Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 4/5/2009

Question
A small bird has returned again this year and has  made a nest in a wreath I have hanging on my door instead of a hanging basket I had last year. Again, there are 3 very pale blue eggs and this morning there is a brown speckled egg. Last year, something destroyed the eggs before they could hatch. Is another bird using her nest? Should I remove the odd egg? Does this sound like a jenny wren? Any info will be appreciated.

Answer
That is a real mystery. Carolina Wrens have raised young in a wreath on our porch and even in a bicycle helmet in our garage, but their eggs are brown speckled. Bluebird eggs are blue (Except sometimes white) but they are bigger than Wren eggs, and Bluebirds usually build in cavities or Bluebird boxes. If those blue eggs are small I have no idea what bird laid them. Eastern Phoebes nest like that, but I don't know what color their eggs are. I suggest that you sit quietly near the nest and watch for the bird or birds. Please contact me again when you know. Also if you are interested in Bluebirds please send your mailing address to walshaw1@cox.net and I will send you my free 20 page Bluebird book. Bluebird Bob Walshaw. PS - if the odd egg is much larger than the others and no other similar ones are laid it might be a parasitic Brown Headed Cowbird's egg and it should be thrown out.