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.

Thanks Kenn, I don't think the others will hatch either. The one hatchling is doing great. It is being fed and watched over by Mama, Daddy and 4 brothers and sisters from the first nesting. I see them perched on the light line near the box about every day. Mama is feeding it faithfully and it looks like its thriving Don't know If the baby hatched from the 1ST egg or the 4TH either way I will remove them by Tuesday If nothing happens. Are the parents capable of removing unhatched eggs? It has been so hot here! I would hate for the remaining eggs to crack and spill out in the nest.

Thanks for your reply, Kendra. I've been around this forum for 10 or so years and have had only one attempt in a nestbox on my property in all those years. Then all of the sudden this pair shows up much to my delight and produced 9 infertile eggs in two clutches. And that seems very strange that you have experienced this problem this year yourself. I was just informed by my husband that the blues are attempting a third nesting; they are currently building another nest. Fingers crossed.... I will candle these eggs much sooner this time.

Well, I figured out that I can take a pic much more quickly and easily than trying to look down into the nest. I read on Sialis not to use a flash (unfortunately *after* I'd already taken one). Anyway, I definitely have 4 - yay! - altho one is smaller than the others. I didn't realize heat really is an issue until reading Sialis again last night. Fortunately my box is positioned so that it's protected from late afternoon sun; but it's still been unbearably hot. So I followed your suggestion Lexarose (thanx for the idea) and just put some styrofoam on top. I haven't seen a bird go in since, but one sat on the spooker (which is on top of the styrofoam) for quite awhile. Should I watch the nest until I see one go in; or does this sound like they're OK?