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Pair was nest building in b hse, then stopped. not seen for 24 hrs.why

10 years ago

A pair BB was bringing twigs to bird house. I haven't seen action for 24 hrs and checking the nest today it looks the same as yesterday, unfinished. Have they abandoned it?

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Comments (3)

parkernicole01
10 years ago
This does not necessarily mean that they've abandoned the nest. It could've been interrupted due to weather, mating, or other reasons. It can take up to a week or more for them to complete a nest. Sometimes, they build nests in 2-3 different locations before deciding where they're going to lay eggs. I wouldn't worry about them abandoning at this point. It's just a wait & see game for now. I do hope they'll continue setting up residence with you.

I do have a question, though. Are you sure that it's bluebirds that started building the nest? You mentioned twigs, which is usually what house wrens use to build their nests. Sometimes, they build dummy nests to keep other birds from nesting in that location. Bluebirds primarily use grass & straw to build their nests, which may have been what you saw. I apologize if you already knew this info. Hope they return to finish the nest & lay eggs...
1414andrea
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks. They're back! In NW Conn., April has been colder than March, and we had rain. The nest is grass, and I've seen the pair. 2 blk cap chickadees were checking out the nest, but BB's have prevailed. I haven't seen HOSP, but I think they're around, so I have Sparrow Spooker ready. Just wondering when the first egg will arrive. Last freezing Feb (2015) we had 4 pairs arrive and huddle under a porch over hang. They would leave at dawn, come back at dusk. Two fell off and froze. Pair by pair they left after a week. I hope they made it, it was a cold blast. So I'm obsessed with this nest surviving! thanks for the info, helpful.
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parkernicole01
10 years ago
Hi Andrea- Congratulations! So glad they're back! I love Chickadees too. They have a hard time getting & keeping nests too, so maybe you'll get them another time. Once the nest is complete, you could see the 1st egg any time. Mine laid their 1st egg 24 hours after they completed the nest. I've got 6 5-day old nestlings right now. Praying they will fledge successfully. Definitely get that sparrow spooker up as soon as you notice that 1st egg. I've had a male HOSP approach box twice that I know of, but he didn't enter, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Do you have a baffle below box to combat other predators?

That is so sad about those birds freezing last February. So awful! It's easy to get attached, isn't it? EABL keep their nests so clean & are so attentive to their young. Saying a little prayer that you & your pair will have a successful nesting experience! If you get a chance, holler back when you get an egg. Best of luck!

Nicole

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