Flown The Coop
This past weekend, Jerry and Millie were still actively tending to their brood, which was safely ensconced in the nest box. I'd watch Jerry grab as many mealworms as he could from my bluebird feeder, fly the 10 yards to his waiting family, deposit the worms, and then return for more.
For the last couple of days, I've noticed that Jerry and Millie were ignoring their box but still came to the feeder. This morning I saw both sitting atop the feeder - waiting for their daily ration of mealworms - so it was safe to open the box. Sure enough their brood had flown the coop. I'm not sure when the young birds fledged (probably Tuesday) but I missed it. (I've never once seen a bluebird fledge despite numerous nestings.)
By this same time last year my second brood had already departed; this was just the first for this year. Last egg date for bluebirds in my part of Maryland is very early in September, so there's plenty of time for a second go-'round. Bluebirds are randy little creatures, so I wouldn't be surprised if I had a second visit from the bluebird stork (Get it? Bluebird stork? One bird that brings babies to another bird? Now THAT'S funny.)
I'll keep my eyes peeled.
K-
Yours are messier than mine. I enjoy them immensely even though I only get to observe them on weekends.
I'll bet they won't be empty nesters for long.
I have posted a series of 3 updates regarding the pair of Doves who nested in my friend's hanging basket of petunias. He took some very nice pictures, and I followed the story to it's conclusion. Fun to watch.
We don't seem to be able to attract bluebirds, although we have a house and followed all the "rules" when we set it up.
Have a nice day.