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Eastern Bluebird nest building behavior inquiry

7 years ago

Ok so I'm new to blue birding this year and have had one attempt and successful nest box experience with the pair of eastern bluebirds that reside on the 5 acres around my house. I was so excited to witness all 5 eggs hatch and fledge. It's been two and a half weeks since they fledged and I am now seeing all five babies with the male and female since about 5 days ago......now on to my question I have a pair of bluebirds at my nestbox and every now and then when the female brings nesting material into the Nestbox, the male enters right after her and removes some. I noticed this the first time they built a nest as well, what explains this behavior? It looks like he is wasting her hardwork, but she acts like she wants him to go inside the Nestbox every time she comes out. I've searched bluebird websites to try to find out what it means, but I've seen nothing on that behavior yet and am just curious...thanks in advance for any responses.

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Comments (3)

parkernicole01
7 years ago
Hi Lyndsey- I'll give it a shot shot no one else has responded. The female builds the nest, but the male is there to inspect & approve. Maybe he doesn't like some of the material she's bringing in? If you really want expert opinion, register and n the bluebird nut cafe & you will probably get a better answer. Many experts on that site!
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Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you for responding, I did actually find the bluebird nut cafe shortly after I posted here, and received a few responses very similar to yours. Since my post the nest has been completed and today the female laid her second egg. Thanks again!
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Hello, I have a problem with my beloved bluebirds I am hoping someone can help me with. We had a successful fledging a few weeks ago and then they came back and built another nest. Laid four eggs. I went out and one was destroyed and on the ground. The other three were in the very bottom of the nest making it hard for mama to even know they were there. A few days later she started building a nest on top of that nest. When I saw it, I pulled the other nest up on top of it so she could see the three eggs. Now she has laid two new eggs so far in with the old ones. And the nest is very high now and close to the hole. What will happen with old and new eggs in there? And should I try to squish the nest down from the hole more?
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parkernicole01
7 years ago
Hi Lyndsey- think I saw your posts on the bluebird nut cafe. Glad you found it. Lots of experienced bluebirders there. Glad things are moving along for your 2nd go-round. Mine have completed their 2nd nest, so expect to see an egg any time now. Don't you just love it?

Nicole

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