I don't know if this will help or not, but I think sometimes they just change their mind and find another box more to their liking. I had BCCH wait for the TRES to leave their box and start jamming nesting material in. Every time the TRES came back they would kick them out, but the BCCH just kept at it for about a week before finally giving up and moving to another box. The BCCH have no chance against the Blues, so I wouldn't worry about it. They will probably just move back to their original box once they figure out they can't have the Blue's box.

What I do each year for the birds in general is brush my thick-coated Golden Retriever and put it in a suet box. Her fur is soooo soft and water repellent too! I hang the 'hair box' under a tree and it's fun to watch some of the smaller birds (like chickadees) pull the fur from the box and fly away. I have a nest box video camera so I've gotten to see how it is used by some birds. I've had bluebirds use the fur over the pine needles in the nest cup instead of grass. Also a nest of chickadees used it on the top of the nest esp. in the nest cup. The cutest thing I saw was a titmouse who used to take the fur from the side of the nest (their nest fills a bluebird box but there is a nest cup which is usu. in one corner similar to chickadees) and when she left, she'd pull the fur like a blanket over the chick. Linda... Here is a link that might be useful: time to brush the dog

thank you Donna I ordered my van ert nestbox trap should be here tomorrow I just hope I can get the male. I have been testing out the 1 1/8 hole reducer on one of the other boxes just too make sure it would keep the hosp out and it did but he is relentless at trying too get it off he's got it all chewed up so I stuck a glove in the hole because the male bcch keeps coming back to the box when hosp leaves so sad! and I don't want him getting killed like the other one, can the bcch still get in the box? and if I keep the hole reducer on all the time will they pass on the box because of the hole size and thats why you don't put it on until they have bonded with box ? I'm letting the hosp nest take shape in hopes too hide the trap in the box any advice on when I do catch him how do I get him out of the box too i.d. and easiest way too dispose of him shale I say? thanks for all your help I am also going too try the van ert urban trap decided neighbors are close and gun would not be the best option they already think I'm NUTS because I mess with these boxes so much don't want too give them further cause ha ha!

I've been away for a while, and now catching on your replies to my posting. I had no idea that I would inspire a debate, but at least it was educational. Here is what I have observed, at least so far. I have a pair of mocking birds nesting not far from the wren nestboxes, in spite of Rachel's warning that I would have no other birds nesting in the vicinity. It is very well hidden in a densely foliated bush. I haven't actually seen it, because I hestiate to pry into the bush for fear of disturbing the nest. But I hear the babies chirping when the parents visit to feed them. I am amused that when the parents see me looking towards the nest they will wait nearby, and as soon I look away, they dart into the bush. But I am looking out of the corner of my eye, or over the top of my glasses. There are no bluebirds in my area, which was a concern to some. But I have chickadees in the neighborhood, and passing through my yard, as well as the wrens. They must be getting along somehow. Currently, all three wren nestboxes are empty, including the one that I emptied of spruce twigs after the wrens filled it up. I am thinking of enlarging the hole of one of the nestboxes to accommodate chickadees, but haven't done so yet. Does any one know how chickadee nesting preferences differ from wren preferences?