Still three baby bluebirds and two eggs left…
I had to leave home early this morning, and at 6:45 am, this is what I saw in our nestbox (above). Still only three hatchlings and still two eggs left. I’m kind of concerned, to be honest. Our first brood earlier this year all hatched at the same time, so I’m wondering if these last two will make it. From what I’ve read, the mama bluebird lays her eggs one at a time for five days, but they still hatch at the same time. Does anyone have any idea or more experience with this situation than I do? We’re still fairly new to bluebirds, so I welcome your comments!
Here are some other pictures that I took yesterday morning: mama bluebird heading into the nestbox, cardinal, catbird in a tree, house finch at the seed plate, and a chipping sparrow grabbing a seed. Chipping sparrows are friendly birds that won’t bother bluebirds. House sparrows, on the other hand, are dangerous predators that can kill bluebirds and their nestlings in an effort to take over their nestbox. So far we haven’t had any trouble with those guys.
Check back tomorrow for the latest in our bluebird drama!
Happy birding! Dave
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Comments
J.Karl, thanks for the visit! In Arkansas, do you get the Eastern or Western Bluebirds? I’m guessing Eastern, but maybe not…
Any travel “must-sees” in Arkansas? We are driving through later in the summer.
At my school one of the boys in my class’ mom’s name is Jane Currin and she is a blue bird expert. Here is her email, Jane@currin4.com. Email her if you have any questions.
Anya, thanks for the resource. I will email her today to get her insight on the blog so far. The more help, the better!
Hi Dave, The remaining eggs will hatch. They do not all hatch at the same day even though she started incubating all of them at the same time. I welcome you to my web page for more information about Bluebirds. ambassadorforthebluebirds.com Enjoy Birding Harry
Harry, I wish you had been right, but sadly they never did hatch. In our first brood, all the eggs did hatch on the same day.
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Very nice shots of the Bluebirds! I love the blue bird juveniles, the change so much as they mature. I made a birdhouse for a friend’s daughter and it was immediately taken over by a Bluebird couple. We are sure they have babies in the nest. Great site and even better pics!
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