Hi Lori, I have been an avid Bluebirder for many many years, and am currently trying earnestly to establish a Purple Martin colony. I really "get" your vent. We know that education is the true key. If we can properly inform people, they may just make the better choice. I live in NW Georgia, and my mother used to tell me that a person can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar! I know you've heard that one. So, on that note, I would sweet talk them into making the right choices! Take along some photos of nests and birds that have been impacted by snakes and cats. Some people need to see it to believe it. Encourage them over to the sialis site where they can get loads of correct info. Explain to them about our different cavity nesting birds, and tell them about the reasons why a person should never place a box that they are not going to police. Appeal to their consciences. That is what I would do. Good luck girl! Let us know how it goes.~~Angie

I am assuming you mean the 24th of March for the end of egg laying?? The 24th of April would mean they would have first hatched last week, they wouldn't have left the nest yet on their own if that was the case. Bluebird eggs take about 14 days to hatch approx depending on when incubation starts. Sometimes it doesn't start right after egg laying is done which would probably be your case if you meant March 24th for egg laying as that timetable is long for fledging today since fledging normally takes place around day 17+ from the day of hatching. Also are you aware you should not open a nestbox after day 13 (from hatching) to prevent premature fledging? As far as the eggs go, if the babies did just fledge today those would be old eggs in the nest that didn't hatch and yes they should be taken out along with the old nest so the Bluebirds can nest again in a clean box. I will attach a link to a site full of information on how to properly offer nestboxes to bluebirds. Good luck, I hope you get a second nesting!! Donna Here is a link that might be useful: Bluebird info....

Thanks Lisa and Janie for the warm welcome back!! Janie, the next time you vacation with fellow bluebirders, count me in if there's room...in fact, it might be really cool to have a BB convention/get-together with forum members...First, I'd love to put a face with a name, and then be able to talk about our beloved blues without anyone being bored!!!! It's difficult to share stories, talk about baffles, mealworms, fledging, etc., with those who really don't care....most of my dear friends had never heard of mealworms and were pretty grossed out with my explanation...LOL!!!

Thanks all for the nice comments. :) For terrene and all the other Bluebird lovers here, we are very happy to report that all 5 of Missy and Mr.B's first brood did fledge successfully on the morning of April 27th. We've posted a video of the happy event here: Birds Blossoms & Butterflies VOL 4 RE: New Photos from Kenn & Temple Posted by: gymell (My Page) on Fri, Apr 30, 10 at 12:39 Nice captures - song sparrow and tufted titmouse are two I'd definitely like to add to my yard list! Post a Follow-Up Your Name: Your Email Address: Subject of Posting: Message: Optional Link URL: Â Â Â Name of the Link: Return to the Bird Watching Forum