GCFL's can take as long as two weeks or more to build. Both sexes are involved with the work, which may help to explain the variety of materials they use. And they use some very strange stuff! Since I don't think anybody should evict a native in favor of another native (not saying you would), I would leave that nest they started for a little while longer. At least until you can see if they will indeed choose the second site. GCFL's will reward you with their antics if you can wait.

I would definitely leave the flycatcher's nest alone! I wondered when you said you saw them building elsewhere, if it wasn't maybe another pair, and yours were still with you and planning on using your box. If the Bluebirds take the box away from the flycatchers, that would be the natural scheme of things. Let the best man win, kind of thing between two native species - just give the blues plenty of other empty boxes so everyone has a chance. However, if YOU remove the flycatcher's nest thinking it is abandoned, that is a different story....too much interference, IMHO. I would protect that flycatcher nest with everything I had and give it every possible chance. Malinda

I've got to agree hole heartedly with Malinda. I would not interfere and definitely let the GCFL win if I could have any thing to say about it. I would give them all season to make up their mind if they were trying to nest in my yard as they are more rare than the Blues.
Cathy

We're in agreement then.... let nature take her course!

We're at about day 11 on the first nest building. They're definitely spending a lot of time at the satellite dish but we can't be sure they've abandoned the first nest so we'll leave well alone. (Hubby had already suggested that but I guess I was getting a little anxious!)

We're still trying to figure out how many GCFCs there are; kind of tricky with such a secretive bird. We hear and see flashes of them and think we have at least 3 close by but we're just not sure.

As for our Blues, they seem to have settled on one of the other boxes.... lots of sitting on it, popping inside it and general wing flapping around it.

Looks like we're in for a busy few weeks...

I spy with my little eye..........

Mama has been a very sneaky girl - trying to confuse us with a second nest (and doing a good job I might say!) We left the box alone for a few days - no peeking inside as we didn't want to risk spooking them just in case they were still planning on using it.

This morning Hubby was outside 'talking' to the birds....when he spied Mama on the fence. He backed away into the house at which point we crawled (literally) to a window close by and slowly eased open the blind. Mama edged cautiously towards the nest and hopped in. I proceeded to stand guard and watched for 25 mins. Just as I was beginning to feel stupid...(i.e. thinks to self "why am I watching an empty box, she obviously flew out while I glanced away....") who should pop her head out and then fly to the tree!

Needless to say we were excited -- we could only imagine her doing 1 or 2 things for 25 mins in there.

ANYHOO ---- we waited til this evening to take a peek. It's very difficult to get the camera in for a good shot as the nest is so high and add to that it has been so windy we didn't want to open the box too far and have the wind disturb the nest.

We could see one egg very clearly but think there may be three. It's very hard to see on the pic but you should be able to make out at least one AND of course, the snake skin.... she's got quite a bit of it in there.

The pic below is just of one side of the nest from directly facing the front....lots of feathers, plastic, and snake skin you can just make out at the back...and by the animal hair which has been moved around....

We're sooooooo excited. Hopefully when this wind dies down we can try again... maybe tomorrow evening. We don't want to check too often but will keep this updated for those interested.

Back to our Blues, it seems they're starting to drop the odd pine needled in a different box so fingers crossed. We're having fun watching the babies learn to fend for themselves right now!! Watched one of the 'boys' find himself a nice looking bug yesterday only to have Dad jump in a steal it from him.... awwww~~~

They sure have a unique decorating style!;)

I am just thrilled for you!!!!!!!! WOW!
Please keep us posted on everything. How exciting!
Cathy

Just a quick update. There are definitely 3 eggs. Mama has been around quite a bit today. She tries to sneak in - super stealthy -- but we notice that she calls to her mate as she's edging her way down to the nest possibly to let him know he needs to stand guard, because once she's in she doesn't call.

We've decided not to check the nest for a couple/3 days - we want to try to figure out when she lays the last egg so we can calculate probable hatching,- but we don't want to spook her and prevent her from incubating... which after seeing her so often today, she may have started.

The Blues have started their second nest in a clapped out old box, not the best of the 5 we have - but they seem happy!

WOOO HOOO! I am so happy to hear about this nesting continuing on! You are very lucky -- I am jealous. Hope they do well and adjust to monitoring so we can see some pictures. Love the nesting material! Malinda

Just checking in.... we're getting to the point that we expect (hope) to see hatching taking place here in the next day or so - if not overnight tonight....

Too exciting!

Oh for a nest cam ....

Yes Bridget I wish you had a nest cam too. Good Luck
Cathy

See "Flycatcher baby news" for updates!!!
: )