I don't know if this will help or not, but I think sometimes they just change their mind and find another box more to their liking. I had BCCH wait for the TRES to leave their box and start jamming nesting material in. Every time the TRES came back they would kick them out, but the BCCH just kept at it for about a week before finally giving up and moving to another box. The BCCH have no chance against the Blues, so I wouldn't worry about it. They will probably just move back to their original box once they figure out they can't have the Blue's box.

Oh yeah I know how that is Angie! I'm not all that open about birds but my closest friends know I'm a bird watcher and seem to respect it. I'm still into a lot of other things for my age but I was born a nature lover and look to maybe have my 1st career being landscaping. And yes, they are awful birds. I've told others that I trap but I try to get them to understand that I'm only doing it for good reasons...:)...the 1st time I had euthanize a HOSP it was tough...real tough...but now, after seing what they do to our good, native, beautiful insect eating birds, I feel no contempt eliminating them. Whatever it takes to restore the balance and keep our good birds alive... By the way...read my post in the other thread...my neighbor owns a Martin house that I remove HOSP nests from.

I am new to bluebirding as I just put up a nestbox in late February. I woke up on my birthday to see a male and female atop the box. So very exciting and what a perfect gift. Since then, about a week ago, I see them some days but others not. This morning I saw the male and thought I saw the female inside but not sure. I'm in an urban area of Atlanta but I haven't seen any HOSP. Or snakes. Does anyone know if I need the guards and traps now?

Welcome, David. BlueBars has given you a wonderful link with everything you could possibly want to know about being a responsible bluebird landlord. When I first got started with bluebirding, my handbook was a little booklet called Enjoying Bluebirds More, written by Julie Zickefoose. It's still available at most wild bird stores and sometimes at Lowes or Home Depot and is a quick read--plus has lots troubleshooting information at your fingertips. As for nestbox types and plans, check out those listed on the North American Bluebird Society web site, www.nabluebirdsociety.org . The traditional NABS box is what I've used most on my trails and it's a great box. As for locating your nestbox, you need to remember that bluebirds are territorial during nesting season. If you plan to site more than one box, they boxes should be spaced approximately 100 yards apart. Also, and most importantly, nestboxes should never be mounted on trees or fenceposts. They should be mounted on slick metal poles and equipped with predator baffles. Bluebirding is an extremely rewarding experience and we are thrilled to have you join our ranks. Kathy