Lord knows i'm no authority on these plants,but I have many of them.That doesn't look like rot to me!! Mine turn different colors according to how much sun/shade they get. I have some that look like yours and some that have an orangy color on parts of them and they seem perfectly healthy to me. I'm sure someone more knowledgeable than I will be along soon with more answers for you. In the meantime,i'd say don't worry. Kathi

Bet, OK I've been reading your comments and I have some questions. You said: "If they are disturbed during nestbuilding, they often take off.) " This titmouse is obviously not in the norm. I went to the link you gave me and over and over they talk about the titmice not wanting to nest in boxes and how easily they will abandon a box if another bird comes to take it over. You said: "Consider moving bluebird nest to the nearby box or put some fresh moss/fur in box you want titmouse in and then put a hole restrictor on the titmouse box (1 3/8", put it on the inside) so only titmouse (not bluebird) can go in. (Titmice seem to like bigger boxes, boxes hanging from trees, and boxes mounted on tree trunks (if done, need bigger roof and maybe Noel guard after egg laying.)" How will the bluebirds FIND the nest if I move it? Or if If I move the section in the box that is the titmouse's nesting material, how would they find it. Especially since this titmouse is apparently ready to use the pine needles that the bluebird has in the nest. And I have NOT seen either the titmouse or the bluebird even look into the second box (it's got a video cam in it, too). It's going to be a rainy day so maybe both bird families will take a break so I can get some rest!!!

Many thanks for your responses, words of encouragement, sensitivity and understanding...you've been where I am now. It's amazing how this situation has affected me. I worried all night, struggling with making the right decision for me. I had intended to spend the next few days thinking it over, perhaps with a clear head and armed with all the needed info. Again today, attempting to enjoy the morning, Mom and Daddy blue flew to the nestbox...NO HOSPS in sight nor did I hear them. Then WHAM...5 seconds later, two females chased away the little couple. I stood there for a minute, chased the HOSPS away and then it hit me! That's it!!! As painful as it is, I know what needs to be done to keep the blues safe. Kathy, I will order the trap you suggested and I will read and re-read all the info provided in the links, but I do have some questions. Is the trap easy to set up and use? I am very mechanically challenged! How do you keep desirable birds out of the trap? What will happen if HOSPS are still around when nestbuilding time arrives? Will the blues continue to be interested in the box even though the HOSPS have chased them away these past two days? Last Jan. and Feb., activity really accelerated with the blues constantly going in and out of the box. Nestbuilding began on 3/13. Gosh, there is so much to learn..it's pretty overwhelming! I'm thankful I found this forum in Jan. and began to learn about these destructive birds, otherwise, their sudden appearance here wouldn't have concerned me one tiny bit, setting up disaster for sure! Yes, Tammy, I'd like your email address if that's ok..mine is beachgirldwk@comcast.net...anyone is welcome to email me, too. It will remain a mystery how these HOSPS found this neighborhood so suddenly. It is no where near the large stores and fast food restaurants where they hang out. My grocery store is only 2 miles from me, but there are absolutely no birds there at all. Too, I feed the backyard birds only the good stuff. Oh well, since they are here, unfortunately I will have to deal with it. Thanks so much again! I'll continue to need your support and patience, for surely there are many questions to come. Donna

hard to say. I would have said slightly dehydrated, but the leaves do not look droopy. I'm guessing it's just sun scald from being planted in full sun and with large space between plants. Peas prefer semi-shade in my experience as it keeps them a little cooler once june hits. But i have my pea breeding patch in nearly full sun this year, but i have mine all planted very close together so they may in effect help shade each other. Again hard to say or give advice. The picture on the bottom looks like it's just hit it's time and is dying like peas usually do, but the top photo does not look that way. Sorry can't be more help. Perhaps someone else will chime in.