I'm really sorry your babies were taken and the nest destroyed. Is the nestbox on a metal pole with a baffle? If not, that could be the problem. Raccoons are everywhere, even if you haven't seen one. If the box is mounted on a wooden pole or a fence it is easy for a raccoon, a cat or any other climbing animal to get to it. If you haven't already looked at the sialis.org website you should spend some time reading and make sure you have a proper setup. You know, even when you are being really careful sometimes tragedy just happens. I don't put out any feeders at all because I'm afraid of bears coming around for food. I know the birds have plenty of natural food and if they can't make it out there then maybe they shouldn't.

A Carolina Wren can eat from an upside down suet feeder. Some starlings can as well, it's not 100%, but nothing is. The caged suet feeders tend to block the red bellied woodpeckers, which is why I selected to use the upside down and feed a few starlings. It's only a few, not hordes, I can live with that. Maybe someone with more caged feeder experience can chime in about how effective they are. I'm pretty sure a Carolina wren could work it's way into your pantry and have at it if it took it in it's mind to do so. They get in everything.

Carolina Wren update: Mommy Wren did return and there are a total of 4 eggs. I've been using the kitchen door with occasional use of the front door. This little lady is not afraid of me at all. I will softly talk to her, when I do go out that door, and I see no fear or nervousness in her eyes. I am anticipating babies any day now. This wren couple has been here since I moved in 4+ years ago. This will be my 5th Spring with them. The wheel well above my car's front tire has always been a spot they've picked for a potential nest. Its been a bit of a game with us. Every morning I would go out and remove the nest. By the time I woke up the next morning another would be in its place. Last Spring they chose a nest they built in a small storage shed by the kitchen door. Unfortunately, a snake got the eggs within 3 days. The Christmas Cactus that she is nesting in is one of a pair. They are equal distance from the edge of the wooden plant stand they are on. The stand is 3 ft high. They chose to build in the plant that is closest to the door. There had to be a reason for that. Thank you for all of your help.

Thanks for your reply. I agree they're smarter than we are and you are probably right about leaving them alone but I'm a little worried about that fern basket falling apart. One morning recently, while it was still dark, I turned on the porch light and saw one of the wrens huddled in the corner and wondered why he wasn't in the basket. I think I may still put the gourd up. If they don't like it they probably won't use it.