dracowildlife's Journal

Sad news. After noticing that no birds were visiting the License Plate Nest Box, I checked inside. It appeared there were hatchlings, but there did not seem to be any sign of movement. I checked again 24 hours later (today) and convinced myself there was a problem. I opened the nest box and discovered three dead hatchlings. Did the mother abandon them? Did I scare the mother away when I looked for eggs? Whatever the reason, I removed the nest and hatchlings from the nest box and replaced it in the same location. Now to see if anything happens.

In the meantime, there are four Eastern Bluebird hatchlings in Nest Box Delta and six Bewick's wren eggs in Cheryl's Nest Box.

More sad news. The Eastern Bluebird hatchlings in Nest Box Delta have died. Was it because of cold temperatures (in mid-30's)? Doesn't seem likely. Was it from an invader (one of the four hatchlings was missing when Patrick cleaned out the nest box)? With no other evidence, we have to chalk it up to "Bad Luck." As just mentioned, we cleaned out the nest box with the hope that the breeding pair will try again.

On a brighter note, Patrick observed five(!) scissortail flycatchers on the north and east fence around noon. Alas, he did not have his camera with him.