Add on: I am also worried that if I DO move the box onto a pole, the box will "stand out" more, thus being more susceptible to HOWR attacks in the future. On the swing, the box is almost not noticeable. Their nesting on the swing is actually the FIRST time they haven't been attacked by HOWR, and I have tried wren guards. I had a different box on a pole earlier in the year that was about 100 feet from the box on the swing; and it was always attacked by HOWR, so I took it down.

Yes they will recognize it but I wouldn't move it quite that far at first. Maybe 10 feet from where it is now, I suppose 15 would be ok but I wouldn't go further than that right away. They will not give up the nestbox with babies or eggs so as long as you can move it carefully it is doable. Good luck!! Maybe at first too (and hopefully someone else can chime in about this) face the hole towards where the box used to be so when they go to the swingset they can see the hole on the box. Let us know how it goes. They will be much safer on a baffled pole than a swingset. Oh and raccoons are everywhere even if you don't see them, they are there. Baby birds make lots of noise in the nestbox which is what draws the raccoons in.

Donna

I just remembered today that our house on the swing is mounted with two screws from the inside. In order to take the house down to move it, I would need to reach into the box with a screwdriver and probably scare the nestlings, which are on day 9-10. Any suggestions? Should I just keep the house on the swing until they fledge? I already put a pole in the ground about 10 feet away and fitted it with a stovepipe baffle, so everything else is ready. Thanks.

Ken- You might loose"the whole show" by moving the nestlings. They are past half way to fledging. Do every thing possible to prorect them till they fledge. Everything short of tying a Rotweiler to the swing set! ALLAN, ANNAPOLIS, MD

since I cannot move the box without disturbing the nestlings, what would any of you suggest me do with the swing set? The swing set is wooden with two "A" sides and a crossbar at the top, the box is on the tip of one of the "A" sides.

Gosh Ken, I agree, I wouldn't want to get my hand in to unsrew two screws with 9-10 day old nestlings, not enough room. Not sure what you could do with the swingset that would be easy to remove once they fledge. Hopefully someone else will have an idea.

Donna

Can you somehow make/install baffles for each side of the A as well as the top piece? Maybe buy sheet metal and cut large circles, then make one cut from edge to center, cut a disk out of the center, and wrap it around the pole? You can punch some small holes (or drill) and put wire through and wrap the wire around the wood to anchor it. (or screw it to the wood.) Would that work??

Actually, the predators might not be that motivated to approach. You might be able to use something like a garbage can lid and cut as needed to mount on the swing set.

Just brainstorming here...

Ann

IM sure you got a sparrow spooker and a Wren guard,best you could do now is as suggested..sheetmetal on the 2 arms of the A and along the top beam. Ok Im 50 but I remember my swingset had a bar that went across from arm to arm on the A... well..... just like this A, you would want to cover that if there is one to......the other thing you can do is PRAY for the next week. We will be right there with you.

Thanks for your support, guys, I REALLY appreciate it. The nestlings are about 11 days old now, so they will be fledging in about a week. I think it might just be best to leave them as they are and try not to disturb them too much by installing more baffles nearby. In all honesty I have been praying every day for them to stay safe, and they have, and I will continue to do so. Over the years, many sparrows have nested in this location before I became obsessed with Blues, and I have NEVER seen a cat/raccoon/snake climb the swing (everybody knock on wood for me please). As soon as the babies fledge, I am planning on moving the box to a baffled electrical conduit pole, and hoping for a second nesting! Thanks to everyone and happy birding.

Lisa- I thought your swing was an old rope & tire at the edge of the 'ol swimmin hole. Remember when we went skinny dippin'.?? LOL ALLAN, Annapolis, MD

Funny you should mention my tire swing Allan it had been up for years....I was about 12 I climbed up on the porch roof cought some great air, on the swing back twards the tree the rope broke and I slammed into that mighty oak face first at about 60mph. LOL thanks for the memories!
Blessing to your babies Ken.

Ken,
I would leave them where they are for now.They made it thus far.Just another week will go fast.I thought that you could open the box carefully, place a cloth net over the nest with one hand and hold the bottom of the nest with the other and move the nest with the chicks into a small bucket while you unsrew the box and relocate it to the new location.You can then transfer the babies the same way.It is your call.
michelle