Bluebirds being replaced by brown headed nuthatch's

[Leigh Ayers]

My five baby bluebirds fledged today, now I have a pair of brown-headed nuthatch's checking out the bluebird box. They have been inside redecorating, throwing away feathers and such. The male bluebird keeps coming to the nestbox and looking inside. I have even seen him run off the nuthatch's. I have never seen this before, I would like some comments on how regular this happens, or is this an isolated event. I will remove the old bluebird nest and get it clean for the next brood.

[Jim Stegall]

If I were you I would do nothing and just watch what happens (and report it all here, of course). I'm curious as to what these birds would do.

[Leigh Ayers]

Jim, the nuthatches decided to move on. I removed the old blue bird nest and they are rebuilding their second nest now.

[Steve Bennett]

If you put up another bird house close by, the nuthatches may use it. The Blue birds would not be using it because there would not be enough food for them. The nuthatches on the other hand feed different from the blue birds and may use it.

Steve Bennett