Kay - that's distressing news! I wish I could say that there was a sure-fire method of protecting the nesting birds from the ferals, but the only thing we've come up with is to have our birdhouses on 8 ft metal poles. When I clean them, I have to set up a ladder. And still, though I hate to admit it, the cats will take birds that come down close to the ground for whatever reason - feeding, getting water, gathering nesting materials, etc. No bluebirds yet, but then the swallows pretty much have claimed all the nesting boxes here, and won't allow them to come anyway. And, I guess I have read that the bluebirds prefer the boxes to be lower. It's a hard one - sorry.

Alex

You hate to see that happen with your blue birds of happiness. I guess it happens every once in awhile. At least your feral feline friend catches voles.

If the critters are climbing the pole, one recommendation I have seen is to put automobile grease on the pole.

Thank you. The nest is on a metal pole, but the blue birds think they just have to get on the ground, and the cat gets them there. I cannot believe another bird has already found the next and laid 5 eggs in it, but dhe has. We have always had the ferals, but this is the first time one has gotten a bluebird, and she got both of them!