I've been consumed w/ getting ready for new carpet (done yesterday!) and am now back. My cleaned-out box is still open until I can safeguard it. Dzyg, I hear what you're saying about the racoons. I had lots when I lived on Cape Cod and in CO; but I'm out a lot at night here and I've never seen a single one - which has surprised me. Also, I went back and looked at the nest and realized it *is* somewhat flattened; what's deceiving is that the egg has gotten pushed down under part of the nesting material which makes it appear deep. Lisa 11310, I did monitor the previous nest. I was initially checking it every 2-3 days, but then I read somewhere that you should only do it once weekly. I didn't check it after day 12 b/c of the danger of causing the chicks to fledge prematurely. Then I waited 9 more days b/c sialis says it can take up to 21 days. Should I have done differently? I've read and studied the info on sialis re predator guards, trying to decide my best course of action. Altho the tack strips would probably work, I agree w/ the person who said they're inhumane. I'd really like to keep the wooden posts if possible; it says the stovepipe baffle works on them. I can get 10" x 2' ducting, is there any reason that wouldn't be effective? Does it make a difference whether what's above the baffle is a wooden post or a metal pole or conduit? I know squirrels can jump quite a distance; could they jump over / around the baffle to the box which is mounted so the entrance hole is at 5'? I've checked the open box for ants and haven't seen any more since putting the vaseline on the post.

tnjoseph....they lay one egg per day until the clutch is complete. Check tomorrow afternoon, you should see another egg. Don't check in the morning as that is typically when they lay eggs. Knock sofly on the box before opening or talk a bit so she knows you are coming if she is in there. Once she is done laying she will start incubating..incubation typically starts the day the last egg is laid. Incubation is normally 12-14 days and then hatching occurs. Typically 14 days is the norm. Once hatched the nestlings are in the box 16-19 days before they fledge. You can look to make sure all is ok but don't open the box after day 13 to prevent premature fledging. Agree with Nicknack...get a spooker up asap! Glad to hear you got so many HOSP..hopefully they don't bother you anymore. Donna

Apparently the incubation phase is over. I see both male & female BB sitting on top of the box together frequently. Alternating hanging onto the openning. The female rarely goes all the way in; I assume it must be very crowded in there! The male appears to be cleaning the nest as I observe particles in his beak as he reaches in and flys away with something white. The eggs that are going to hatch must be done. The female hangs on the front; reaches in; then flys away, I assume, to gather food. I am not sure how many of the second set of seven eyes hatched. I have tried to get a peek but the two birds are very busy and frequently around the box. I have chosen to stay away to not disturb them. It has continued to be a joy to watch them at work. I hope to get an opportunity by the end of the week to observe the number of little birds in the nest. I'll be VERY CAREFUL when I open the box to see. A neighborhood cat has spotted the nest; yesterday I walked out toward the nest and it ran away. I'll keep an eye out for him. I like cats, but, certainly do not want it to harm the BB. Thanks for all the helpful information. BJT in South Carolina

Hi Donna and Congrats on both your 1st-nesters staying and your 2nd nest underway! That's a real sweet photo. :) Our 3rd-nesters should fledge this week-end and we do have fledglings from both previous nests helping to feed them in the box. It's a real treat! If anyone would like to see this, we have posted a video of the whole family feeding the nestlings (see link below) Here is a link that might be useful: Family Feeding Nestlings - Video