Miserable May: only 9 Bluebirds Fledged

In a typical year, some 20 bluebirds fledge from 5-7 nests. There were so far 5 nests, but two were failures, on the North side. Three nests with some success were on the South side. Those are on the limestone bike/hike trail. See map.

There are now no bluebird eggs in nests. I cleaned some boxes, took note of wren activity and put grease on those nest boxes that could possibly get a second brood. It's red axle grease. Keeps the ants from the box for a week or two.

There is really nothing to do now but check some 10 likely boxes a week from now. Many boxes still have swallows, they are not checked if active. One swallow nest seemed to have started early, so i hoped they had had success. No idea, the female was still inside the nest. Is she still incubating?