Plug up the hole on the post and put up a proper box for them! :) www.sialis.org will explain how. Good Luck!

I too think you should block them from that hole in the fence. There must be something you could stick in there to make it less attractive to them. Perhaps stick a piece of wood into the hole? Then put up a proper box. It sounds like you're located in a great area for them.

I agree with lisa and kendra. Plug up that bad hole, and give them a proper nestbox!~Angie

Plugging up the hole sounds logical enough. Here's the rest of the story: Across the lane on OUR property we do have a bluebird box, probably about 20 feet from this post. The hole on this box seems a little small though, and some chickadees have built a nest in there. Should I put up the new box right by the post or further away to get away from the bluebird/chickadee box already there? Hope ya'll understood this and thanks for your help!

Some people pair boxes for different species of birds. I have paired boxes about 25-30 feet away from each other and Bluebirds use one, and the Tree Swallows use the other, without any problems or fighting between them.

Hmmmmmm..good question deanie, and I don't know that anyone has a definite "right" answer, as we never know what the birds will actually do. Mine surprise me all the time! Right now, I have a Mockingbird nest, a Chickadee nest, and a Bluebird nest, all within 50 feet of each other. Like kendra said, I have seen them nest within close proximity of each other peaceably, and then again.... Is there another wooden post that is any further from your current Bluebird box? I would separate them as much as possible, and then hope for the best. JMHO~~Angie :o)

Thanks so much -- I think I'll put the new box up by a post a little farther down from the original but still on our property and see what happens. I love all the drama of spring nesting season!

I love the drama too deanie! Isn't it so much fun to watch? It's the very best time of the year. I tell my boys that there is a very entertaining soap opera going on out there in the yard. You just have to know what to watch for! My Mocker pair is doing their mating dance out in the yard. Their nest is almost done, and they have both worked so hard on it. The Mourning Dove males are chasing the poor females relentlessly. They are some randy birds. The male Robins are staunchly planting feet and defending their territory. The Chickadee pairs are flitting about the trees together, and they are the first birds I hear each morning when I go out. I have 8 Giant Arborvitae (really huge) in my back yard, and the Robins, Doves, and Cardinals adore nesting in them. Problem with that is that those things really move in the wind, and nests that are not built well or not in a good spot will come tumbling out. I have to make regular rounds around those trees to check for fallen nests and baby birds. I have often found nests and babies, and have had some success with good outcomes in spite of the nesting disruptions. Gotta love nesting season!!!

Thanks for the tip about the Arborvitae, because I have some too. A couple days ago I looked out my bathroom window early in the morning and there were 2 doves I swear kissing. I am thrilled that I also have Downy pair and a goldfinch pair, though I haven't figured out where anyone's nest is.

Back in the old days I wonder if the people had time to watch birds like this.