Bluebird thread #10

Another shot of the new female.

And here is a shot showing the colors on her back

One more, showing Papa chasing her.

Oh Dave,

I just found this thread tonight so was seeing the posts one after another. I was so excited seeing the family shots. The photos are just beautiful. The antics of the fledglings are delightful.

The new female is a very pretty Bluebird. (Most hussies are pretty) But ... she's not OUR Mama. Mama is a very special gal in all of our hearts.

My mind is full of questions...

Any ideas on where this new gal in town came from? What will happen to the babies now? Will they go looking for their Mama? Would Papa follow the babies? I don't even want to think of those little blue eggs.

boy, I really know now after OP's tragedy and now this I don't have what it takes to have a BB house:(

Well Nanny, this is a sad day. I know I will feel empty and sick tomorrow if the eggs are gone and for a few minutes when I clean out the nest I willl think about taking down the nestbox permanently. But then, I'll remember the fledge days and the first time the fledglings came to the feeder and I will put it up again. And DW will shake her head.

But I still have so much to learn about these beautiful, wild creatures.

Bravo

Sorry about the female Dave.

The fledglings would definitely keep you going.

Wonderful pics.

Janet

There are many BBs in the area, but not a lot of good nesting places. I have seen as many as 25 gathered together and I see them flying in other parts of our development all the time.

My lingering question is what became of the old Mama. Was she beaten so badly she can't return, or worse? Is it a thing where she leaves because she loses face? I haven't seen her but her instinct to protect those eggs is so strong she would defend them to the death in a HOSP attack, for example, so I am sure she would come back if she could. I had been thinking that the female would nest as long as she was able and when she was defeated by a younger, stronger challenger, it would signal that it was time for her retirement. Of course that doesn't address this case where it is a young female facing another young female challenger. So it is an area where we still have a lot to learn. And after all, they are wild. My yard is about as close to a laboratory for observing them as we will find. And of course one day we will have a younger male challenge Papa. I know that he is at least 7 years old and who knows how much older.

I think the fledglings' days in my yard are numbered. As soon as she is accepted, she will clean house. They are just 39 days old, only 22 days out of the nest. Without Papa's protection, their chances for survival are reduced in the short run, but every day they get before she chases them away will obviously increase their chances. In a week or two they will begin their moult and after they are 100 days old or so, you will not be able to distinguish them from other adults in the area.

You can be sure Papa will not follow them. This is his yard and his nestbox. It is prime property in the world of BB real estate. Water, food, trees and other natural shelter nearby and a NABS approved nestbox. Last year, after the new female took over, he actually helped chase away the fledglings from the earlier clutch. They were not mch older than these are.

The new one is still here this morning and still trying to get into the box. Mama obviously has not returned. I checked and the eggs are still there, but they are cold and damp. We had a heavy dew this morning and even though they are inside, they are wet with condensation. I suspect incubation has stopped and these are lost eggs, even if Mama somehow returned.

All five fledglings were here a few minutes ago for breakfast. I hope they are able to stay a week or two more.

This message was edited Jun 24, 2008 9:36 AM

This message was edited Jun 25, 2008 9:17 PM

Dave,

Having never been around bluebirds in my life, I feel ignorant in the bluebird world that you have so well described in your past threads. You've brought these wonderful creatures into my world with your photos and descriptions of their lifestyle.

These gorgeous birds are so fortunate to have you in their lives. And whether they realize it or not, we on this forum DO realize it. You are such an inspiration to us all here. Your knowledge of these birds never ceases to amaze me. You must dream in blue! :-)

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions. Since I started watching your threads, I have learned so much. You have done a wonderful job of helping us understand the bluebirds. Though it's heartbreaking watching nature run it's course, you've explained it so well.

My heart goes out to you this morning at the loss of both Mama and the eggs.
I will say a prayer that the fledglings get a chance to grow up and some day come back and do some wing waving in your yard again and start new families, knowing that you will care for them like a proud grandpa.

Sending warm thoughts and hugs your way on this sad day,
Janet

This message was edited Jun 24, 2008 8:19 AM

I've been following Dave's stories on these beautiful birds...laughing, crying, and rejoice every single triumphant moments Dave has shared with us, as well as the sad events and outcomes as result of nature forces on these BB. Janet, you've pretty much sum up my gratitude for Dave on having sharing this wonderful experience with us all at DG. I thank you, both.
Kim

I'm just going to jump in. Nanny I'm not sure I have what it takes. I'm just taking it day by day. I had no idea how dramatic it was going to be. I was talking to "Dave" the NY BB Society rep. today. It appears, as Dave, will contest to I'm certain, that bbs all have distinctly different personalities. My last year's male was very assertive, and constantly kept the hosp at bay while pitching in to raise the babies. He shared the feeding, was a magnificent guard of the nestbox - he perched on it most of the time.

This year's male is extremely passive. He rarely went into the nestbox or perched on it. He guarded from the nearby tree! The female chased away other birds. Remember, when the eggs hatched he hadn't been seen for days. The female was responsible for the feeding of the nestlings.

Dave, I was told that approximately 5% of babies actually fledge. Look at your personal statistics!!! Wow! You've really helped the bbs increase in number. As sad as today is, you are a Blue Hero!

I couldn't help but think 'deadbeat dads' syndrome has spread to the bird kindom. Hope to see more assertive, and brave papa BB out there.

Only 5%? Oh my, that is not very good at all!

Then I am fortunate to have one of the 5%. We have had two nestings, with a total of 10 fledgings, and papa has been there working his behind off through all of it. He has fed the first fledgings, while taking on the new babies too. He fed mama while she was nesting and a better guard you'll never see. He is the only one who has figured out how to fly under the dome of the mealworm feeder, and he is constantly working. Can you tell I am very fond of the little guy?

Maybe I should quit while I'm ahead?

These photos are soooo awesome.

My quote "Dave will contest" I meant "attest". Yes mrs. ed - 5%. And, survival through the first year is difficult. ceejay - We all must persevere, and help all we can. Statistics show intervention has made a difference in helping the bb population increase.

Dave, how are you today?

I truely admire those of you that do what you can to help the BB's! Especially after reading that there is only a 5% survival rate. I just had an oriole hit the window and I am so hoping it will be okay......it was quite stunned.

Well OP, I am fine, thank you. I am on the road, headed for West Virginia to attend a funeral and will be back home on Saturday. My new female is still building her own nest. Did I tell you she started building on top of the old nest and five eggs? So I removed it. Papa has completely accepted her. Wing-waving and all the rest.

I guess I have helped increase the 5%. I have had three nestings each year, '05, '06, '07 and '08. I lost one in '06 when she started too early and we were hit by a cold snap. I lost the four 6 day old babies last year when the new mama came, but then she nested right away, and that was a successful nesting so I still had three. It looks like that may happen again this year. I lost the five eggs but this new Mama looks like she may have her own clutch. And who knows, if this is her first for this season, she may nest again after that.

Well, gotta hit the road.

Dave

You did not tell us about the new nest, but I'm not surprised. I just hope old mama is finding her way in the world. Man, it's a jungle out there.

nanny, how's the oriole?

I think it is okay. I had a mama & baby come back later a couple of times...not sure if it was the same one. But it was able to fly so I feel confident that it will be alright. Am off to get window stickers now!

Thanks. Fact that it was able to fly is a positive sign.

Window stickers? Nanny, is that some type of sticker to help divert birds from flying to glass window? (I'm sorry it's off topic of BB -- but I'm looking for ways to keep birds safe from flying to my glass window).

Here they are Lily. They help in preventing birds from crashing into windows.

http://www.windowalert.com/?gclid=CLrHrYDjlJQCFQVvFQodMHVmtw

Thank you pelletory, I'm delighted!

Thanks for answering her pelle, I have been off all day!

Thanks pelle! I had hawk saliva on my window twice from crashes! You don't think they will be attracted to the bird stickers do you?

No they won't be attracted to them but they need a place to dive into for cover (like an evergreen) thats somewhere before the windows.

There are shrubs. I think what happened was the hosp flew up to the windows and the hawks tried to nab them and perhaps lost sight of the birds because of the glass.

Ah, gee Dave. Nature's a tough one to take - especially in this case. I hope the mama went out and found another fella pronto! You and one other expert blue birder here in Texas are the reason I have learned enough to start a nest box, take the necessary protection (the sparrow spooker), and put out meal worms - and now have the second nesting of the year here.

The photos and your advice were exactly what I needed to get me past my fear of trying. I do understand that Mother Nature sometimes doesn't play by our rules, and I am trying to steel myself if something happens. Out of the first nesting, I only see one of 4 babies still around, but I'm hoping they made it and are ok. Thanks for your encouragement, Dave!

Let us know what happens in the "As the Blue Bird World Turns" in Virginia.

Well, I halfway expected my fledglings would be gone when I got back from West Virginia, but to my happy surprise they are still here. Since I still expect she will drive them away, and soon, I spent most of today, trying to get as many good pics of them as I could. It was in the 90's again so it was tough staying out there too long. I was looking for shots of all five together and as always, in flight shots.

The step-mother was, as predicted, less than friendly toward them. Here she chases a fledge from the feeder.

Here the kids come home from school early, and mess up another Cialis moment.

Here the fledge on the right begs for worms from the step-mother and gets pecked in the face for his trouble.

And chases him from the feeder.

Here are all five

Dave, great shots of wonderful birds.

Thanks Margaret. Here they are again, with Papa

OK, let's see some in-flight shots.

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