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Tim – I got a chuckle out of your comment. You are so right we don’t need any more of them around. The one in my yard has not settled down yet. I’m hoping he flies off soon.
The second pair of tree swallows have started building a new nest in a different box. Hope it works out for them this time.
The weird thing is the house wren is all over the yard and the only place he tries to build a nest is in the patio umbrellas and the sticks just fall through. No sticks in any of the nesting boxes. He’s a strange one!
Judy – Michigan
All seems to be well now. Parents have them across to street in the trees. I give them live mealworms twice a day and that is where they take them.
This was my 1st experience with an early fledge. I have to say they were so cute and easy to catch. When I would get near one it would tuck its head down like they do in the nest. Making it very easy to scoop up. Fluffy little balls of feathers. Happy I was able to help.
Judy – Michigan
This morning about 10:00am I saw 1 of the bluebird chicks sitting on top of the bluebird box baffle! Lol, l’m sure the parents did not put it there, so they have learned to fly quickly. Yay‼️
Judy – Michigan
I have not seen them since this morning. I heard a lot of calling from momma blue and papa blue today. I fed them live mealworms this evening trying to see where they were taking them. I could not tell, they would head off one way and return from another direction. My only hope is they were able to get them all together. Anyone know if they could learn to fly within a 12 hour span?
Judy – Michigan
Nice pictures! Six eggs is fantastic. I think your PVC box is a big hit. I have never used one, but the biggest concern I have heard is they are a little tight. Seems like the birds like them. Good luck.
Judy – Michigan
I have not experienced delayed incubation, but I have read that mama blue can wait a few days before she starts incubation. Could you tell if she started incubation after the last egg was laid? I hope someone with more experience can be more helpful. Good luck, I hope you see hatchings soon.
Judy – Michigan
Yep, I had white eggs one time about 8 years ago. She only had one nesting. None since, but it would be cool to have again.
Judy – Michigan
Carol, Nice to hear from you, I miss your posts. Glad you have babies ready to fledge soon. Hope they wait for a beautiful calm day, unlike some of yours in the past during a storm!
TimC, Congratulations on your 1st 2 bluebird eggs. I’m sure you are going to have a busy year with all of your trail boxes!
July – Michigan
My 2 bluebird nests are doing well. I have 5 in the backyard and I believe 5 hatchlings in the front box (I can’t get a clear view of all 5 beaks). All doing well. Still hear the wrens…..grrrr. The Bluebird’s nests are all past the stage where the wrens can do major damage. The tree swallows have nests in the 2 paired boxes, no eggs yet.
Tammy….So sorry to hear of your loss of 6 hatchling. I’m really surprised because I thought mama blue would still sit on them to keep them warm. Maybe she was a 1st time mom? Good news you have 2 new eggs….yay!
Judy – Michigan
TimC, Thanks for mentioning the Merlin Bird ID app. I did not know about it. So, I downloaded it and went out into the yard. In under 5 minutes it had heard 8 different birds. One of the birds was a Nashville Warbler (said rare). I thought it was super cool, it’s a fun birding tool.
I saw the 1st Baltimore Oriole here in Michigan on April 27th. No hummingbirds yet, maybe tomorrow. I’m ready……their nectar feeders are out.
Judy – Michigan
Just an update……….all 5 eggs hatched this morning! They survived low temperatures of 26 and 32 degrees. I would like to think the wool socks worked…lol. Now let’s hope Mr. Wren stays away for the next few days!
Judy – Michigan
Last week was a super cold week. From here on out it’s looking good. We’ll know in a few days if the wool socks worked. Hatch days are April 29 and May 1st. The mama blues have been staying in the boxes except for a quick bite to eat. Papa blue is still trying to chase the tree swallows off.
Wow Tim C……34 nesting boxes! You are going to be busy. Thank you for helping the bluebirds and other native birds. It’s a lot of work, but very rewarding. I hope you will keep a tally on how many fledge this season.
Happy birding!
Judy – Michiganlol…..nobody wants the house wrens around when they have bird boxes with eggs! They can sure do some damage. Birders that don’t have them in their area are LUCKY.
Judy – Michigan
That’s pretty exciting seeing bluebirds a month earlier than last year…..I think it’s going to be a great season! Happy birding.
Judy – Michigan
