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Birding/Chckadee nest destroyed
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Question
I have a bluebird house that has been occupied by house wrens for several years. This year chickadees took it over, built a nest of moss and other materials, layed eggs and the mother was sitting diligently. A few days after I checked her - she was sitting on the eggs - I peeked in to see if they had hatched yet, and the nest was completely gone, not a trace in the box nor on the ground around the box. There were a few sticks inside placed by a house wren, whom I could hear chirping nearby. Now the wrens are nest building. What could have happened to the chickadees? Is it possible the house wrens destroyed the nest?
Yes. They are very bad - they puncture eggs, kill babies, and take other birds nests out. Unfortunately they are a protected species. The only defense is to put your Bluebird boxes out in the open away fron trees and brush and remove the sticks whenever you see them.
Send your mailing address to walshaw1@cox.net and I will send you a free 20 page Bluebird book that will make you an expert.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | A very quick response with a clear explanation. Thanks | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Bluebird 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 20 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,Back Woodsman Magazine, Tulsa World, Broken Arrow ledger, Teaching Tolerance magazine,Trappers World, OK Hole Story, Birders World
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.
Past/Present Clients
Many
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