AboutBluebird Bob Walshaw Expertise I can answer almost any question on Eastern Bluebirds and small cavity nesters such as Chickadees, Titmice, Wrens, etc. Also general questions on other songbirds. No pet bird questions please.
Experience I have had a 100 nestbox trail for more than 10 years, I do a lot of writing, public speaking and educational work in this field. My hands-on Bluebird talks include more than 1000 people each year.
Organizations Oklahoma Bluebird Society, North American Bluebird Society, National Audubon Society, Oklahoma Audubon Society, Oklahoma Fur Bearers Alliance
Publications Bluebird Magazine, Oklahoma Today, Fur-Fish-Game, Birds & Blooms, Nature Society News, etc.
Education/Credentials Degree in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA, Graduate of the Home Study Course in Bird Biology from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Oklahoma Master Naturalist. I am also a pofessional speaker and writer.
Awards and Honors Chosen as a public speaker for the North American Bluebird Society, Bluebird trail accepted as part of the Transcontinental Bluebird Trail, Chosen as a panel speaker at the 2006 NABS Convention.
Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw Date: 5/10/2008 Subject: Cardinal and Robin Nesting Very Closely Together
Question A cardinal has been very busy building a nest in the bush just outside our kitchen window. She now has eggs in the nest and has been sitting her eggs.
Just today, we discovered that a robin is also in the process of building a nest about 6 inches from the cardinal nest!
Will these two birds happily coexist before and after the birth of the babies?
Thank you!
Answer The fact that the Cardinal is allowing this bodes well for the future. Bluebirds and Tree Swallows will nest closely together and jointly defend their nests against predators. Cardinals are very aggressive and the Robin may be taking the same route. Watch the Cardinal's eggs closely to make sure that the parasitic Brown headed cowbird does not drop an egg into the nest. Throw it out if this happens. Please contact me if you have Bluebird houses at walshaw1@cox.net. Bluebird Bob.
