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Hi Everyone, between yesterday and today all
fledged. I actually was here to witness 5 of them leave the nest. They are amazing fliers for being cooped up in a box for weeks. One was still here in the nest today, but evidently while we were out that one fledged too. They all went to one large oak tree but today they seem to be in a different one. I have removed the nest and washed out the box. Under the nest was some sort of larva, which my husband killed with a torch. I had a feeling it might have been blow fly larva but I am no expert. With all the wet weather that would not surprise me. They (larva) are gone now and the box is ready if Mama and Papa decide to honor me with another family.
Connie (PA)Tammy, that is a guess. I just could not think of anything else that the larva might be. So glad the little ones are out before something bad happened.
Connie (PA)Thanks David, I have seen the pair investigating the same box, he was in it for a while then she stayed hanging on the outside and looked in. I saw her do the same today, so we shall see. I hope I have good news to report. The great news is this is the first year out of 3 that both Mama and Papa are here for the whole process.
Connie (PA)Lisa, I am hoping you get to see them fledge too. It is quite a process and is done little by little with lots of coaxing but to see them take wing for the first time is such a wonderful experience.
Let us know how it works out.
Connie (PA)Me too Connie! I should be off that day! This bunch is special to me as I saved them from a snake just by sheer luck!
I would have to agree that was a great save. We have snakes around here but so far I have not seen any near the BB house. I hope that never happens but one never knows. I will be keeping an eye on the posts hoping to see you report that you have seen the babies fledge.
Connie (PA)Sitting here waiting, day 18, tapping fingers. They are just feeding them like crazy so I’m guessing not today.
I lost 5 15 day olds to a snake before so now I have a Krueger trap. The box is about 3 feet from an aluminum golf course fence and happened to take the dog out at 9 PM and a snake was curled upon the fence behind the box where he could have stretched and gotten over the trap. I thought I whacked it but couldn’t find the evidence. At 11 I just had a feeling and he was back. Gone now.
After theses fledge I am going to move the house further from the fence. May have a 4th nest this year…if they are like last year’s couple.We have super long snakes they call chicken or rat snakes. They have a great sense of smell. I never bothered a harmless snake in my life until losing those babies. It was heartbreaking.
Aaaarrrgggh!!! I worked last night and stayed up until 11 am watching and waiting until I just had to take a nap. Got up and put out mealworms and they all went next door. Empty box. I was so bored hoping to see them fledge that I watched you tube videos of fledging before I gave up.
Why oh why do I always miss it?????Why oh why do I always miss it?????
That’s my usual drill. Wait weeks and miss the whole thing. I’ve caught it maybe twice.
Gin
Atlanta, GA
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