Washed it and put it outside to dry. Sat right on it and pooped. In front of me this morning. I am not the help you are looking for.

There is a Bluebird Nature trail nearby and volunteers go along daily to clear wren and other bird nests out of the bluebird boxes. It is necessary to clear other bird's nests out of the bluebird boxes daily - some do it 2x's a day. Once the wrens or other birds have eggs, it is illegal to clear the nests out. Wrens are mean, tenacious little buggers. Once they have a nesting area started, they will return to it year after year. They can nest anywhere, say an old boot on your back porch. Bluebirds are obligate hollow cavity nesters. They need nesting boxes or hollowed out trees to reproduce. Other birds, wren especially will crush the bluebird eggs and throw them out of the box and build their nest on top of the bluebirds nest. If you are interested, it is best to learn what a bluebird nest looks like an removed any other nest from your nest box. It is also necessary to watch the box once the nestlings have hatched because ants and snakes will also take their toll on bluebird young. It's a very rewarding hobby and I swear I have bluebirds that recognize me and come back to nest in my area each year.

For more information check for a local bluebird club- many of them have bluebird trails and are having some success in improving bluebird populations. http://www.iowabirds.org/ContentPage.aspx?p=14

Yes I know all this info. I know what the Bluebird nests look like as opposed to the Wren nests and Tree Swallow nests. I don't mind the Tree Swallows. I first learned about the Wrens two years ago when they killed Tree Swallow nestlings in one of my boxes -- horrible. Going to try Wren Guards this year, and hoping that will work, also going to use predator guards for snakes. I did join a Bluebird club but haven't picked their brains yet.

I wish we had colorful birds like this in my neck of the woods. Googled bluebirds and man are they beautiful! I can see why you'd want them around!
In our yard we get doves (mourning and white wing), blackbirds, brown headed cowbirds and European starlings. Twice a year (twice!) a male cardinal visits, sometimes with a female, but that's it. I still love the birds we do get though!


good luck on dealing with the wrens!

I don't know where you live but you may be able to attract them. I had houses up for 3-4 years before I saw any in my yard but people told me there were some in the neighborhood, so I kept hoping they'd find the houses and two years ago they did... but so did the Wrens.