Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 7/2/2008

Question
QUESTION: we have had a nest for almost a month, we have lost 2 eggs, had one hatch & fly watched in fly away, The mother has come back & seems to still be keeping the nest warm, woul dit be possible for there to be another egg, or could there be another answer, we have not seen the male in a few days, can you help?

ANSWER: Losing eggs often means a small snake has attacked, or it could have been the work of a killer house sparrow (an unprotected species) or a house wren. Often we just don't know. A full nesting cycle has been completed if one baby has grown up and left the nest. The mother may be planning a second family. Check the nest when she leaves to forage for food. Please contact me again if you also have Bluebird boxes, or if you wish to have information on how to raise those beautiful birds.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So it is possible for the Purple Finch to go ahead and have a second family so quickly?  That seems strange BUT I am not a bird person, although these little guys have stolen my heart, The father has come back, and she is nesting just as she did with family #1.  Is this usual.  They are in an area on out front porch, just behind a rather large thermostat, it is highly unlikely that snake would get them, I have not seen a snake here, as for other birds that is possible, although it would be hard, since it is such a small spot.

Answer
If birds are going to have a second or third family (some of my Bluebirds have already started on their third family) they usually move quickly so they don't run out of time in the nesting season. Sometimes a female will start another nest before the previous family fledges. If you are interested in learning about Bluebirds please send your mailing address to walshaw1@cox.net and I will send you a free 20 page Bluebird book.