Read up on sialis.org...it is full of information on Bluebirds and other cavity nesting birds. Bluebirds typically fledge 16-19 days after hatching. Do not open the nestbox once the babies are 12-13 days old to prevent premature fledging. Please make sure your nestbox is mounted on a slick metal pole with a predator baffle to prevent predators from getting to the nestlings. Houses mounted on trees/fences/wooden posts or un baffled poles are an easy meal for predators like raccoons, squirrels, cats, snakes etc. Good luck Donna

Wear a hat and it won't seem so intimidating. My first year with Blues was the only year I had terrible divebombers other years they were much more tolerant and just scolded me. We have TRES so Blues divebombing never seems as bad anymore. TRES get really really close when they divebomb and usually if there are other TRES around they join in the bombing mission. It is nuts with the TRES. I say go look but wear a hat and you probably will feel better. They won't hit you cause if they did they could injure themselves. Donna

Sorry to hear the bad news,I also lost at least 3 in one box,and all 5 in another box,and lost 6 chickadee nestlings, all were due to fledge. about 1-1/2 weeks ago,we also had cooler temps.and lots of rain that week.I am thinking it was in fact the weather also.You did everything right,all we can do is try.You have cleaned the box,they should renest within a week or so.If you don't have other boxes available,now might be a good time to add one.I like to have more then one box to choose from,and it doubles your fun and stress LOL! Good luck Matt

Hello Justin, Sorry to hear about your loss but glad they are renesting. We all learn from our mistakes and hopefully nothing happens to your blues this time. Snakes, Raccoons, Squirrels, and large birds are all dangerous to baby birds. I would like to invite you to share your story and join the bluebird nut cafe and we will provide you with all you need to know about these birds. It is way more active and you will get fast answers to your questions. Hope to see you there. http://bluebirdnutcafe.yuku.com/