Each of the Bluebird pairs nest at least twice, sometimes thrice. They will nest in the same box (cleaned) yet other times they choose a different box. The average brood is four yet often we get five.
Keeping up with these nest boxes is a chore. At the beginning of the season I clean and sterilize the boxes with a 1 part bleach 10 parts water solution. Once the boxes are clean and well rinsed then boxes are left (in the sun) to air dry before the are re-mount. During the season they are cleaned between nestings using the same process. I dispose of the old nest in plastic bags so they do not attract predators. At seasons end I clean them again and then prepare them for winter roosting. Cedar shavings are added for insulation. Most of the Pines small winter residents use the boxes as a winter roost. They are mostly occupied by either downy or hairy woodpeckers and the same species that use them to nest.
Mom and dad with recent fledglings feeding mealworms
Mom on eggs [5] catching a breather
