Bluebird Update 5/13/14

All bluebird nests are currently occupied by nestlings and the two chickadee nest boxes are empty and waiting for someone to move in.

Two weeks ago the bluebirds in the Cow Pasture nest had only just hatched. It now looks as if we may not see them again, they will have fledged by next week’s inspection of the nest box.

The nest at the Cow Pasture (5/13/14).
The nest at the Cow Pasture (5/13/14).
Both chickadee nests are currently empty (5/13/14).
Both chickadee nests are currently empty (5/13/14).

I’ve cleaned out and reinstalled berry baskets in the nest boxes at the Bungee and Sail Boat Pond. Both of the chickadee nests produced three fledgling chickadees who are probably out now learning the lay of the land and the way of the chickadee.

It’s a good time to forage. There are plenty of caterpillars in the freshly leafed out trees and the air is warm, a good time to be a young bird learning the industry of your species.

As mentioned in previous posts, the nest boxes at the Bungee Jump and Sail Boat Pond have hosted more chickadees than anything else. House Wrens have also used these boxes. I’ve heard a few House Wrens calling from the woods but have yet to see one this season. What will nest in these boxes next? We’ll have to wait to see.

It’s a very warm day today. The birds are responding to the heat by resting quietly within their nests. Only once did one of the birds react to my inquisitory invasion of their natal home.

Do you see five bluebird nestlings in this nest? (Amphimeadow, 5/13/14).
Do you see five bluebird nestlings in this nest? (Amphimeadow, 5/13/14).

Two weeks ago there were five eggs in the nest box at the Picnic Dome. Last week there was a jumble of fresh-hatched bluebirds in the nest. This week it looks as though there are three nestlings in this box. It’s curious that when I walked up to the box the pole was leaning to one side where previously it had been plumb, straight up and down. Had something been climbing on the pole? pulling at it?

The inside of the nest didn’t looked disturbed, but there did appear to be only three nestlings. In any case, they won’t be there next week, they will either have been removed by some outside force (predator) or they will have fledged. Let’s hope for the latter.

Do you see more than three nestlings? (Picnic Dome, 5/13/14)
Do you see more than three nestlings? (Picnic Dome, 5/13/14)

Two weeks ago the Butterfly House nest held four shiny bluebird eggs. Last week there were three nestlings and one unhatched egg. I predicted the egg wouldn’t hatch. The egg hatched. There are now four nestlings in the nest!

There are clearly four nestlings in the Butterfly House nest (5/13/14).
There are clearly four nestlings in the Butterfly House nest (5/13/14).

So, here’s where we are. Two of the nest boxes are empty, having fledged six chickadees. The remaining four nest boxes contain approximately 15 bluebird nestlings. I say approximately because last week there were 16 nestlings and 1 unhatched egg. The egg hatched making the total number of nestlings seventeen. However, two nestlings seem to be missing from one of the nests (Picnic Dome) and I’m not entirely sure that there are five birds in the Amphimeadow nest as there should be. So for now, the best I can do is say that there are 15 nestlings, I think.

I’ll have another quick peek in on the Amphimeadow and Picnic Dome nests later this week to confirm. But, it’s too hot right now to bother. Let the birds rest.

Till next week.

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