Fierce winds caused rain soaked nest with two eggs

11 years ago

First time blue birder. I'd just decided they weren't going to use the nest, then on a check this a.m. 2 eggs.

Our low temp will probably be high 50s low /mid 60s. Unusually cool for us, but lots of rain the last three days (yippee).

Will the cool with the dampness be harmful to the eggs/embryos?

TIA. Sheila

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

lisa11310
11 years ago
I think they will be fine as there will be plenty of time for it to dry before they hatch, I would not suggest doing a nest change at this point and see if Mom lays another tomorrow. Was this unusual weather or do you need to seal leaks in the box?
Sheila
Original Author
11 years ago
VERY unusual weather. I live in SW Texas. Last week were already having hi temps over 90*,lows in the 70s. When DH built the box, I wasn't concerned about the box not being 'tight'.
Related Discussions
Rain, Rain, Rain!
Q
Comments (8)
Wonderful rain. 6.5 inches over two or three days. We had been so far under normal rainfall totals, it is a great blessing for us to get that much rain. We were so dry that the ground handled that amount of rain without becoming overly soggly or flooding in our area. Finally my plants, trees, and shrubs should actually grow instead of just stay alive like happens when I water with city water during non rain events.
...See More
Very small black eggs?
Q
Comments (67)
I stumbled upon this post a few weeks back because I too was really puzzled by the appearance of these tiny black dots sprinkled all over my wall paper, monstera plant, the curtains, and my bedding. They looked like poppy seeds but attached/stuck to the plant, wallpaper, and the fabric. After carefully scraping them off with my fingernail and vacuuming the curtains, I would be astonished to find a new set of dots peppering the same wall all over again a few hours later. I got a bit obsessive over the next couple of days as this really bothered/disgusted me (the plant is right next to my bed/pillow), but eventually I found the culprit (actually on several occasions). It turned out to be a moth, or at least that's what I figured once I saw it. When I researched the internet trying to figure out what these dots/seeds/eggs could be, I passed on the idea of it being moth eggs because in all the photos the eggs were neatly arranged close together, but mine were spread all over the place about 10-50 cms apart 1 egg at a time. During the day, I typically open the windows to air out, sometimes only a bit, so I guess moths must find their way inside the house and then hide themselves very well. I found one hidden in the folds of the curtain. I found a second moth a few days later again in the very corner of the room hidden by the folds of the curtain. I think these suckers are just very good at hiding & camouflaging because my husband and I were carefully screening the folds and looking all over and didn't notice any the previous days. I even watered the plant daily to ensure there weren't any moths or other culprits hiding in there. Unfortunately I continue to periodically find these black pin-sized heads on the same wall and curtain, but I'm less freaked out about it now that I know what it is and much more thorough at looking for the culprits. My advice is to make sure you close the windows and really check all the cracks since they're very good at hiding.
...See More
NH Eastern Bluebirds Nesting in March
Q
Comments (13)
My bluebirds have been building a nest since early - mid week last week and look about finished, here in N.E. Ohio The latest weather I just saw, after 3 straight 80 degree days, says we are gonna be in the 40's by the end of the weekend! BAD!!! Cherry, Dogwood, and Magnolias have ALL broke out into bloom! Other trees are pushing out leaves. The trees are WEEKS ahead of normal. Really hope my blues don't get a cold spell. Like tobygirl, I also lost a nest of blues to a sudden cold snap. One evening they were very poorly tending to the young. It was around 70 then. The next day, 50! 4-5 nestlings starved to death. I pulled the plug on the attempt after observing them laying in the nest stiffly, with no ability to chirp and couldn't raise their heads. When there were winds and cold rain. ~Tim~
...See More
How to Stop Birds From Building Mud Nests on My Front Porch
Q
Comments (110)
Robins are birds that I enjoy viewing, but not as they try to build nests under our porch lights which are on both sides of an area right by our front entrance door. For three days my husband has removed the straw, twigs, etc in order to prevent a completed robin's nest. They put the straw, twigs, etc. up, he takes them down immediately. Today after reading these posts, I sprayed the area with ant and roach spray that I use when the ants try to visit too close to our outside walkway. Two robins just came with straw in their mouths, but they flew away. I hope this is a long-term solution. This is the first time that we have had this problem in the nineteen years that we have lived here. I am already tired of the mess on our porch and the potential health hazard presented if the robins succeed in building a permanent nest. We have plenty of trees that the birds usually choose for their nests and are still quite welcome to do so. However, why our porch this year is a puzzle. Thanks to all who have posted for their solutions. To the haters, because one does not want a bird's nest in an area that he/she frequently uses in his/her home, does not label the person as an animal hater. Why should my quality of life be compromised daily upon trying to enter my home for the sake of a bird's nest? The answer is that it shouldn't and will not. We will win this fight and reclaim our safety and keep our good health.
...See More
lisa11310
11 years ago
In SW Texas a well vented box is very good. If you haven't visited the www.sialis.org website yet please do, so much information on how to take care of our cavity nesters there! Good luck!
dzyg
11 years ago
Are you saying the nest is wet or you are afraid it could get wet? Sometimes I am amazed at how dry nestboxes stay even in driving rain. If there are just two eggs it would seem that the female is in the egg laying stage. They lay one egg per day until the clutch is complete which can be anywhere from 3-6 eggs. Incubation doesn't start until the last egg is laid so no need to worry about temps until that starts...we had below freezing temps during egg laying and our eggs hatched just fine. Good luck!!

Donna
Sheila
Original Author
11 years ago
A third egg appeared when I checked the box on the 13th. Nothing has happened since. I rarely seethe birds. I am putting out live meal worms and have seen the male at the feeder a couple times. Te nest seems to be undisturbed. Sure wish I'd see the adult birds around more often.
lisa11310
11 years ago
She should have started incubating then. Don't see them much during this time . Sounds like all is well. May have babies in another week! : )
Sheila
Original Author
11 years ago
When she incubates the eggs, does she stay on thte nest continually?

I've looked into the nest box numerous times during the day...no female. It seems that they've abandoned the nest.
dzyg
11 years ago
She doesn't stay in there continually and depending on how hot it is sometimes they are out quite a bit. However the easiest trick to tell if they are being incubated is to take a permanent marker and put a small dot on one of the eggs. Look at them tomorrow, if the dot is in the same spot chances are they are not being incubated as they rotate the eggs during incubation. I would leave it for a bit though even if you aren't seeing movement of the eggs. Let us know what you see...

Donna
Sheila
Original Author
11 years ago
No good news to report. One of the three eggs had a tiny hole in it :(. I used a pancake turner and carefully removed the nest. Tossed the damaged egg and checked the inside of the box...no ants or wasps.

I replaced the nest. I have seen both of the parent birds at the feeder, but never saw either of them enter the box. Will they return to the remainiing eggs after one of them has been 'killed'?

Right now we have purple martins everywhere...eight pair have fledged young. Will they affect the nesting of the blues? Nest box is about 60-70' across from one another.

Related Stories

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES Bring on the Birds: Natural Habitat Ideas for Gardens of All Sizes

By Amy Renea

Provide nesting, watering and perching spots inspired by the Costa Rican jungle and watch the birds flock on over

Full Story

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Texas Family Trades Traffic Noise for Frog Songs

By Mitchell Parker

Modern glass and stone structures hug two waterways on a sprawling Texas Hill Country compound

Full Story

121

GARDENING GUIDES Sweet Serendipity: Opening to Happy Garden Discoveries

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Unplanned nature scenes can be unbelievably beautiful; you just need to know how to look

Full Story

STANDARD MEASUREMENTS The Right Dimensions for Your Porch

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Depth, width, proportion and detailing all contribute to the comfort and functionality of this transitional space

Full Story

204

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Natural Swimming Pools: More Beauty, No Chemicals

By Falon Mihalic

Keep your skin and the environment healthy with a pool that cleans itself, naturally

Full Story

551

GARDENING GUIDES What Are Your Spring Gardening Plans?

By Annie Thornton

Tearing out the lawn? Planting edibles? Starting from scratch? Tell us what you plan to change in your garden this year

Full Story

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 4 Good Ways to Get Rid of Mosquitos in Your Yard

By Katherine Caviness

Stay safe from West Nile virus and put an end to irksome itches with these tools and methods for a porch, patio or yard

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Great Garden Combo: 3 Wonderful Plants for a Deer-Resistant Screen

By Le jardinet

Protect your privacy and keep deer at bay with a planting trio that turns a problem garden area into a highlight

Full Story

REMODELING GUIDES Bathroom Remodel Insight: A Houzz Survey Reveals Homeowners’ Plans

By Mitchell Parker

Tub or shower? What finish for your fixtures? Find out what bathroom features are popular — and the differences by age group

Full Story

364

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Household Habits and Customs to Borrow From Other Countries

By Елена Амбросимова

Discover why salt may be the perfect house-warming gift, how to clean rugs in snow and why you should invest in a pair of ‘toilet slippers’

Full Story

160

Fierce winds caused rain soaked nest with two eggs

Comments (9)

lisa11310

Sheila
Original Author

Related Discussions

lisa11310

dzyg

Sheila
Original Author

lisa11310

Sheila
Original Author

dzyg

Sheila
Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Fierce winds caused rain soaked nest with two eggs

Comments (9)

lisa11310

SheilaOriginal Author

Related Discussions

lisa11310

dzyg

SheilaOriginal Author

lisa11310

SheilaOriginal Author

dzyg

SheilaOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Sheila
Original Author

Sheila
Original Author

Sheila
Original Author

Sheila
Original Author