I'm a beginner too---I just got my first BB's about 2 1/2 weeks ago. They built a nest and laid eggs, and now I see much less of them. But they're definitely still around!
Ann

Visit the link for Bet's web page http://www.sialis.org/ to learn more than you probably need to know about bluebirds and cavity nesters.
The nesting season depends on where you live. Also check out the North American Bluebird Society NABS site for an Affiliate chapter in your area. You might find someone who knows more about your area.
Here in my Maryland backyard, we are awaiting hatching of our third brood of bluebirds.
Bluebars

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

nhsuzanne:
If I'm correct, the male builds the nest now whether the male builds the nest after the female has excepted the house or after the nest has been built I'm not sure but they can build a nest pretty fast, I'm not sure if they can build one in a day but they can probably build one in two days and be laying eggs in the next day or so. Maybe someone more knowledgeable in this can add to my comments.

Also from this forum I got the impression that they mostly do most of their nest building in the morning, so if you work during the day away from home you won't see them around building the nest.

If you haven't seen them around lately and their is no eggs then they have probably found a better place near by.
Keith

Keith..I believe the female builds the nest...at least mine did...normally the male checks out different sites, but the female chooses the site...

My little couple explored the box on and off for such a long time...then finally, one morning I saw her perched on top of the box with a mouthful of nesting materials! She spent several days building, probably rested for a few more, then laid the first egg...During the second nesting, it seemed longer between nest completion and when she began laying eggs...no explanation for that!

You're right though...they may have found what they deem a more suitable residence. Mine did not start a third nesting, much to my dismay!
Donna

You're correct, Donna. The female is the nestbuilder in the family, though the male will sometimes "supervise" (as all males are want to do!) nhsuzanne, I can't tell from your post but have you opened the box to see what is actually inside? It's been my experience that once the female is incubating eggs she is pretty inconspicuous. The male can be seen and heard as he defends his territory, but the female remains inside the box the majority of the time.
Also, I'm wondering how your box is mounted, nh. Is it on a metal pole with a predator baffle? If not, something may have climbed the pole and interfered with the nesting, possibly causing your couple to abandon that nesting site.
Kathy

Kathy has asked the same questions I would have asked. She's smart like that! :D

The link provided by BlueBars is the best. Check it out.

Donna:
Thanks for correcting me, I've never really seen either of them building the nest or haven't paid any attention to who had the nest material in their beak. I just assumed the male also did the building.
Keith

Hi all,

Keith, our pair has had this little ritual each time they're ready to nest (3 times this season). The male brings a single strand of grass or other tiny bit of nesting material to the box, and the female agrees that this is the box she'll build in. Sometimes he drops a mealworm in the hole too. Kind of like taking vows or something. It is fascinating to watch them.

Kenn :)

My, Kenn, how sweet is that?? Is it any wonder we adore these birdies when they appear to be so romantic with each other? My pair has started a third nest as well - four lovely eggs as of this morning. These kids don't mess around! Their last fledges have only been out for about 2.5 weeks.

I have an "official" bluebird box but I don't know how to open it to see if there are eggs. Wouldn't that scare them away?
I have to change my viewing point because they may be there hanging at the opening and I am not seeing it. I view from the side and it's far.

nhsuzanne, As you approach the nestbox, speak softly or tap lightly on the box. If there is a bird inside, they can then decide to leave or stay, without startling them (or you!). If the female stays on the nest, she is either laying (usually in the morning hours) or incubating. Apologize and leave her alone. Bluebirds are very tolerant of monitoring. They might dive-bomb you from above your head, but will not harm you (just being protective). Once they get to know you and your routine, they will be fine.
Another option is a mirror on a handle like mechanic's use. If you cannot open the nestbox, how will you clean it out? It might need to be modified. Can you post a photo of the box, maybe someone can help? Or can you find a link to show the type of box?
BlueBars

I tapped on the box last evening and nothing, tapped again and still nothing. While I was still doing barn chores I saw the male sitting on top of the box and I saw him again this morning around 6am.

As for opening the box. I forgot to take a picture but I did look and it has an eye screw at the bottom which would indicate that the bottom comes down. I can't do that or the nest would fall out. I did buy this box from a Bluebird place. It doesn't need to be cleaned out until fall does it??

Seeing the male sitting on top of the box is certainly a good thing. He is probably guarding what he considers as his territory, or protecting his mate or young.
Usually the opening is top or side. The side opening ones either tilt on a pin (not easy) or open like a door. Top opening is best, so the nest is not disturbed and babies are less likely to jump out. What Bluebird place did you buy it from? Maybe you could ask them how it opens.
Check the ones on NABs site or Bet's site, and see if you can find one that looks like it.
Most people clean out the nest as soon as babies fledge (3 or 4 broods are possible). But no, I would NOT open the bottom.
If nothing else, keep the best notes you can on a calendar. Watch for activities like nestbuilding or bringing food to the nestbox, and what size the items are (tiny little caterpillars at first). Binoculars would help if you can only view from a distance. At least then, you can try to predict what to expect. Once you are 100% positive that babies are fledged, then see what you can do about opening or changing the box.
Monitoring will not scare them away; they are very tolerant. But without being able to open the box, you won't know if there are problems, such as house wren or house sparrow damage, broken eggs, dead young, or even IF the bluebirds are even still nesting there.
Bluebars

I have to check my records to remember where I bought them. I got them last year and never put them up.

How close can I get without annoying them? Everything I read said to put boxes as far away from activity, etc. They are only about 100 feet from my house and the other box is on the other side of my pasture which is over 1,000 feet away. I have binoculars too.

I feel so honored to have them there and I hope they stay.

Hi nhsuzanne,

"How close can I get without annoying them?"

Your bluebirds should become somewhat acclimated to your presence over time. Our pair is currently nesting (for the 3rd time this season) in a NABS box about 20ft from our dining room window. We feed them worms daily and so they routinely land, perch and eat within 2 or 3 ft of us on the deck. When I mow the backyard during Missy's incubation she stays on the nest and looks out at me each time I pass the box with the mower. Ha, I always apologize to her for the noise and tell her I'll be done soon. ;)

IF you're annoying (or worrying) them, they will flutter and click above you or even swoop at you to warn you off. But once they are accustomed to your being around you can get very close indeed.

Kenn

Here is a link that might be useful: Getting close to our bluebirds

Since I first posted here I have not seen much action at my bluebird house. I learned here that I don't have correct bluebird houses so I can't check to see what's happening inside (mine open at the bottom of all places). So, since about the 1st of July I saw alot of activity at the box, then on July 12th I posted here that I hadn't seen any.

August 1st I started seeing alot of in and out of the box so the adults must be feeding babies. Is this a correct assumption? Is the timing right for laying eggs to hatch?

Also, yesterday I observed two adult bluebirds flying up into a tree but there were several smaller song sparrows which I have lots of at my farm. I thought it was strange that they all flew up and landed in the same branch. But after I read Kenns post about his fledglings helping feed the babies in the box and I wonder if that is what is happening at my house. I am going to have to carry my binoculars everywhere with me!!

I wonder if the timeline is good as described above?

How late in New Hampshire will Bluebirds nest and raise a brood?

Is it possible that they did rebuild a nest over the old one? Does that ever happen?

So many questions.....so little time!

Kenn, great, great photos. Simply amazing and a joy to see.

My box is not in close proximity to my house so I have to watch with binoculars from a distance (probably 100+ feet).