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Birding/Abandoned 'Carolina Bluebird' nest..

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Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 3/30/2011


Question

Pair of Carolina Blueb
From 03-24-11 until about 03-26-11, a pair of Carolina Bluebirds, were busy building a nest together, in one of my birdhouses. Then after a few days, all activity at the box, stopped. I checked the box & found a perfectly good Bluebird nest, but no eggs! This bird house has been used several times, for at least 5 years, with good success. To my delight, many broods, have been achieved by the Bluebirds, that consider my yard, their home. Over the years, I have done a fair amount of research, on how to help Bluebirds. However, this year, I am a bit stumped! Why would they abandon the nest? I thought of 3 reasons. Do any of these make sense? 1- Here in NC, we had a unusually cold winter, then finally, we had several warm days! Every bird type, in my yard, were quiet excited! But then, we had a sudden cold spell! From what I have seen in the past, this happened about the same time, that the eggs should have been laid. Maybe this discouraged the female from laying the eggs in the box??  2- Maybe, this nest is a 'decory' from other types of birds, completing for the box. And the couple was actually building two nest, at the same time?  Perhaps, some 'lucky' neighbor has 'my' Bluebirds, using their box! 3- A cute pair of Chick-a-dees, were competing for the box, just before the Bluebirds, started building a nest. So, I placed another birdhouse, several feet from the first. The Bluebirds, did not mind, and began building a nest, as explained above. Maybe, when I wasn't watching, the Chick-a-dees, came back & began competing for the box again? So, the Bluebirds gave up the nest? ...By the way, the second box, is still empty! >> One last question? Should I remove the nest or leave it? Which will encourage the Bluebirds, to come back, once warm weather, sets in?? >> Finally, because you apparently love Bluebirds & as a gesture of saying Thank You, for your time: I am attaching a photo that you may enjoy, of the pair of Bluebirds, mentioned above, looking over the bird houses. From the picture, you would think, they chose the house on the left. However, it is the one on the right, that has the nest, with no eggs!  Sincerely, Kay J.

Answer
I believe that you mean Eastern Bluebirds. Also there are Carolina Chickadees and Carolina Wrens. It is not unusual for nesting activity to be delayed when the weather turns cold. The bird's supply is also reduced as this reduces insect activity. I would wait to see. The other possibility (hopefully not) is that a predator has gotten the female. If you will send your mailing address to me at walshaw1@cox.net I will send you my free 20 page Bluebird book. If you are concerned about disclosing your address Google Bluebird Bob Walshaw to see the work that I do. Good luck! Bob Walshaw.

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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