bluebird/nuthatch nestbox question

Last year I gave up on the possibility to attracting bluebirds to nest in our yard because it is so wooded, although the rear does look out at our neighbor's backyard lawn. For that reason, when my husband asked for the spec's to build a nestbox, I ordered up a nuthatch box (base 4"x4"). We were delighted when the nuthatches settled in and engaged in a huge, unexpected variety of interesting and entertaining behaviors. This year, however, a couple of bluebirds really want the house, and they chase the nuthatches away whenever the nuthatches try to check up on the house. We don't know for sure who will win, but bets are on the bluebirds in recent days. Feeling bad for the nuthatches, we went out and bought a bluebird house (base 6"x5"). OUR QUESTION IS WHETHER TO LEAVE THE "NUTHATCH" HOUSE ON THE POLE, OR TO SWITCH IT OUT WITH THE LARGER "BLUEBIRD" HOUSE AND PUT THE OTHER HOUSE (whichever that winds up being) ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE YARD, MOUNTED ON A BIG PINE TREE (of which we have many). What we desire is for the bluebirds to settle in on the house on the pole, and we don't know whether to just leave well enough alone, or give them an "upgrade", which they may not think of as desireable. Does anyone have any informed opinions to help us out with our decision?

Here's another shot of the bluebirds atop the "nuthatch" house.

another shot

Shimer, sorry I can't help you with the answer to your question, but you might try cross-posting it on http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/birdwatching/all/. Wish we had nuthatches in our yard. :(

Barb

I love this one.

Hi shimer,

I would try putting the new box up in the best placement spot for the Bluebirds.
http://sialis.org/habitat.htm

Here is a page on Nuthatches.
http://sialis.org/wbnu.htm

Another page that's useful.
http://sialis.org/pairing.htm

BTW, are you feeding mealworms?

Glad you got the thread transferred to this forum, Suzanne. The knowledge these folks share is amazing!

Barb

I hope you get both pairs nesting!

Thank you, Barb, for suggesting moving this thread: I did contact the administrator, who promptly moved it for me (wow!). I call our extension office today, who referred me to the local Audubon Society. The lady there was very knowledgeable and helpful. She suggested placing the new box as far away as possible on a tree--maybe the nuthatches will move in, maybe Carolina wrens... She thought that because we had some unseasonably warm temps last weekend, that the bluebirds may actually have started nesting in the current box, though possibly they are still making up their minds. Anyway, as long as they can get in and out of the hole, the dimensions are less important, and since it overlooks the lawn of our neighbor, that's really key. Hopefully we'll place the new box when my husband gets home from work today.

I appreciate your interest and helpfulness, and expect to close the thread now.