Bluebirds, Take Two

It didn’t take long for the bluebirds to decide on their next move. Almost immediately after disaster struck their first nest, they started building another.

I saw them eyeing this Gilbertson PVC nest box yesterday. This morning I went out and saw the female perched on top of the box. I went back in the house to get my camera, and she was still there when I got back and started snapping photos.

female bluebird with nest material (click on any image to enlarge)

I’m glad they chose this nest box, which is on higher and dryer ground. It’s also closer to the house, which will make it easier to observe and photograph. The box is located in our shade garden, near the base of the giant mulberry tree.

Both the male and female bluebird participate in the nest building, but the female is generally in charge and does most of the actual construction. The photo below seems to bear this out. The male is perched on the top, seemingly offering encouragement, while the female is coming out of the box.

male on top and female exiting nest box

I have seen the female landing near the blueberry bushes, which are mulched with pine straw. It will be interesting to see if she uses the pine straw for the nest. The last nest was built of fine grasses and a little bit of green moss, but no pine needles.

female with more nesting material

I’ll try and sneak a peek inside the nest box later today or tomorrow. They seem to be working in overdrive today. Some sources say it can take up to 6 days to finish a nest, but I’ve also seen them do it in less than a day. I’m just happy they decided to give Happy Acres another try for raising a family. Until I decide on a predator guard, I’m going to follow the NABS (North American Bluebird Society) recommendation and wax the metal conduit pole.

Stay tuned, I’m sure there will be more acts in this ongoing bluebird saga in the days and weeks to come!