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Birds nest in toy box

8 years ago

We had a bird of some sort leave this nest in a bucket in my son’s birds nest. I didn’t really document the date but it had to have been at least 2 weeks ago. Occasionally we have seen a bird come back in there, though we didn’t put much thought into what it looked like.

Today there is snow now on the ground and no bird around. I haven’t seen a bird in awhile, though I don’t watch it constantly. Is it possible this nest is abandoned? Anyone know what kind of bit’s based on the nest?

We have made sure to not touch the nest and the kids know to stay away from there. It’s been so rainy and cold lately that we haven’t been playing out there hardly at all, anyway.

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Comments (2)

catherinet
8 years ago
I think it's a wren nest. Sometimes they do that.....lay a few eggs, then never come back. Not sure if something happened to them, or they decided there were better places for nests. I forget if it's a house wren or a carolina wren. They can sure pick places that sorta in our way. haha One time, they had a nest under a tarp over our table saw on the porch, and we couldn't use the saw until they all fledged. Lots of other examples like that!
PKponder TX Z7B
8 years ago
Carolina wrens build little nests like that here in the most unexpected spots. Gestation is 12-16 days, so if you don't see hatchlings soon, they probably won't be viable.
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Hi: I'm in zone 5 on the east coast. I have bluebirds and tree swallows using boxes now. The bluebirds have 5 eggs in one box and the tree swallows have claimed the other box, but that is as far as they have gotten. They have been here for 3 seasons now. I believe they feel more comfortable and territorial here now. The bluebirds winter over here. This is the earliest they have nested. The first year I think they finally had a nest attempt in May (house sparrows kept taking over) and were finally successful in July. You may only have house sparrows if you have them in your area. They will out compete (and kill) every other species that makes an attempt to nest unless you help them.
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I would move the feeder much further away from the box. I have several bird feeders and 2 nesting boxes in my backyard, but they are located on opposite ends. Your backyard birds will quickly find your relocated feeder. In addition, the chickadees are now checking out real estate as well as the blues, so you might see the dees showing some interest too! If you've never had bluebirds to nest in your box, the male usually checks out the housing situation, but the female makes the final choice! Good luck...sure hope they take up residence at your place...they are amazing and such fun to watch!
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Oh, I can give you some first hand knowledge on the little Carolina Chickadees in my yard!! About a month ago, I noticed that they had already built a full nest inside one of my little birdhouses. Now, they seem to be unable to make up their minds about where they want to nest. They have been in and out of every little house that I have hanging.I have personally seen them in 7 of the houses. They are leaving little pieces of green moss in each house. I assumed that this must be a territorial issue. I figured that they must be leaving the moss in each house to discourage any other pair of Carolina Chickadees from nesting there. Just my thoughts tho. I still don't know what they will finally choose.
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Chickadees are easy to attract to a box paul. Buy a box that is specifically for them. Those can easily be found online. The entrance hole will be really small. They will nest in a box that is hung from/mounted on a tree, mounted on your porch post, or mounted on a post in your yard. They aren't choosy. I tend to try to face my boxes to the east, but not always. Have to keep a close watch upon any nest box that you offer to be sure that the House Sparrows don't claim it. Robins and Mourning Doves may use a Neating Platform. Can find those online too.~~Angie
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