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My 5 baby blues in nest #3 fledged yesterday – only 16 days – I’m sure the heat had something to do with their early departure, as it has been close to 100 degrees the past few days. Was sure worried all 5 would make it due to the heat. We cleaned out the box this morning and remarkably it was in a fairly good condition – not too much goop. This morning when I put out the worms the parents did not go to the box but went to the big trees just on the side of our home, so I knew they had left the nest. Whew . . . . . .
Carol, so glad to hear this! I know it’s been sizzling here, but your region is just so HOT. So happy to know all fledged!
Hi friends, we haven’t seen our BBs at all in the past 3-4 days. They had been a regular presence in recent weeks, perching on the telephone wire or clothes pole, and singing pleasantly. And no mealworms have been eaten from the feeder. It’s been terribly hot here, so maybe they are not as active, but still, I think I’d see them once in a while, as they need food daily I assume. We do have a few hawks and kestrels nearby. (No wrens, thankfully.) Is this kind of absence normal?
Stebet, I’ve not had this happen so really can’t help you other than don’t give up. Maybe they are just taking a break – and maybe it is those hawks keeping them away – hope they return.
Stebet, this time of year we usually don’t have a nest going, and we don’t see them as often. They tend to disappear a bit and then one day they’ll be sitting on the street light arm, surveying their kingdom, as it were. I would agree with Carol’s advice to be patient and hopeful. It does seem odd since you’re feeding mealworms, but then again, this time of year it’s bugs galore, so there’s lots of available food. And maybe they’re training the young ‘uns on hunting skills…Keep us posted.
I have to say that our bluebird male has been the most vocal we’ve ever had. He follows me around the yard singing–likely making sure I make no moves toward the box! But I was thinking today I will miss that singer when the seasons shift. He’s spoiled me this year.
Hi Carol — that was my first thought, that they are “lying low” in the heat wave. They actually don’t seem to mind the hawk. He sits way up high on a grain silo, looking down, and the BBs are as calm as can be, sitting on the wire. I admire their serenity.
Hi Julie — some mealworms were eaten last evening, so that’s good, but I didn’t see it. Maybe they are waiting until it’s not so hot, and then they make their rounds. Yes, we have an unusually vocal male here, too! Definitely feeling spoiled, as well. Such a delicate little song they have.
Stebet, I have seen the same thing here in Virginia during the summer heat. They usually stay in the cooler foliage of the nearby woods and come back to the feeder when the temperatures drop. I have had mine disappear for 2 weeks and then suddenly they are on the wires across the street or back at the mealworms. Patience in the heat of summer always works for me.
David
Stafford, VA
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