Hairy Woodpecker vs. Western Bluebird

I was able to locate a very accessible Hairy Woodpecker nest this year. I will be planning on shooting it a lot this summer when the chicks hatch out.
However, we will see if it turns into a Woodpecker nest, or a Western Bluebird nest. A male Western Bluebird repeatedly tried to enter the hole but the male Hairy chased him away.
It is interesting to note that the male chose this snag because of the bark separation from the tree to act as a rain shield. There are exceptions--however I have seen the majority of fresh Woodpecker holes with this type of overhang, no matter the species.

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nice set, really like #1 with it peeking out

Congrats on the find. Both are very nice shots, I think the Hairy will win out. Hope to see more!

very nice, Evan

Interesting. Good shots and I hope you get more too.

Lovely shots, both of them! I'm not surprised that the Bluebird is interested - what a perfect nest! But I think the Hairy will be successful in defending his real estate.

very nice Evan

Those are both great shots Evan

I will be surprised if the Bluebird takes over. But he was very persistent in trying to get into the box.

This trip was just a scouting trip since when I first saw it I wasn't carrying my camera. I don't think I will come back to it until the chicks have hatched (which should be early June) so that I don't push them out of their hole they have been working on for several weeks.

It is interesting to note that the male chose this snag because of the bark separation from the tree to act as a rain shield. There are exceptions--however I have seen the majority of fresh Woodpecker holes with this type of overhang, no matter the species.