The first defense is Mom and Dad Bluebird. They are capable of fending off HOSP. If this male HOSP has evil intentions, the bluebirds will most likely chase him away.
If he is persistent, harassing steadily and doing the loud CHIRP nearby or on the nestbox, he is expressing his interest in the nestbox. Otherwise, he is probably just a passerby.
You can learn more about HOSP on Bet's web page. There are lots of tricks and tips for Managing HOSP. Sounds like it might be time to "read up" on them.
BlueBars

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.sialis.org/hosp.htm

Do you have a sparrow spooker up? If not get one up asap. I am attaching a link to the page on the sparrow spooker, they are easy to make and in a pinch you can use mylar from a balloon, however the thicker stuff is better. If you already have one up I would "hope" your Blues are safe from the HOSP.

Here is a link that might be useful: sparrow spooker.

Thank you both...I will read up again asap...here's a question...I thought you were supposed to put up a spooker after the first egg was laid, not close to fledging...

This HOSP appeared quickly and left quickly...Mama Blue didn't appear upset and the HOSP didn't seem interested in her at all...I am praying he is just passing through...

We've been in this new home for a year, and in our previous home, 13 years..I have had many nesters, and absolutely no problems with any predators..this was my first opportunity to attempt to host bluebirds, so I joined this forum in Jan. and found a wealth of info..I had no clue what a HOSP was, and quickly learned they were all over restaurant and dept. store parking lots...when reading all of the horror stories about HOSP, I felt so fortunate not to have any...

No, I didn't have a spooker up...as much as I have read here and participating in this forum, I thought the spookers were for those who had HOSP problems...did I assume something incorrectly? Otherwise, I have done everything by the book, and the first nesting was so successful.

Truthfully, this just scares me to death...I have tried to be vigilant in looking out for problems, racoons, ants, etc., but seeing that male HOSP for the first time just blind-sided me..I'm just glad I happened to be on the patio with the binocs, looking at one my little blue faces in the hole, when I spotted it..

I was beginning to think this neighborhood and my yard in particular was IMMUNE to these birds, but I was SOOOOO wrong! Sorry I'm rambling on...I just need to calm down and get a game plan going..I feel like just sitting on my patio for the next 24-48 hours holding vigil, until the babies fledge!! LOL..

It's just amazing how this one freaking bird has not only ruined my day, but has totally invaded what I thought was a safe haven...it appears there is no comfort zone when it comes to the blues!

Thanks for coming to my rescue...

Donna

Donna, a sparrow spooker is used from the time the first egg is laid until the last baby fledges, not before that and not after that. If you have a nestbox and don't put the spooker up during the egg laying or incubation it can still be put up while their are hatchlings in the nest. You shouldn't put it up before egg laying as you don't want HOSP to get used to it but you can put it up anytime during an active nest. As soon as the babies fledge you should take it down again until the next nesting. I have no clue what you want to do seeing you think they may fledge tomorrow, it won't affect that at all however it would keep them safer from the HOSP. Even if you don't "think" you have HOSP, you just never know, it is better to be safe than sorry. Good luck, hope your Blues fledge safely!

Donna

Thanks again...if I need to get one up NOW, I will have to make it in the morning..have no idea how fast I will be able to accomplish this....I will go ahead and order one so I will have it ready if there is a 3rd nesting...

Haven't seen the HOSP again and hope he is long gone, as I continue to watch, but I WILL be prepared!!!...

You may as well stock up on Van Erts and DRSTs. A spooker may work to protect your fledglings, but the HOSPS are still out there, waiting.

I didn't think I had any either and lost 5 one week old TUTIs. That rat sat on top of the box and sang his heart out, then flew away. Haven't seen him since. My dealing with the HOSP problem is to catch and dispatch as many as possible. Of course, the first line of defense is the spooker.

I truly dread what might be in store for me...the very thought of what I may have to do is just too much for me to process tonight...I pray this one male HOSP was a one time only sighting, but that may be wishful thinking...hopefully, I will have a clear head tomorrow...am I overreacting?? Have a feeling I will need lots of support...many thanks for your responses!!!

Donna

Donna, I know how you feel. We have all been there (well, many of us.) The shock and sight of what the HOSP do changes you. Some of us quit right then and there and take nestboxes down (I did). But then, I declared war. It's not for everyone.
BlueBars

Hi Donna, I really like "bluebars" response. The HOSP's incessant chirp has to be the most irritating sound in nature, but I don't necessarily believe it should immediately strike fear to a monitor's heart. Its true that the HOSP can wreak absolute havoc, but its not their sole purpose. We need to take a cue from the bluebirds initial indifferent attitude and remember that its not always a life/death situation. Its unfortunate and frightening to hear our friend's nightmare stories, but we rarely hear of the common "oh man, we had house sparrows and....they kept to themselves!" I'm not saying love thy neighbor by any means (I've "dealt" with a couple of HOSP before). I know to some here that this is the worst advice ever given.

Donna, attracting blues (dees, TUTIS, TRES), is the easy part, protecting them is something else. If we weren't nature lovers in the first place, we wouldn't care what happened to our young blues, just leave them to fend for themselves-we can see where that gets us-destroyed eggs, young and adults protecting the nest.

It's a harsh thing we have to do and only those of us who have been there understand why we have to do it. It will become easier and you will soon see how many "new" birds come to your feeders. The bullying HOSPS can live at Home Depot-we just cannot allow them to live around our protected areas.

Linda

Donna, I feel for you, I really do. I've been one of the lucky ones, knock wood, that has yet to see one in my yard or even in my subdivision but not a day goes by that I'm not "looking" for them to show up. I would not look forward to dealing with them but after several years on this forum, I have no doubts that I would deal with them if they showed up. I ordered a couple of Van Ert traps 3 years ago incase I need them in a hurry.

Good luck to your blues and keep us posted. It is a shame they don't just STAY at Home Depot!

Well I had to experience the HOSP 10 days ago, killed a baby Blue bird that I had worked so hard to save.
I have ordered the traps and I DO deal with them. It is HARD for me to do still, but the worst feeling in the world was when I looked in and saw my little baby nearly beheaded!
Then I (like BlueBars) declared war. I caught 7 of the little rats today.
Just wish there was an easier way but dont know of one.

Donna the spooker is like a 24/7 babysitter for your blues BUT it does not protect the adults especially Mama during the most dangerous time which is nest building! No eggs to worry about with no females. Trapping is essential!
Cathy