Bird Watching: Time to start bluebirding thread number 4, 1 by 2dCousinDave

2dCousinDave wrote:
Probably woodpeckers. You do need to watch the size of the hole. It should be 1 1/2 inches for blues and if it is enlarged it may become accessable to larger birds, like cowbirds. This box is NABS approved and I think the reason for the double layer is to keep long beaked birds, like starlings a little farther away from the nest. Of course, it also provides a thicker layer for the woodpecker to cut through and if it does become tattered and otherwise shopworn, the outside piece can be replaced. . Notice also that there is no perch. Perches seem to attract HOSP and the blues don't need them.

Well, Mama did lay her fourth egg this morning and apparently has decided to begin incubation immediately. She stayed in the nestbox for more than an hour. I just went out to check on her and after she flew, I did manage to get a picture of the four eggs.

Papa now has to start about 13 days of guard duty. I will post a few of him from this morning.

Dave