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Congrats, Carol! Will be praying for yours & mine both! I’ve been so worried about heat in AL, but I also have 4 hatchlings (3rd nesting) as of yesterday! Praying both of ours fledge successfully- should be close to same time. Hopefully!!
Nicole
I never see the babies until about 2 weeks after fledging. The parents take them away from nesting site to seek a safer location. Sometimes, I see the parents get worms in the interim & take them off to the babies, but not near as much. Some people don’t see the parents at all in the interim. Plus, birds don’t come to feeders as often this time of year. My bluebirds are residents all year round, so I see them at feeder off & on all year.
Lastly, sadly, all of my babies don’t make it through that period. Someone on this site once said that’s why they have several babies in more than one brood. However, there have been others to see all of their fledgers/juveniles back later. Really hope you see them in near future!
Nicole
It is late, but you never know. It’ll be harder for her to find a mate this late in the season, but could happen. I’m in AL & should have 3rd nest hatchlings by end of week. Worried about heat though…
Nicole
Hi Cher- I have a friend in south AL that kept losing eggs & babies to snakes this year after years of no problems. She finally built a Krueger guard & wrapped it around pole & had a successful clutch fledge a few weeks ago. It’s made out of garden netting & snakes get caught up in it when climbing the pole. I’ve heard to use Noel guards for snakes, but don’t know how well they work?
I wonder who the culprits are? Sure hate to hear that. So sorry!
Nicole
Oh, I remember now! The empty nest syndrome can definitely be bitter sweet. Congratulations & hope you see them back soon!
Nicole
Oh, & Donna, thanks for the comments on blow fly larvae. I haven’t experienced this before, but truly appreciate the education!
Nicole
The only other thing you can do about HOSP is trap & shoot. By law, you’re allowed to euthanize them, but that’s a personal preference. Lots of knowledge on this site about trapping HOSP…
Nicole
So worried about heat too! Heat index was 108 today & getting hotter and hotter in the coming week. Think heat shield is helping- sure hope it will be enough. Mom’s still incubating…
Good luck to all!
Nicole
Hi Carol- It’s the round wire one recommended by bluebird nut cafe. I’ll try again after this nesting.
Nicole
I hate that for you & them, Carol! Yes, you can clearly see full development in that top egg. So sad!
Nicole
Meant to mention that this is a really late nesting for my parts. Since you are also in the south & they just fledged, this will likely be your last nesting. However, I thought the same thing until a new nest & eggs appeared.
Nicole
So cool the eggs are white! Congrats on the fledging! I’m in AL & mine just laid their 2nd egg today for 3rd brood. Not sure how hot it is there, but I’m particularly concerned about the heat on this one. Put up a big heat shield yesterday. If yours do come back for a 3rd, I would think you’d need a shield, too. What are your current temps?
Nicole
