Issues with birds nesting on porch

[Mapetitemiette]

I live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Last year, a pair of house finches built a nest in a box under the eaves of our porch. They had two or three babies who survived, at least until they were old enough to fly away from the nest.
This year, the nest is in use again (I'm not sure what kind of birds are using it this year; I've been away at school). My Mom says that the new babies hatched a few days ago. She said that they were definitely in the nest early this morning. She went out to run an errand. When she came back a few hours later, the front of the nest had been torn down, and the babies were gone . My Mom says that there are about four adult bird hanging around the nest now. Does anyone have any idea what could have killed the babies and why? Could they have been pushed out by another adult bird that wanted to take the nest? Is there anything we can do to keep this from happening again in the future?

[huntress]

I'm sorry, There are many thigs that could have raided the nest and most probably it was another species of birds. Sad but true some birds prey on other babies or even just kill the babies and take over the nest. Its all part of nature and you really shouldn't interfere with it. My opinion and that of many naturalist is that we should not interfere or try to help unless "we" (humans) caused the problem to begin with. Its the law of Nature.

[Mapetitemiette]

Thanks for your input. I also think it was probably another species of bird. As of today, the enire nest has been pushed to the ground and various birds have come to check out the empty box.

[huntress]

Bluebirds also have allot of problems with intruders. They build special nestboxes with "tunnel" type openings to help them with this. Starlings (an introduced species) will raid nests and use them for themselves. they are evil little birds but I hear they can be tamed and make good pets - go figure.