Hi. It is Rebecca in N Ga. We had a very long winter here this year. My BBs were over a month late nest building this time. . However, today, May 2nd things are finally going smooth. I have 4 babies finally hatched this past Thursday. I do not know why it is such a strange year for all of us BBirders. Keep us posted!

We had a milder than usual winter in Michigan and my nesting is nearly 2 weeks ahead of the normal schedule. I expect babies hatching today.

Weird, this is like backwards year. I'm up in MA and I already have 9 day old baby Blues.

I share your disappointment. I have cameras in my boxes and have always enjoyed watching the Blues. This year they checked out the boxes many times but decided to nest elsewhere. I'm not sure why. We can offer them food and homes but they don't always stay. It is very disappointing, though.

Where are you located Judy? Yes, I have cameras also, and worms all ready. What is really strange is that I have not even seen any bluebirds at all. The thing I miss most is that with the camera hooked up, I can always hear what is going on in the nest. Even when I'm in another room in the house, I can hear mom and dad going in and out with food and the babies chirping like crazy. I really miss that. And I miss seeing mom all curled up with the babies to sleep at the end of the day.

It is awful to be without Blues, but even if you missed out on a first nesting with last year's pair, you should still have plenty of time to draw some in. Have you tried attaching a piece of Blue fabric to the box to try to lure them in? It will make it more noticeable and make it easier for some Bluebird to find your box.

I'm located in NC. The Blues have checked out the box numerous times but so far haven't chosen it for their nest. There is still time for at least one, possibly two, more nestings so I'm not giving up hope yet. Just miss them so far. And yes, I know what you mean about hearing them. I have gotten very used to having all those bird sounds in my house that I think that's why you & I are missing them so much. For a little sound, though, I have had a Downy Woodpecker that roosts in one of my boxes at night. It's not the box that the Blues usually choose so he has it all to himself. :) Let's hope good luck comes our way and we have takers on our boxes and worms soon.

Geebee,
Check out the inside of your box to see if there are any wasp nests or hornets in the box.That will surely drive the blues away.We too went for one year without any blues after having them for 6 yrs.I don't know the reason.Is it possible that you have sparrows in the yard? Try setting a trap.
michelle