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Building a new nest on top of babies? What to do?

14 years ago

Just moved to a new house this spring and put up 2 boxes at each end of a large yard. Had one successful nesting in one box with 5 fledging in early May. Checking the other box (had been gone for 3 weeks) found 3 hatchlings and observed both parents attending the nest. Today I notice what seemed strange behavior-- male and female going to entrance of box but not entering. Checking th box I find a nest is being built on top of the babies to the point that they can barely be seen. Any explanation for this behavior and anything to do about it? I don't know if this is the same pair or a different pair.

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Comments (4)

dzyg
14 years ago
What kind of nesting material? I would take out the new nesting material and make sure the nestlings are ok and just observe and make sure the nestlings are being fed. Do you have any idea on how old the nestlings are? Are they feathered yet? Good luck!

Donna
new2blues
Original Author
14 years ago
The nesting material looks likes fine pine straw and/or dry grass. The babies are not feathered yet. The new nest builders are definitly blue birds. Would there be any value in moving it to the other box?
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Either last year or the year before I had a Bluebird and a wren trying to build a nest in the same box. First the wren and I removed the sticks, then a Bluebird started her second nesting and the wren added sticks on the layer of grass, which I again took out. I did this for a few days when finally the wren must have given up cause the Bluebird went on to finish her nest, lay the eggs and all the eggs hatched and fledged. This box was at a park near our home so I couldn't add a wren guard as I couldn't watch to make sure it was accepted. I worried all the time about them but apparently the wren must have given up. This year the BLues down there fledged their first nesting about two weeks ago. I keep checking for the next nest but so far nothing. The daddy Blue is always there when I check the nestbox though so I know they are planning another nesting only thing is I hear a wren right in the area too singing away so I am afraid he wants that box too but so far no sticks in there. Good luck, hope your wren stays away from the box now. Donna
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dzyg
14 years ago
Yeah, I would move it to the other box...do you know if the nestlings are being fed yet? If they aren't they won't make it too long. You could call a rehabber and see what they suggest if you have any in your area.

Good luck!

Donna
new2blues
Original Author
14 years ago
I did move it to the other box. Unfortunately I had to go out of town so no chance to watch for further developments. I won't be back for several days but my husband will be back tomorrow and we will update. Thank you for the input.

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