A Crazy Nesting Situation!

16 years ago

The Dees have been checking out a nestbox for the past two weeks or so. This particular box has been occupied by the blues for the 2 seasons, though I did have dees nest last year in another box. Mama and Daddy Blue have been investigating this box as well and they've stepped up their pace.

Yesterday, I discovered nesting material...just a few pieces of pine straw and some moss. I couldn't figure out who was building as I've not seen Mama Blue or a Dee take in material...but those Dees are pretty fast. Finally saw a Dee today take in nesting material while Mama and Daddy Blue were obviously on a brief break. The blues were in and out of this box all afternoon and seem confused. Mama Blue stayed in the box for quite a while, but didn't remove any of the nesting material.

Well, now I'M the one who's confused. The blues are not happy, but they haven't paid any attention to the other box that's vacant and waiting! Of course I'm delighted to have the Dees, but fear the blues will eventually move on somewhere else, since they know this isn't their nest.

Can any of you experts shed some light on this? It seems with every nesting, there is always something new to observe and this is a first for me. BTW, this nest is in the early stage. Thanks!

Donna

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Comments (8)

kendra2003
16 years ago
My guess would be that the Blues will win out over the Chickadees. Last year I had BCCH and TRES trying to build in the same box. They would each bring in their own preferred type of nesting material, and squabble when they caught each other. The Tree Swallows won out, and had a successful nesting. The Chickadees moved to another box. I think your Blues will win out and end up with the box because they're bigger and more aggressive than the Dees. Let us know how this plays out.
bandjzmom
16 years ago
I agree with kendra. If anyone is going to win that battle, my money is on the Blues. Too bad that one of the pairs won't just go and take the other box! Reminds me of my kids a bit!!! Each one wants what the other one has, even when there is a suitable substitute at their fingertips!
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donnalovesblue
Original Author
16 years ago
There doesn't seem to be any squabbling going on now, but maybe I've missed it. I have been watching and Mama Blue has been perched on top of the box all morning. She goes into the box occasionally but appears to be just standing guard! She has not taken any of her own nesting material in the box yet.

I knew that the dees were pretty much low on the totem pole, but I assumed the battle was for housing, before nestbuilding. If the blues win out, I sure hope the dees will choose the other box and start over.

Thanks,
Donna
mulchmamma
16 years ago
Perhaps a Gilbertson PVC box for the dees? My dees have chosen PVC boxes over wooden ones for the past 3 seasons (actually as long as I have been monitoring them). I place the PVC boxes near the forest edge vs the open areas that the blues like.

Actually, even though this is a BB forum, I have a special place in my heart for the dees as I have at least 6 that stay with me year round. They recognize me and don't fly off when I refill the feeders. Even when I monitor their boxes, the mamas fuss at me from a short distance away.
bigmatt
16 years ago
You could try to pair another box with this one.
bluebirdbabe
16 years ago
if it were me...I would put a hole reducer on the box and let the chickadees have it. The blues will use another box. I would LOVE 2 have chickadees nesting in my yard!!!

good luck!!
karen
bet_from_ct
16 years ago
Agree- chickadees almost always lose. Agree with Gilbertson box - preferred by chickadees in my experience.

I love having chickadees nest. Their numbers are down in many parts of the country.

1.25" hole reducer will work for chickadees - I like to put it on the inside of the hole so it looks the same. It will keep the blues from pestering them.

Here is a link that might be useful: Competition - who trumps whom
bbcathy
16 years ago
I agree with Karen. I've had both nesting at once. The Blues will eventually use the other box once they realize they can't fit in the hole.

Cathy

A Crazy Nesting Situation!

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