Debbie, the latest nesting I've ever had here in Maryland was last year. I had a 3rd nesting that fledged on the 9th of September. I am skeptical that your blues would attempt a nesting this late in the season, but then they don't read the books, so who knows. Anyone else from Texas have some insight for Debbie?
Kathy

Hi Debbie,

Nice pics of your earlier brood(s?) in the other post. :)
The fledglings from our 3rd (and we presume last) nesting are all flying around here with their siblings and parents for quite some weeks now. Parts of Texas do stay hot longer than here in Missouri tho... so you could get a 4th maybe. If your pair is courting and going in and out of the nestbox you just might!

best luck,

Kenn

Here is a link that might be useful: Kenn & Temple's Bluebirds

Thanks Kenn, I dont have a great camera but I love to take pics of the birds!
I havent seen them looking it the boxes today, so I guess maybe they were shopping for next year.
I an glad, because I think it is way too hot here

This is my first experience with bluebirds. Had a box up two years ago -- and for the first time the adult luebirds are flying -- in and out of it. I am in mid-NJ, supposedly good bluebird country.

Will I spook them if I go up and open the door to it?

If they are feeding fledglings, isn't it late?

Voyager, for me it is fledging time for many of the 3rd nestings we had on the trails this year. Chances are good that the pair you saw checking out the nestbox were scoping out nesting sites for next spring, so I'd keep that box up and ready. Make certain that it is properly mounted on a slick metal pole and also equipped with a predator baffle to protect your birds from climbing predators such as snakes, raccoons, cats, etc.

You will absolutely not spook them by checking the box because bluebirds are very tolerant of the presence of humans. Just make yourself heard in case you have something happening inside the box that you don't expect--like a nesting in progress!
Kathy

If there are nestlings in the box, and you do not know their age, DO NOT open the nestbox! At 13 days of age, they cannot fly yet, but they are quite active and often jumpy. If they are frightened out of the box, they will not likely survive. Remember unlucky 13, and keep notes on a calendar for hatch dates, etc.
If bluebirds normally remain in your area throughout the winter, they will likely defend the nestbox and territory year-round, occasionally going in and out, and perching on or nearby the nestbox. Sometimes they might use the nestbox for roosting at night or during bad weather.
Bluebirds in southern states such as Texas and Florida sometimes raise 4 broods in one season.
BlueBars

What is the likelihood of a nesting in SW NH at the end of August? I have to start over and am trying to decide if I should put up a new box now or not.

Hi Suzanne,

"What is the likelihood of a nesting in SW NH at the end of August?"
I would guess doubtful... but bluebirds don't read the books, so you never know. ;)

"I have to start over and am trying to decide if I should put up a new box now or not."
You should definitely have a clean properly mounted nestbox after nesting season is over. Bluebirds "shop" for next years's housing thruout the off-season. If they had a successful nesting in your box this year, they will likely consider your location again next Spring as long as you still have a box available for them.

best of luck,

Kenn :)

Here is a link that might be useful: Kenn and Temple's Bluebirds

Thanks for the advice.

Now I have to watch more consistently.

Take care