I'm making this a separate post because there's some new info since my last post. (Duh..why would I post otherwise)

After losing all of the first clutch, mama blue laid 5 eggs. On the 20th I saw that the first chick had hatched. When I checked on Thursday one of the remaining eggs was broken at the top like the baby was hatching. During this time both parents have been very active around the nestbox so I knew something was going on.

I was going to check on the box tomorrow, but my daughter checked today. She said there was one hatchling and only 2 eggs. That means that something happened to two of the eggs. This is starting to sound just like the last time!

I haven't been monitoring as much as I want to because they've been nervous enough with weather problems and the bully birds chasing them away from food. The mockingbirds even try to prevent the Mom from entering the nestbox.

I stopped feeding for a while in the backyard, but would put a few worms out front hoping to draw the birds up there. Doesn't stop them from staying in the back though (we have a big backyard surrounded by lots of trees and shrubs).

No more ants since we started using vaseline below and above the baffle. We have the supplies to change out the base as soon as these fledge.

My husband just finished making a mealworm feeder using directions from organicgardener. BTW - thank you so much. But of course it will take time for them to use it.

If it warms up tomorrow I might check the box again to make sure my daughter saw things correctly. Update to this will follow.

Thanks all.

tara