**SOS** Mounting a bluebird nest box

A some of you know I have had Bluebirds nesting under the eaves of my back deck for 3 years now. Well a black snake got the babies last night . I need to know what to do to protect this site. They seem to really like where it is, so any ideas for protection of this site will be appreciated. my other thought is to mound a regular (but different from what they have been using) nests on a pole very near this site, (still in he same little hidden alcove of my yard)
**Please** Any and all suggestions will be appreciated. right now my heart is broken and I cannot stop crying

Nestbox that has been being used

So sorry Sheri.

You've got to get that on a baffled pole. I would think that they would still accept a nice box near that location. Just look at how quickly Dave's birds took to a different box in the same yard. If it were me, i'd Nix the porch location and put it out 30 feet in the yard on a baffled pole. Then you only have to worry about sparrows and wrens. Sialis shows the plans for baffling.

(hugs)

Exactly my advice Birdie (and let me add my sympathy for I know how you must be hurting).

The same snake probably got the robin babies. Once he knows the location, he will check back time after time, so you can NEVER let them nest there again. Take down the box NOW so they won't try.

There is some consolation in that the birds seem to accept this and put it behind them so much quicker that we do. They will be ready to nest again in a matter of several days and they should have two more nestings this season. So you need to get busy now preparing them a safe nestbox on a pole with a baffle. It doesn't have to be 30 feet from anything but keep it a safe distance from any fences trees, sheds etc, in case you may have cats in your neighborhood.

I know you are just sick to have this happen. But resolve to learn from the experience. That's what I try to tell myself. It happens to even the most experenced sometimes. All we can do is resolve to try harder.

Dave

That snake is now gone.
I have someone who says he will mount a pole (Finally!!) for me, tomorrow. Would that same little isolated area "alcove" that they have liked so much over the past 3 years be OK or out in the middle of the yard. This male seemed to seek out that area and they always sit in one of 3 fairly nearby dogwood trees to watch. Out in the middle of the yard seems so different from what they have been used to....but is that is best. I also will get one of those snake guards for the opening and switch to a bluebird box rather than the one they have been using, with the big open front.
I think up under the eave of the house, it must have resembled a "cavity".
I just want to do right and give them another home quickly that is safe. the nest box on a pole needs to be 5'-8' high, right?
I actually have 2 poles and BB boxes, so perhaps I will mount in each location and let them choose. Does that sound like a good idea??

Thanks all,
broken hearted Birdie