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It's Not Looking Good!
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Posted by donnalovesblue (My Page) on Sat, Feb 27, 10 at 11:43
| I had a couple who had been checking out the nest box pretty frequently up until about 10 days ago. Then, the male started to show up without the female. He would sit on top of the box for a few minutes, then fly away and I haven't seen him in a few days. I fear something has happened to her or she found a new mate and has chosen other housing.
In '08, nest building began on 3/11 and last season on 3/16, so there should be lots of activity at this point.
Is there a chance the male will seek out a new mate? And could weather be a factor? We've had unusually cold weather for our area (MS).
Hoping to hear some words of encouragment!!!!!! Thanks.
Donna |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: It's Not Looking Good!
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| Donna, it is common here. They look like they are getting ready to start building then they disappear. I have had a female switch mates in between nestings. That male picked up another female and went on with his business. You may have a young female that cant make up her mind! LOL Im sure your guy will have a lady in no time. Keep an eye out for another male and fighting over the box, if the female liked the box she may bring her new male. In the end everybody will find a mate and a nesting site. *My* Blues wont even get here for another few weeks. I can't even order worms yet, they would freeze. |
RE: It's Not Looking Good!
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Donna, this year's winter has been anything but typical at least for the mid-Atlantic region. Our weather has been so ridiculous with regard to snow cover . . . here we are a day away from March 1st and there's still snow everywhere. I would definitely not worry about what spring will bring. I think the birds are having to adjust to the changes as well and this spring may not progress as they have the last few years--it might start later, etc. Definitely don't give up. You know how determined our bluebirds are and also how stubborn the house sparrows can be. I have one hosp that already seems to have claimed one of the 4 nestboxes here at the house and I can't get to him because the yard still has about a foot of snow. So I'll just have to tolerate his cheeping and let him get good and comfortable. Then, when I can finally get to the nestbox, I'll do what needs to be done. We are all going to get a lesson in patience this year, I think. Chin up.
Kathy |
RE: It's Not Looking Good!
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| Really wierd, we had a much milder winter here this year. HHUUUMMM I know for the last 6 years I have always had a birthday egg laid 4-26, not always the first egg but usually. It's semi cold and snowy but not terrible, it's melting. I cant believe my Blues are due to arrive in 3 weeks. SPRING IS COMMING AND SOON! |
RE: It's Not Looking Good!
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| Sounds like someone has ants in her pants :-)! They know when the time is right. |
Here is a link that might be useful: first egg listing, by state, from Nestwatch data
RE: It's Not Looking Good!
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| Hello dear 'blue' friends, I've finally come out of hibernation. It's be a hard winter for various reasons. Last year, 'my' first egg was April 1st because it took Mama Blue 13 days to make the nest! She's back...it's easy to identify her because her beak is turned down at the end. She and 2 males have been here all winter. I think one is Daddy Blue from last year and maybe one of the kids. I've seen flashes of blue elsewhere in the neighborhood. Starting a few days ago, Daddy and Mama have spent a long time on top of the box with Daddy doing the 'wing thing'. They've been in and out of the box, too. Here's hoping we have a better season. Mama and Daddy only had one brood where only 2 chicks survived. I know they had a brood of 4 or 5 nearby but I think that was it for them. I don't know if I'll be doing my blog this year but I'm thinking about starting a Fb page for the 'inside the box' videos. It's just easier, for one thing. I also have an outdoor camera this year so I'm hoping for lots of good pics and videos. Bluebird blessings, Linda, NW Ga... |
Here is a link that might be useful: Welcome...Live Long & Prosper!
whoops...RE: It's Not Looking Good!
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Whoops, sorry about that. Try this!
Linda... |
Here is a link that might be useful: Live Long and Propser!
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