Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 5/17/2011

Question
QUESTION: I've been monitoring a bb nest since the beginning of May. i noticed the parents stopped visiting the box for feedings ( even though they're still around and very vocal) When I checked on the nest there was only 1 fledgling and to my horror it was Covered in ants! I immediately pulled the nest out and put the baby in a safe place until I could rid its nest and box of the ants. The parents were definitely around and excited about the whole thing. I put the nest and baby back and continued to watch for another whole day, but no visits from the parents and I'm afraid the baby is not going to make it on its own.

ANSWER: Hi Terry. I know that it is difficult but I always opt to let nature take its course. Bluebirds have many predators including insects. One pair can raise as many as 15 or more young in a year and if they all survived we would be up to our hips in Bluebirds and they would be running out of food. If you can't accept this the following is a contact for bird rehabilitators if the parents don't feed the baby. (You might try putting it in a shallow open box where the parents can hear it and see it more clearly). http://www.sialis.org/emergency.htm  

To deter ants in the next nesting get caged bird spray from WalMart or a pet store and spray the pole and the ground around the base. You will have to do this after every rain. For a more permanent solution google the Tanglefoot Co. to see where they sell TANGLETRAP SPRAY in your area. It is sticky and holds up to rain. Don't get it where the birds can get into it.

Do you have only one box? You need to have 3 or 4 as you will always lose some. Most of my panic and tearful calls and emails are from one boxers. If you will send your mailing address to me at walshaw1@cox.net I will send you my free 20 page Bluebird book. Your address will be used only to mail the book, and I have sent out more than 2300. Good luck, Bluebird Bob Walshaw.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for the advice. As of now the fledgling has disappeared ( I did as you suggested )and the parents are very visible so I can only assume they are handling the situation. I wouldn't have assumed they had abandoned it had I not discovered the horrible infestation of ants. Did I do the right thing in getting it out of there and would that be a reason why they might abandon the nest? Is it too late to put up another box? Thanks again, Terry

Answer
You did the right thing, and it is not too late to put up more boxes - Bluebirds nest into July and even August. Please use my email address for any questions - it is less complicated, and get your mailing address to me for the free book. walshaw1@cox.net it will make you an expert. Good luck, Bluebird Bob Walshaw.