Our bluebird usually lays 2 or 3 eggs so when I noticed only one offspring, I checked around the nest and found an egg with a pecked hole in it. I’m guessing the pesky house sparrow was the culprit as we witnessed fierce battles over the box earlier this spring. I caught the male sparrow sneaking into the hole so he is the main suspect. But maybe it was a chickadee that hung around the box. House wrens can be a problem but couldn’t be the culprit as none are in our area. Sadly, the bluebirds won the war but lost an offspring.
Our sole survivor from the nest has fledged and has transitioned to nearby woods with his parents. It’s old enough now to accompany the adults back for morning treats of mealworms. Poor little thing has a lot to learn. He must learn quickly how to feed himself and stay safe. And, alas, there is a new predator cat in the neighborhood that I have chased off numerous times. Stay safe, little one…
Fledging, wet from overnight rains, arrives for morning treats.
We now hear the adult bluebirds singing territorial songs, patrolling the area, and both chasing off any bird that ventures into their space. We’re watching them as they gather pine straw for a new nest in the box…. so preparations are well underway for the next brood..
Such excitement in the avian world!
It is nice that you take such good care of them. I’m sure they consider your house a 5* hotel. 🙂
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Not quite a five ⭐️ but maybe if I can get rid of that cat it would be.
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Lovely! We have a Mama Cardinal nesting in our yard this year. The children and I can’t wait for her eggs to hatch! So exciting!
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That is exciting. I remember my mother teaching us about different bird species by observing their eating habits and watching them raise their young around our yard. You are giving your children a lifetime of appreciation for wildlife.
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That egg is such an interesting colour. I love the sight of the birds building their nests, sitting on their eggs, looking for worms and feeding their young.
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The color of the egg definitely matches a bluebird’s wing. I love this time of year! 😊
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Love this time of year with all of birds and their young hatching…I enjoy watching the parents teaching their young how to maneuver and take care of themselves…great post! Thanks for sharing!
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I guess you might call me an Advanced Novice when it comes to birds. Ha. Such a great hobby…
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You need a BB rifle big time.
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😂
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