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Birding/baby bluebirds dying one by one

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Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 6/27/2009


Question
In the past we have had a wooden nesting box for bluebirds.  Last 3 years we have had a PBC nesting box.  We have been doing this for over 17 years.
This year has not been successful.  The first pair this year had 5 eggs and they never hatched.  Now we have a pair that had 4 eggs hatch.  We were gone for a week and when we came back the male bluebird is gone.  The female is doing her best to feed the babies.  They are about 2 weeks hatched.  Problem is one by one they have been dying.
Yesterday the second one died and today there is another one dying and the last one doesn't look as good as it did yesterday.  We have tried everything we can think of and can't figure out what is happening.  My husband is changing the nest material right now thinking there may be parasites in the old one.  (nothing we can see)  Any ideas on what we can do?  Why are they dying?  Thanks for your help.

Answer
This is a difficult one. Apparently the first eggs were not fertile. One parent should be able to feed a family, but sometimes the choice of food is bad (only berries vs insects, etc.). Has there been any pesticide spraying in the area? Do you have my fre 20 page Bluebird book? If not please send me your mailing address - to walshaw1@cox.net. It does not address this, but on page 19 it speaks about your one box.

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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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