Ha ha, Allan. You're telling a joke and probably don't even realize it! Habits are different from bird to bird and from season to season and just when you think you have the particulars pinned down, you don't. I swear sometimes I think the bluebirds all gather somewhere, watch us worry over their nestings, and laugh. Generally, I'd say a bluebird can take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks to build a nest but on average probably a week is a good bet. Much quicker, though, for 2nd and 3rd nestings of the season. Sometimes eggs will appear within days, especially later nestings, but at the beginning of nesting season they often wait literally weeks! I'd say that, again on average, they usually wait a couple of days after nestbuilding is complete before laying the first egg.

Keep in mind that my estimations are based on the experiences with my particular bluebirds and even those vary between each of my trails. In my humble opinion, there isn't any hard and fast rule when it comes to nesting. You'd think that would make us less stressed--it'll happen when it happens, kind of thing--but no, we pace, watch the nestbox, check repeatedly . . . . . .
See, they are laughing at us!
Kathy

Thanks, Kathy- That info helps!! ps- Are you the same gal I talked with last season who as a young girl had a tree swing & hit your house one day?? Love, Al

No Allan that was ME! LOL Can't believe you remembered that! Go back to www.sialis.org for a refresher course and the timetables. As Kathy points out the only thing you can be sure of when it comes to Bluebirds is that you can't be sure of anything! LOL They don't read the books so the timetables are aproximate. Your BEST guide is refering back to the prior years notes. I have 6 years of notes on the calendars. One year I didnt get an egg till Mothers day, 5 years I got an egg on my birthday 4-26 and this year I got one 4-14 way early. Keep good notes this year, come on in with any questions, comments, pics etc. and study the sialis site. We are here for ya!

Hi Lisa!!! I did go to the silas site but didn't get an ans. to those specific Q's. THANKS for the comeback. How could I forget your name & that swing incident----swissssssh-SPLAT!-"Mommmmmmy!!!! Glad you survived1 Love, Al

Last March (2009), it took Mama Bluebird 13 days to build her nest! This year the same female spent maybe 1-1/2 days to build the basic structure then another 2 days to finish the nest cup. Was the 2009 nest her first? I'm guessing it was.

Both years she laid her first egg a day after =I= thought that the nest cup was ready. In other years, I've had BBs wait a day or so.

Bluebird blessings, Linda...NW GA

Thanks for the info Linda- Wow, Nw Ga!. I metal detect Civil War sites in Md & Va. Your area is historic- Ringold Gap, Dalton, Rassica,etc. Cheers, Allan