We have tried for two years to attract a pair of Eastern Bluebirds to one of our handmade nest boxes. Last year a pair did move in, but unfortunately became engaged in a bloody territorial dispute with the Black Capped Chickadees. The bluebirds eventually won and built their nest and laid two eggs. Sadly, the next check of the nest revealed an empty nest and no adult bluebirds to be found. The box sat empty the remainder of the season and we did not see any more bluebirds. We were never really sure just what had happened. In our other two nesting boxes we had successful hatchlings of the Downy Woodpeckers and more Chickadees.
This year we were so excited to see a pair of Eastern Bluebirds back in our yard. We used several water fountains and berry bushes around the yard to attract them and it seemed to pay off. You can imagine how ecstatic we were when we saw them taking turns going into the box with nesting materials. After a few weeks we checked the box and we found a well designed nest of moss and grasses and within another few weeks we had three beautiful Eastern Bluebird eggs. Everyday we would see the Mom and Dad going in and out of the nest tending to their new family.
We began to notice that the male had become VERY territorial and would really put up a fuss if any other bird came near. One day it appeared to be a re-enactment of a bombing raid as both the bluebirds chased away several wandering squirrels. These bluebirds were SERIOUS...they would dive from the sky and actually peck at the squirrels. They proceeded this action for about 20 minutes until the squirrels retreated into the woods. We figured the eggs had hatched and checked the box that evening to find three very new little hatchlings. Over the next week or so we observed the bluebird parents happily flying in and out of the nest box and frequently noticed Papa sitting on top of the nest box keeping guard.
We were so happy that things were going along so nicely. We checked our other two nesting boxes and one remained empty and one had at least five, maybe six Black Capped Chickadee hatchlings, which were a little older than the bluebirds (see picture) and had developing feathers.
Then one morning we woke up, looked out the window and Musa noticed that the bluebirds nesting box door was open and the nest was gone. The male bluebird was perched on a pole nearby just screeching. We all went running down the hill hoping to find and/or save the babies. The nest was face down on the ground directly below the nesting box...no babies anywhere to be found. For most of the day we listened to the screeches of the grieving birds. This I now know is true....all living things grieve. No question.
We researched the most probable predators and what could have occurred. We did have several big loud, Blue Jays in the yard a few days before this happened and we did see them once take a swipe at Papa as he sat on top of the nesting box. He held his own and it appeared they moved on. There are big crows around the area but they seldom venture into the yard. We have seen a ferrel cat from time to time. Raccoons? Snakes? Last but not least...the squirrels. We checked the front door of the nesting box and although it was tight and hard to open when made, it has loosened over time, so it easily swayed opened. Perhaps, we thought another bird had entered the nest, a fight broke out and they fell against the door. But...where were the babies.
So many possibilities and so much sadness. Retta was mortified. She cried much of the day. Then to make matters worse, (I had just cleaned my big window in my living room) as we walked up the sidewalk we watched a large Brown Thrasher smash into to window and fall to the ground. (I will now always use window decals, or...perhaps never wash my windows.) He died instantly. I didn't know if Retta would recover. As we shrouded him for the funeral and started walking to the woods, there lay one of the baby bluebirds, also dead. We shrouded the baby also. For several days Mama and Papa hung around the box and the we didn't see them again.
We talked at length about the circle of life, the balancing act of nature and that although we see nature largely as a beautiful gift of serenity and peace, their is a component of violence that exists. We decided that we would probably never know what happened to the baby bluebirds, but we did clean out the box and secured the door on both boxes.
The day after this happened, we watched a squirrel climb to the top of the empty nesting box and pee all over the roof. Hmmmm...was this the evidence that the squirrel was the predator?
The same evening a new pair of Eastern Bluebirds appeared, (I knew it was a different pair because the female was much duller in color than the original couple). They hung around the yard a few days, we did see them entering and exiting the box, but when checked a few days later, there was no sign of a nest.
Today it happened, they are busily building a nest. Once the male had a large twig that he could not fit through the hole of the box. He tried several attempts and finally landed on top of the box and started pounding the twig on the box until he broke it into small enough pieces he could get through the door. So cool.
So......here we go again. Keep your fingers crossed and we will keep posting.
