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Birding/Eastern bluebirds abandon nest?

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Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 7/3/2008


Question
Bluebirds built a very nice, thick nest in our birdhouse next to our own home.  Their house is about 4 feet from our window.  For weeks, as they built, they would also perch on our window screen and observe us for as much as 5 minutes at at time.  I would also see the male feeding the female on occasion. Also, I would sometimes see the male fighting his reflection on our car mirrors.

Suddenly, about 1 week ago, the pair disappeared and have not returned. I read a site on how to monitor this morning. I approached the house and tapped on the back of it. Then I opened it and found their nice, full nest, but no eggs or shells or feathers.  No sign of life.

Is it likely they will return?  Or should I believe they have abandoned and just remove the nest?

Thank you for your advice.

Terry

Answer
Probably a predator got the female. This is not unusual aa they have a lot of enemies. In situations like this I usually wait 2 weeks after the last activity and then remove the nest so another pair may use it. 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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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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