Tufted Titmouse (1 Viewer)

I have a Tufted Titmouse nest in my bluebird box. My husband was curious and opened the box about a week ago. He soon learned he should not have done that. The female was on the nest and came flying out. It scared him pretty bad & he closed the box & left it alone. Since it wasn't a bluebird I didn't pay much attention to it. I have seen something coming out of it, but couldn't intenfy what it was because it flew to fast. But now my still curious husband looked inside the box today & found 4 eggs. I haven't seen much activity lately. I would like to know if she may have abandoned her nest??? I have finally put my foot down & told my husband not to touch the box again. But since having a much used box out for 8 years since moving to our current location. This is the first time I have had anything nesting in it. So I want to clean it out & let other birds use it if the current nest has been abandoned. What should I do??

Blue Bird watcher said:

IWhat should I do??

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Just leave the nest alone--keeping as far away from it as practical--& see what happens. Once the female has completed the clutch & starts incubation she'll spend most of her time on the eggs & you won't see much activity. And even if the nest has been abandoned by the titmice, other potential nesters won't be bothered by the old nest & eggs, but will simply toss them out or incorporate them in their own nests.

Thanks for the advice. I saw the female today at the box. She's taking care of her babies.

Blue Bird watcher said:

Thanks for the advice. I saw the female today at the box. She's taking care of her babies.

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Glad to hear of the happy ending.