Bluebird thread #9

Yes, but their reproductive drive must be so strong. To think they will watch and defend their nestbox every day, even throughout the winter, and fight if they must to keep it available to them for next year. Then for the female to endure those 13 days and nights in the box, especially during this intense heat, to incubate her eggs, all the time risking her life and trusting Papa to be outside ready to defend her from a HOSP attack.

But today they are busy feeding the fledglings from her last clutch. I tried to get you a few different views this morning.

I can't understand why this server will not accept my pictures. I have tried 10 times without success. It goes through the procees and says it is ready to post, but then, nothing! Very frustrating.. I'll try again later.

Dave

Oh Dave! That photo that DID go through is breathtaking! It's like an "Olan Mills" Portrait! Were I a bluebird Mama, I'd hang that one inside the cageoops! House. :-)

Man, I hope the server works for you soon! Can't wait to see the rest of them.

Janet

This message was edited Jun 15, 2008 11:13 AM

Another try

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I really like this shot

Dave, is this the 1st batch of fledges or the 2nd batch?

This is the second batch. They stopped feeding the first batch when they were about 45 days old and chased them away while I was in Arizona. They will only feed these guys for a couple more weeks.

here's another shot I like.

This is Mama feeding this one...

second

third

On the fence

next...

I'm glad you explained about the eye business. I wondered about that. Mama sure has to get in some awkward positions to get the worms in their mouths. I bet she's glad to be out of the nest for a while, exercising, and getting her "figure" back.

Yes, they sometimes have to take some pretty contorted positions when the youngsters perch in crazy places

Apparently there is one that is shy about coming close to the deck while I am out there. Here she flies up to "their" tree to feed him.

OK Here are a few more from just a minute ago.

That second one is great!

Thanks

Mama watches

Papa arriving with more...

This post http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/fp.php?pid=5107922 with all three of them there... I could just about see the thought process going on ... Eenie, Meenie, Minie, Moe...

And I love Mama's proud posture in this post http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/fp.php?pid=5107965

Such sweet pics!

Dave, they are such a treat. Beautiful shots.

It is such a joy to view your pictures Dave. Thanks so much.

Watch this fledgling as he sees his Mama coming with worms. Look how many she takes and notice how few actually make it to the fledgling's mouth. Now you can see why I need so many worms.

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Beautiful pics Dave! Those little ones are so sweet!

Dave, they are a picture of robust health and exquisite beauty.

Thanks, but I see I posted the same pic twice for 7 and 8. Too bad the editing function will not allow us to correct that.

Sorry folks.

Dave, a double dose of delight never did anyone any harm. 7 & 8 are equally beautiful!

I wish we could fix our mistakes too! Evry now & then I slip up!! lol

They really get excited, don't they!