itrom.......Last year when chickadees took over our fave BB box after so many year of having only BBs in the box there were reclaim fights but the BBs did not win and we never saw any all summer and that was sad. That particular box is the one we can see easily and we love to watch them and take photos. There are two other boxes nearby so I kept asking myself why can't the cute chickadees just use those...lol. BBs have moved into the fave box and I hope there is peace! Good luck and enjoy whatever nests ...or...put up another box and if you do make sure you follow instructions as to how far from the fist one.

Last season, these little cuties nested in one of my bb boxes on the opposite side of the yard where the blues nested. The box was partially under a crepe myrtle branch, but they didn't nest this early. When they began building, the entire tree was green and beginning to bloom. Along with the blues, they are checking out the bb box, but the blues chase them off every time. I'm hoping they nest again this year in their former home! You'll enjoy having them. Donna

I recommend cleaning out the box. It's normal for the male to keep coming back to the house after the nest has been abandoned by the female. The female (or any other female) will not reuse the nest. They will often start over once the nest is cleaned out (although not always right away). Even during the winter, bluebirds will use an empty bluebird house for shelter. So after the summer season, I always make sure my bluebird boxes are cleaned out. Typically, they will not use a box if there is still an old nest in it I have attached one of my favorite winter bluebird pictures to this post. I also just added a video of a bluebird waiting out a snowstorm in my backyard on my web page: BluebirdsPlus

A pair of bluebird has become Interested in and started building in a best box. The male stood guard as the female went out and placed nesting material in the box, but after the first visit the female left for the final time and hasn't returned, the male stood guard for a few hours and now he has left too, he has returned a few times but without the female. Has she abandoned the best box or what?