you seen something doing this they may of died and parents pulled them out? If put wooden guard make it at least 1 inch thick (this will limit reach and head size of anything reaching in) and slightly bigger than entry hole due to thickness of entry once modified.

I also had 60 pairs Martin colony in okieland. I can tell in okieland Purple martins are hard to get colony started and twice as hard to keep it going.

[Topspinmo]

I see mocking birds fighting huge raven type birds and other birds all the time. I also saw the bluebird parents fighting them off once, I thought nothing of it at the time. I am usually not a birder and don't put seed out for them. They nested in a decorative raccoon on our light post. I knew it had a hole with a nesting area, but never thought a bird would choose it. Now that I have experienced this tragedy with these sweet songbirds who sang me beautiful songs, I have changed.

The problem with the decorative bird house they really are made to specific bird. Which means the the nest too close to hole where predators can reach in easily. Look of dimensions of bluebird box plans and see if it meet bluebird box criteria? IMO they safer in nesting box and out in tree somewhere. I had cardinals nesting in bush out back rarely did they make to fledge. About anything can go in or up bush to get them.

[Topspinmo]

I would think that a galvanized post is a great idea.

Not really snakes can sliver right up galvanized pole, even PVC pipe if not 4” diameter slick or greased. Bird netting only sure fire way to stop snakes.

[Peggymarie]

About 3 days before the chicks were ready to leave the nest something pulled them out of the nest, killed them, but did not eat them. Some have told me that it must have been other birds that did this. I believe this is true, but would like some info on how to protect the nesting box since there are many types of aggressive birds in my neighborhood. I am very upset about this because I never even knew that bluebirds were songbirds until the mother sang me the most beautiful song I ever heard a bird sing. After the slaughter she came back and sat on the light post across the street for 2 days. I only saw the father briefly one time after the tragedy. I am thinking that maybe I should take down the nesting box (which it just a birdhouse), since I don't know what I am doing and do not care to be an accessory to any more murders of such wonderful creatures. But then I think about how much I would like to help them expand their population.
So sorry - I know how heart breaking this is. I have a Bluebird nesting box in the back of our house. I enjoyed watching it from my Lanai. Last year they were successful with 5 fledglings the first time. Then momma Bluebird layed another 5 eggs and we watched again, but the male started flying into our windows daily not sure if it was just a territorial thing or for some other reason. Then the morning that I expected the eggs were due to hatch, I went out to look in the box and all the eggs were gone. The momma came back looked in and then left, the same with the daddy. They never came back again. I suspect it was a snake, since there was no trace of any of the eggs. The hole is too small for other birds, racoons, etc. The Bluebirds have not used the nesting box this year.

[Two Bills]

So sorry - I know how heart breaking this is. I have a Bluebird nesting box in the back of our house. I enjoyed watching it from my Lanai. Last year they were successful with 5 fledglings the first time. Then momma Bluebird layed another 5 eggs and we watched again, but the male started flying into our windows daily not sure if it was just a territorial thing or for some other reason. Then the morning that I expected the eggs were due to hatch, I went out to look in the box and all the eggs were gone. The momma came back looked in and then left, the same with the daddy. They never came back again. I suspect it was a snake, since there was no trace of any of the eggs. The hole is too small for other birds, racoons, etc. The Bluebirds have not used the nesting box this year.

Many males attack their reflection in windows.
We had a Robin who had terrible rows with himself at our patio windows.
Pigeons often crash into them on sunny days with blue sky reflections.
I have walked into the darned things myself on several occasions thinking the door is open!:shrug:

[Michael G.]

This is what you need.
I made my own.

The trouble with baby bluebirds disappearing is crows/black birds with narrows heads and long beaks.
It took me 2 hatches of bluebirds to figure this out then made my own guard.
With a guard those larger birds can't get close enough in inside to destroy the eggs/baby birds.

And don't believe the crap above about not feeding the bluebirds.
Enjoy watching the birds with meal worms close to your house and enjoy their song.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=bluebird+house+guards&crid=PFOVJ4FCA9X1&sprefix=bluebird+house+guards%2Caps%2C118&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_21

[Pondboy]

I take it you’re not member of blue bird society.



No, former Park Ranger that appreciates nature in its pure form.

I guess no one ever heard the phrase…”Don’t feed the animals”.

At the least, I hope there not feeding them crap food like bread and crackers, full of artificial ingredients and preservatives. Ugh ! We shouldn’t even be eating that, let alone the birds.

[Topspinmo]

No, former Park Ranger that appreciates nature in its pure form.

I guess no one ever heard the phrase…”Don’t feed the animals”.

At the least, I hope there not feeding them crap food like bread and crackers, full of artificial ingredients and preservatives. Ugh ! We shouldn’t even be eating that, let alone the birds.


Birds are not animals…..:read:

[Happydaz]

No, former Park Ranger that appreciates nature in its pure form.

Unfortunately people got starlings and house sparrows from Europe and let them go in the 1800’s in New York and San Francisco. They multiplied rapidly at the expense of our native birds like bluebirds. The effect between 1920 to 1950 was a 90% reduction in the population of bluebirds. Due to thousands of people putting up bluebird boxes the bluebird numbers came back up. The attention to providing bluebird boxes has been critical to their survival due to house finches and other competitors.

[Brasshog]

About 3 days before the chicks were ready to leave the nest something pulled them out of the nest, killed them, but did not eat them. Some have told me that it must have been other birds that did this. I believe this is true, but would like some info on how to protect the nesting box since there are many types of aggressive birds in my neighborhood. I am very upset about this because I never even knew that bluebirds were songbirds until the mother sang me the most beautiful song I ever heard a bird sing. After the slaughter she came back and sat on the light post across the street for 2 days. I only saw the father briefly one time after the tragedy. I am thinking that maybe I should take down the nesting box (which it just a birdhouse), since I don't know what I am doing and do not care to be an accessory to any more murders of such wonderful creatures. But then I think about how much I would like to help them expand their population.
You need to build a Bluebird house style named the Petersen. Bluebird houses should be more than a 100 yards from a tree. Wrens are their worst enemy. I recently bought a home in TV and have been building Bluebird nest trails for years. If you would like more help please reach out to me.

[merrymini]

Unfortunately people got starlings and house sparrows from Europe and let them go in the 1800’s in New York and San Francisco. They multiplied rapidly at the expense of our native birds like bluebirds. The effect between 1920 to 1950 was a 90% reduction in the population of bluebirds. Due to thousands of people putting up bluebird boxes the bluebird numbers came back up. The attention to providing bluebird boxes has been critical to their survival due to house finches and other competitors.

this is right on, thank you.

[Topspinmo]

Unfortunately people got starlings and house sparrows from Europe and let them go in the 1800’s in New York and San Francisco. They multiplied rapidly at the expense of our native birds like bluebirds. The effect between 1920 to 1950 was a 90% reduction in the population of bluebirds. Due to thousands of people putting up bluebird boxes the bluebird numbers came back up. The attention to providing bluebird boxes has been critical to their survival due to house finches and other competitors.


Starlings are also reaching havoc on red headed woodpeckers taking over their cavities. Luckily in may area no house sparrows or starlings.

[simplesimonsaid]

Starlings are also reaching havoc on red headed woodpeckers taking over their cavities.

That has to be very painful.:icon_wink:

[Lillyangel]

NestWatch | Predator Guards Carry Their Weight - NestWatch (https://nestwatch.org/connect/blog/predator-guards-carry-their-weight/)

I put out over 50 bluebird boxes in 5 states. Got 4 up here in Florida, one in my back yard. You will have to put guard on entry hole if something plucked them out. Unless you seen something doing this they may of died and parents pulled them out? If put wooden guard make it at least 1 inch thick (this will limit reach and head size of anything reaching in) and slightly bigger than entry hole due to thickness of entry once modified.

I also had 60 pairs Martin colony in okieland. I can tell in okieland Purple martins are hard to get colony started and twice as hard to keep it going. Thank you so much

[Lillyangel]

You need to build a Bluebird house style named the Petersen. Bluebird houses should be more than a 100 yards from a tree. Wrens are their worst enemy. I recently bought a home in TV and have been building Bluebird nest trails for years. If you would like more help please reach out to me. Thank you, I think I can do this from some info others have posted on here. Are you in Hawkins?

[Lillyangel]

“ For Eastern Bluebirds, you can use a 1½ inch round hole, a 1⅜ x 2¼ inch vertical oval hole, or 1⅛ inch horizontal slot entrance. Western and Mountain Bluebirds prefer a 1 9/16 inch round opening or 1 3/16 inch slot entrance. Where the ranges of the species overlap, use the larger opening.”
Lots of instructions here:
https://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/PDF/NABS%20factsheet%20-%20Nestbox%20Recs.pdf[/QUOTE] Thank you!

[Lillyangel]

“ For Eastern Bluebirds, you can use a 1½ inch round hole, a 1⅜ x 2¼ inch vertical oval hole, or 1⅛ inch horizontal slot entrance. Western and Mountain Bluebirds prefer a 1 9/16 inch round opening or 1 3/16 inch slot entrance. Where the ranges of the species overlap, use the larger opening.”
Lots of instructions here:
https://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/PDF/NABS%20factsheet%20-%20Nestbox%20Recs.pdf[/QUOTE] Thank you!!

[Lillyangel]

Sorry to hear about the death of your bluebird offspring. You can buy various guards that extend the opening or have exposed ends of chicken wire over the opening. This keeps the baby bluebirds safe from raccoons, cats, squirrels , etc. I don’t know about snakes. (The exposed chicken wire ends would do a number on the them, though.) if it was other birds the guards might not help. Check some of the bird house suppliers. For example, Duncraft out of New Hampshire has a number of bluebird houses with different types of guards. Thank you!

[Lillyangel]

If it was a bird who killed the bluebird offspring it was probably a house sparrow. There are some ideas on discouraging them, such as cleaning out the birdhouse if they have built a nest after evicting the bluebirds and then move the nesting box to another location. Since these sparrows are not native birds they are not protected, bluebirds are protected. If you have a bird feeder nearby stop using it or relocate it farther away as seed feeders attract house sparrows. You can also purchase wider, slit opening bluebird houses that deter the sparrows who prefer a round hole. You may need a wire mesh guard over the wider opening as animals may have increased access to the babies. If no house sparrow builds a nest after this calamity maybe it was another creature. Usually a house sparrow throws out the bluebirds to build its own nest. Good luck! Keep trying. Thank you!

[Lillyangel]

My first guess is the bird house hole might be too large. Bluebirds need a specific type of house. As a modification I have seen wire cages built in front of the access that allows bluebirds in but larger birds out. Sorry for your loss!

QUOTE=Lillyangel;2330273]About 3 days before the chicks were ready to leave the nest something pulled them out of the nest, killed them, but did not eat them. Some have told me that it must have been other birds that did this. I believe this is true, but would like some info on how to protect the nesting box since there are many types of aggressive birds in my neighborhood. I am very upset about this because I never even knew that bluebirds were songbirds until the mother sang me the most beautiful song I ever heard a bird sing. After the slaughter she came back and sat on the light post across the street for 2 days. I only saw the father briefly one time after the tragedy. I am thinking that maybe I should take down the nesting box (which it just a birdhouse), since I don't know what I am doing and do not care to be an accessory to any more murders of such wonderful creatures. But then I think about how much I would like to help them expand their population.[/QUOTE] Thank you!

[wisbad1]

Magpies have taken two nests in my garden here in the UK this year.
A blackbirds eggs were taken, and young eaten from a Finch's nest.
I know where the Magpie nests, and it is hard not to drive them off, but I won't.
Every year, half the fledglings seem to make it, but a lot do not.
Nature is as wonderful, as it is cruel.
You live in the UK ? Why are you on this page?

[Two Bills]

You live in the UK ? Why are you on this page?

I am waiting for a place in a top hotel, so I can become an illegal immigrant.
In the meantime, I learn as much about the American way of life as I can from these pages.
It’s also a public website. :shrug:

[Topspinmo]

That has to be very painful.:icon_wink:

Not cavity you’re thinking of :beer3: Yes very painful for native birds, don’t believe me Utube it.

[Topspinmo]

I am waiting for a place in a top hotel, so I can become an illegal immigrant.
In the meantime, I learn as much about the American way of life as I can from these pages.
It’s also a public website. :shrug:

Tumbling down hill like snowball to…..


The future don’t look good? Leonard Cohen “ The Future”