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We're afraid we've lost our female bluebird

16 years ago

Our male has been coming back to our original house, sitting on top and checking inside for the last week or two alone. He started checking in our new house last night. We can only assume that our female has been killed. He will hopefully find another mate. At this time of year, does he have a chance? We are in Quakertown, PA. It's so sad as it seems like he is so lost without her.

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Comments (7)

lisa11310
16 years ago
I am sorry if you did lose your female. We put our human feelings into these birds because we love them so much however they do not have the same feelings we do, he is calling for another mate,it sounds so sad. Humans do not look for another mate within hours or days of losing thier mate like birds do. I dont know how they know for sure but it is written that birds do not mourn a lost mate or lost offspring they just continue to mate again. Your in zone 5? You may get a late nesting if he finds a new female. I know your heart hurts for him but I dont think he has the same emotions you do. (however) I would be a blubbering idiot crying over a lost bird
judicolors
Original Author
16 years ago
You note gave me goose bumps. You are so right. And, you also made it easier for me to be able to work today since I work mainly from home so get to take a break and look through my binoculars at the houses. We have a wren that started to build in our second house and as we've read, we took the nest away, which also made me very sad and guilty (got some idea for my personality;) Do you think we should leave it alone if the wren starts building again? I am going to investigate my two books as I think someone suggested making the hole smaller but can't remember right now. Thanks for your answer.
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lisa11310
16 years ago
If it's a House Wren DO NOT let it nest in your yard. They will poke eggs and toss baby Blues (or any other cavity nester) in the area. Make a positive ID on the Wren first. The House Wren is the only Wren to be concerned about. Was the nest sticks? Another thought, your female just may not be ready to nest again so she is staying away from the male and taking care of her babies.
judicolors
Original Author
16 years ago
It was definitely sticks. And, this morning our "Mom" returned. At least I'm convinced it's our original "Mom" as she looks identical. I'll know better when I can get some good pictures and if I can identify her. I'm pretty sure you are right as we've seen the babies bathing in the bird bath having a blast so they are still around! I was so excited to see her. And, I know we they don't have emotions, but do we really know for sure?!? :)

We'll check on the other house and remove the sticks again. We've got lots of bird books and are pretty sure it is a House Wren. Plus my husband knows just about every bird, plant, tree, bug, etc. on the planet -- and probably off as well. I'm just a newbie!
judicolors
Original Author
16 years ago
Our "Mom" came back this morning; at least I'm convinced it's her. It was so exciting. We now have another problem. House Wren's are building in our new blue bird house. We've taken out their "sticks" two nights in a row. I'm going to search for more solutions. I would appreciate any ideas you might have.
lisa11310
16 years ago
I'm so glad she's back! Go to www.sialis.org to see how to build a Wren guard. It may not work since they know the box is there. There is a lot of Blue Bird information on this site. Give them a good blast with a water gun or hose every time you see them near the box. Good Luck!
judicolors
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks. We spend so much time on that site. It's great! The house is at the back of our property so we're going to have to just go back and dismantle their nest every day. We were outside watching but saw no signs of them. Maybe they wait until early morning to start building. Sialis says not to put up the Wren Guard until after the bluebirds have laid their first egg, however, they won't go in there; I don't think, unless I can get the Wren's away. We'll just have to try and keep ahead of them. I appreciate all your help.

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