Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 7/12/2008

Question
On 06/25/08 we were blessed with 4 eastern bb babies. this was the parents 2nd attempt.(the 1st time, box was mounted to tree and snake had 4 eggs for lunch;moved box to light pole). we stopped checking babies after 07/07/08. we always knew chicks were still in nest as long as parents were around. on 7/10/08 my husband was home and noticed our golden ret. and cat had something in their mouth. it was the bb chicks. he was able to get both away without noticable damage. he put them back in the box and they tried to fly again-but landed on the ground.  he picked up one more time and replaced them in the box.  he watched for a while and they stayed.  he couldnt watch constantly so we are not sure if 1 survived. we did lose 1. i was devasted.  is there any way for me to know if any of the babies survived? none are around at this time. our cat helps with mouse control since we are surrounded by pastures. the dog just made me mad but i have even seen him chase mice.  how or will i ever know if the other babies survived? i sure do miss them.

Answer
Hi Annette. I know that this may sound callous, but fledgling survival rates are very low and there is a reason for this. For example, I have a six mile trail with 100 boxes, and a number of my bluebirds have already started their 3rd family of the year. One pair can raise 15 or more young every year, and if they all survived we would be up to our hips in bluebirds. Predators and accidents get the slow and less smart which keeps the species strong. Nature's law - the survival of the fittest.

Please get one of the automatic litter boxes which will save on litter and keep your cat from digging in its own waste and turn your cat into an indoor cat. It will be healthier and will live longer. Domestic cats kill millions of birds and small animals every year, and they often do it cruelly by injuring them and then playing with them. We have domesticated them, but we have not bred the killer instincts out of them.

Send your mailing address to walshaw1@cox.net and I will send you a free 20 page Bluebird book that will give you a lot of information. Especially see page 19 about your one Bluebird house.