Bluebird Nestlings Peeking Out

So glad for the exciting update. Wonderful wonderful shots. Really uplifting.

Sheri, I think they fledge when they have developed to where they are able to fly. Instinct takes care of the rest. Crowding may be a factor but can't be the main reason because even when there are only one or two eggs that hatch, they still fledge at 17 to 18 days. I think birds have personalities and many of the males have what we call in humans, type-A personalities. They are almost always first to peek out and first to fledge. Females, on the other hand, seem to be more passive and timid. Almost always it is a female that fledges last. This trait continues as long as I am able to observe them. The female rarely joins the boys at the feeder, if it is crowded there. If she is there first, she will usually leave when they crowd in. Often she will wait and grab a few nibbles if any is left and even then, cut it short so she doesn't get left behind when the others fly away. More often than not she will follow the adult female around.


Here is an update. It will be a week tomorrow since my five fledged. I think they are all still alive and well, judging by the number of meal worms the parents haul to the tall trees. I aim the camera at where they take them and can see a couple of the fledges in various shots. I expect the fledglings will start following the parents part way in the next day or so and by the end of the week they should be coming to the feeder with them.

Step Dad continues to perform wonderfully. So far Mama has not showed any signs of starting a new nest. But I really don't expect her to, she's been through three, and that is 15 eggs, no matter that only the last five hatched.
Here are a few pictures of Step Dad I took today

This message was edited Jul 2, 2009 1:06 AM

Another.

Sometimes I get so disgusted with this site. I tried for more than an hour to upload a picture but it won't do it. I even switched computers but still it won't upload them.

OK let me try again

This afternoon I was trying to get pictures of the birds as they approached the perch. Sometimes they came in at the same time.

A second later

One more

Here's Mama coming in alone

More great photography, thank you for sharing!

Step Dad looking a bit shaggy. I think he's about to begin molting.

Thanks Boston. Up kinda late, aren't you?

Here are the parents with a couple of the fledges, high in the trees, about 200 feet away.

Sun was bright so the camera picked up detail well.

And, of course, it was hot. Yes, birds do pant when it is this hot.

Here's a cute shot of Mama

Loaded up

One or two more and I'll have to stop for tonight.

This one is from last year but it is one of my favorites.

Actually, that was the version I cropped for wallpaper on my new computer. Here is the portrait version.

That portrait shot is a photo some people wait their whole lives to get, it's a fabulous (and spontaneous) composition; you can't get wild birds to pose!

Wonderful shots Dave! Glad everything is going well!

The one from last year is adorable!

I agree they are wonderful shots Dave and what a happy update! I love the one of Mama "loading up" and the one from last year...too sweet.

Step Dad is a true hero!!

Dave - there is a pic above that shows mama waiting to feed next as SD stuffs his wad in a chicks mouth. the next pic of Mama shows what appears to be an exhausted baby with its head resting in the hole and I immagin the caption above it to be "I can't believe I ate the WHOLE thing!" ^_^
I'd definately vote for your pics always!! Thank you

Sheri

Dave, I am in awe of the family picture..wow.. I always strive for one like that, but have never attained it. Terrific job!!

Thanks, ClanCampbell.

I have never seen a bluebird catch a praying mantis but Step Dad came flying in with this one when I put the meal worms out this afternoon. I wonder if he later shoved it down the throat of one of the fledges.

This message was edited Jul 2, 2009 12:44 AM

Here is Mama today. Nothing special.

And Step Dad again, without the mantis

This is Step Dad in the early morning light. Hope it's not too dark on your monitor.

Same time, same comment.

Mama, coming straight at you

Just a couple more of Step Dad. It was hot today and he was panting.

Last one for tonight.

Mama, coming straight at you Awesome!!

Great shots Dave!

Beautiful as always...both parents look very healthy!

Just beautiful Dave. I really enjoy your pictures.

Love that straight on one and the last is gorgeous!! It's always a treat to see all your Bluebird photos!!

Thanks, Guys. I guess I should update this a bit. I see the fledglings a lot now. But so far just one has followed the parents to the deck. That happened for the first time yesterday.

I did manage a few shots. Let me look for a few.

Aww, that little guy's cute. did he just land or is he wing waving for food? do any other birds wingwave? that sure is interesting.