skip to main content

It's Not Looking Good!

16 years ago

I had a couple who had been checking out the nest box pretty frequently up until about 10 days ago. Then, the male started to show up without the female. He would sit on top of the box for a few minutes, then fly away and I haven't seen him in a few days. I fear something has happened to her or she found a new mate and has chosen other housing.

In '08, nest building began on 3/11 and last season on 3/16, so there should be lots of activity at this point.

Is there a chance the male will seek out a new mate? And could weather be a factor? We've had unusually cold weather for our area (MS).

Hoping to hear some words of encouragment!!!!!! Thanks.

Donna

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

lisa11310
16 years ago
Donna, it is common here. They look like they are getting ready to start building then they disappear. I have had a female switch mates in between nestings. That male picked up another female and went on with his business. You may have a young female that cant make up her mind! LOL Im sure your guy will have a lady in no time. Keep an eye out for another male and fighting over the box, if the female liked the box she may bring her new male. In the end everybody will find a mate and a nesting site. *My* Blues wont even get here for another few weeks. I can't even order worms yet, they would freeze.
griffin_MD
16 years ago
Donna, this year's winter has been anything but typical at least for the mid-Atlantic region. Our weather has been so ridiculous with regard to snow cover . . . here we are a day away from March 1st and there's still snow everywhere. I would definitely not worry about what spring will bring. I think the birds are having to adjust to the changes as well and this spring may not progress as they have the last few years--it might start later, etc. Definitely don't give up. You know how determined our bluebirds are and also how stubborn the house sparrows can be. I have one hosp that already seems to have claimed one of the 4 nestboxes here at the house and I can't get to him because the yard still has about a foot of snow. So I'll just have to tolerate his cheeping and let him get good and comfortable. Then, when I can finally get to the nestbox, I'll do what needs to be done. We are all going to get a lesson in patience this year, I think. Chin up.
Kathy
Related Discussions
crown rot ?
Q
Comments (3)
My roots don't look like they are rotten, just nothing but what looks like strings. there seems to be no roots except at the top where the main plant comes out of the pot.It is in moss which looks old to me. should I replace it with more moss or can I use the orchid mix its Schultz orchid mix? it has western fir bark and horticultural charcoal. should I use some superthrive or just replant and do nothing else?
...See More
It's not looking so good, does this plant need help?
Q
Comments (2)
I have heard of people wrapping cuttings in newspaper for the winter and starting them in the spring with no problems. It is hard to kill a brug cutting if it is from the woody part of the plant. Just put it in a pot of slightly damp soil and store it in a cool dark place and give it a small amount of water each month. In the spring, with a little light and regular water, it will take off like a champ Bill
...See More
Frigidaire dual fuel slide-in range: anyone have it?
Q
Comments (1)
egganddart49-I was actually going to get the all gas version until my husband and I actually saw it in person. He did not like the grates at all, he thought they were kind of cheap looking. He also did not like the knobs, same reason. After looking at it closer and stumbling on the GE Cafe', I realized he was right. But, on a brighter note, any reviews that I did happen to find (not many)on that stove were positive, a good stove for the money. I never read anything negative about it. So now my quest is on for either the GE Cafe, Jenn air pro or after reading some threads here American Range (if the price is right).
...See More
It's not looking good..Keep your fingers crossed for me will you?(((
Q
Comments (25)
You know, It did survive after all that!..lol It's out back right up against my house in full sun that has yet to come in.. I forgot about what that poor tree went through..I pulled it in last night because temps were dropping it no the 20's, so perfect timing to take pics.. By the way, my Dad thought I was using that gallon bottle as a water bottle..He did;t even smell the vinegar as he was pouring it.lol I sure did when I got home and I didn't realize he did that until it started to just crash! Let me go and take pics, I'll be right back. Ok, here it is...The leaves did come back after I cut all the daed branches off...They came back small and some now bigger, the lower part, but I have had this one in as much sun as possible to get it back to health fast since then fertilizing the heck out of it. It was sitting at work in ALL DAY sun all winter last year, and then I took it home and stuck it in the most sunniest spot here at my house..It is still playing catch up after all this time since it still has yet to produce flowers and fruit, but it's alive..That's all that matter for now!! Thanks for asking everyone..Wow Notice the higher leaves smaller and tighter together? That a is what FULL sun all winter until now will do..The lower branches leaves are bigger because they got less sunshine... The huge chunk of branches I had to cut off..(
...See More
lisa11310
16 years ago
Really wierd, we had a much milder winter here this year. HHUUUMMM I know for the last 6 years I have always had a birthday egg laid 4-26, not always the first egg but usually. It's semi cold and snowy but not terrible, it's melting. I cant believe my Blues are due to arrive in 3 weeks. SPRING IS COMMING AND SOON!
bet_from_ct
16 years ago
Sounds like someone has ants in her pants :-)! They know when the time is right.

Here is a link that might be useful: first egg listing, by state, from Nestwatch data
lcmoore99
16 years ago
Hello dear 'blue' friends,

I've finally come out of hibernation. It's be a hard winter for various reasons.

Last year, 'my' first egg was April 1st because it took Mama Blue 13 days to make the nest! She's back...it's easy to identify her because her beak is turned down at the end. She and 2 males have been here all winter. I think one is Daddy Blue from last year and maybe one of the kids. I've seen flashes of blue elsewhere in the neighborhood. Starting a few days ago, Daddy and Mama have spent a long time on top of the box with Daddy doing the 'wing thing'. They've been in and out of the box, too.

Here's hoping we have a better season. Mama and Daddy only had one brood where only 2 chicks survived. I know they had a brood of 4 or 5 nearby but I think that was it for them.

I don't know if I'll be doing my blog this year but I'm thinking about starting a Fb page for the 'inside the box' videos. It's just easier, for one thing. I also have an outdoor camera this year so I'm hoping for lots of good pics and videos.

Bluebird blessings, Linda, NW Ga...

Here is a link that might be useful: Welcome...Live Long & Prosper!
lcmoore99
16 years ago
Whoops, sorry about that. Try this!
Linda...

Here is a link that might be useful: Live Long and Propser!

Related Stories

LANDSCAPE DESIGN How to Look Good From Any Angle (the Garden Edition)

Does your garden pique interest from one vista but fall flat from another? These tips and case-study landscapes can help

NATIVE PLANTS 5 Ways to Keep Your Native Plant Garden Looking Good All Year

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

It’s all about planning ahead, using sustainable practices and accepting plants as living organisms

FURNITURE How to Keep Your Upholstery Looking Good

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

You wouldn't expect your car to maintain itself. Show your sofa and chairs the same courtesy with this 3-part strategy

MORE ROOMS Home Tech: Speakers Matter (and Can Look Good, Too)

By Laura Heller

See why high style and high fidelity needn't be mutually exclusive

CLOSETS How to Store Your Clothes to Keep Them Looking Good Longer

By Laura Gaskill

Here’s what clothes to fold, what to hang and how to stash your off-season stuff

KIDS’ SPACES How to Create a Play Area That Looks Good Too

By Laura Gaskill

Learn 10 ways to give your kids' playspace some style without sacrificing any of the fun

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: Seats That Look Good Everywhere

Versatile chairs and stools in every style that move where you want them to

0

KITCHEN DESIGN The Cooking Hearth Never Looked So Good

By Jason Ball Interior Design

Today's Range Hoods Have High Style to Match Their Function

UNIVERSAL DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Good Looking and Accessible to All

By Jeannie Matteucci

Universal design features and sustainable products create a beautiful, user-friendly kitchen that works for a homeowner on wheels

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Good Fences, Good Neighbors — and Good Views

By Carol Crotta

See-through vertical fencing connects a yard with its surroundings while keeping children and pets safely inside

Sponsored