It is so hard to watch sometimes. With our very first bluebird pair in 2012, the male died just a day or so before the nestlings fledged. A new male took over and after fledging, I found little mounds of feathers around the property. I don’t think any of the fledglings survived. I don’t know if the new male killed them and/or if they were just not properly protected and fed.
Since that time we have had both tragedies and times to rejoice. But over all the rejoicing far outweighs the sadness. I came across the following quote that sums it up: “If you mess around with bluebirds, chances are heartbreak will interrupt the joy sooner or later. Be still and listen, for the Joy shall return to sing another day.”
– Wendell Long, 2005
Cari
Willamette Valley, Oregon