AboutBluebird Bob Walshaw Expertise Questions about setting up and monitoring Eastern Bluebird houses. This includes where and how to put up houses, trouble shooting, fighting predators, etc.
Experience 10 years with an 80 box Bluebird trail which has been accepted as part of the Transcontinental Bluebird Trail. Talks on Bluebirds to many organizations.
Organizations North American Bluebird Society, Audubon Society
Publications Bluebird Magazine, Birds and Blooms, Oklahoma Today, etc.
Education/Credentials BS, MBA, Cornell University Bird Biology course
Awards and Honors Blue Cross Ageless Hero, Red Cross Everyday Hero
Question We had 4 eggs in our bluebird house. It was about time for them to hatch. All 4 eggs just disappeared, this has happened twice this year, no sign of any shells, or the nest wasn't messed up. I don't know what could be happening. She is building another nest, I don't want this to happen again.
Answer Unfortunately this is the hallmark of a snake attack. House sparrows and house wrens usually smash eggs, and house sparrows often kill the adults and often take over the box. A raccoon would have pulled grass out of the entrance and messed up the mest. You need a snake guard. Send your mailing address to walshaw1@cox.net and I will send you a free 20 page Bluebird book. See page 19 about your one box.
