A baffle on the post beneath the box is about all you can do. Black snakes can drop from overhanging limbs. I'll never forget the time a black snake fell off the rafters in our old barn (when I was a teenager) and onto a mouse. If the area around the post is suitable (sun and dry), you could plant lavender there. Cameron

Leslie, I'm sorry that happened but as many others have replied, we've all made mistakes. Fortunately I had bluebirds nesting for at least two years before a chickadee showed up and claimed another box. Because of this forum, and the helpful members here, I knew that I could protect the dees FROM the bluebirds by adding a hole reducer (to keep the bluebirds out). I've talked to several people over the years (people I know personally and not from this forum) who have removed chickadee, titmouse and brown headed nuthatch nests because they wanted bluebirds. When I listened to their stories I took a deep breath and then explained how much these other species NEED our help. Bluebirds have been getting our help (YEA!) for the last 40 years and sometimes it's easy to forget or not even think about the other species who also need a safe nesting spot. I think that when we put up that first bluebird nest box we only have one thought in mind...... getting bluebirds to nest in our box! I waited FIVE YEARS to get my first bluebird couple! LOL! What I've experienced in hosting three nest boxes is that the Dees and the brown headed nuthatches are just as much fun and such nice little birds! I've never been lucky enough to host titmice but maybe one day.... Anyway, I know you are sorry and won't do it again and that really is the point. Janie

Is that an orange slice? If so please take your feeders some distance away from your nestbox. You don't want a bunch of birds too close to your bluebirds disturbing them. Also congratulations about attracting a pair, I wish I had a pair in my yard! I have chickadees and 3 pairs of EABL at a few remote sites. Also take dzyg's advice about the baffle. Protect your investment!

Hello svDousman. Great to see you have an eastern bluebird pair. The second hole is not a big deal. To prevent predation of the nest the best thing you can do is put the box on a slick metal emt pole with a stovepipe baffle. There are actually two hole boxes you can buy because they help better protect against house sparrow attacks giving a bluebird inside under attack an escape hole. There are other ways to protect against them too like a sparrow spooker. Does the box open? The nest should be checked a few times a week to make sure all is ok. Yes the birds will return each year to the same box if they were successful previously. I would like to invite you to share your story and join the blue bird nut cafe forum. It is similar to this website but much more active and if you post your question there, you will get more help and answers. Hope to see you there. http://bluebirdnutcafe.yuku.com/ -Tyler