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The fledglings left the nest this morning. I had been checking the box just by walking up to it the past two days. I didn’t have to look inside as Mom and Dad let me know the babes were still in the box! (When I checked in the early stages they didn’t bat an eye but certainly get concerned close to fledging!). I saw the parents coaxing the babies yesterday. Sitting on the fence with food in their mouth gently singing. This morning Momma was on the Spooker and I think she was coaxing the last one out of the box. I just checked and the nest is empty. There was one egg out of five that did not hatch but four babies have successfully left the nest! I worked tirelessly to ensure they had protection with the Spooker, Baffle etc. I captured three male HOSP’s and sent them to a “better” place. I provided enough meal worms each day to help supplement the diet but not make them too reliant. I provided more on rainy days and would like to thing that helped. I will continue to put meal worms out for the next week or so to help mom and dad. I’ve cleaned out the box and just hope I get a second brood. Driving past my neighbor who had them nesting in their apple tree, I noticed six Bluey’s on the wires! Two adults and four juvies. It’s wonderful to see our little neighborhood so full of these darlings! I am one proud Papa!!!
Hi Rich, our babies fledged on the same day. It is so interesting to watch the adult pair coax the fledglings out and so gratifying to see them fly for the first time.
I too have been feeding them live mealworms, a couple dozen twice a day. I am at an impasse on ordering any more. If they build another nest they could use them but if not, it will be a waste. Decisions, decisions.
Of course the first fledglings are as big as the parents now so I am sure between them and the new babies plus Mama and Papa, they will devour them in no time. Wishing you luck on the second nesting.
Connie (PA)Congrats, Rich, on the fledging of your babies! That is always such a relief. What kind of bird was nesting in your neighbor’s apple tree, or was it in a cavity of the tree? My pair are on the 3rd nesting – sort of late so hope everything goes well.
Bluebirds were nesting in the neighbor’s apple tree. There was a small knot about 7 or 8 feet above ground that was cavity and they were nesting in there. I observed them going in and out on a regular basis. I imagine in the day before HOSP and EUST showed up there were a lot of these types of nests!
That’s great news Rich, congratulations‼️ I hope you get a second nesting too. Nothing better than filling the neighborhood with bluebirds.
Judy-Michigan
Rich, about the cavity in your neighbor’s apple tree – the very same thing happened to me last year. My pair built their first nest in a cavity in my neighbor’s maple or elm tree. It was close enough that I watched them, and I was VERY perturbed with them, because they were then still coming to my yard for their mealworms! Don’t know exactly what happened over there, but don’t believe any were hatched from that tree. In looking over my notes, they said it was very cool and wet during that time. Don’t know if she actually laid any eggs because I couldn’t see in the nest. But I know they built a nest or were in the process. And yes, that’s the way it was before people were taught and informed about the decline of bluebirds and then lots more yard boxes were put up.
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