It has been a busy week! All twelve nestlings are doing well and Momma Phoebe is three-eggs into Brood #3. What has captured the majority of my attention this week, however, is the Bluebirds. As you've probably figured out by the title of this post, the rest of this (long) post will be All About Bluebirds.
Inside the North House
I snapped a couple pictures from inside the north house. There's what I call the "Baby Einstein" photo -- a look created by how the fuzz grows on the side of Bluebird nestlings' heads. And then, there's the picture on the evening of Brood #2's first fledge. When one nestling finally makes the leap to the door, it is common for the other nestlings to scream their heads off. I wonder if they are shouting encouragement ... or yelling for mom and dad to come quick?
Baby Bluebird Einstein Look
Fledging Cheering Squad
June 7-8
The five nestlings in the north house took wing ...
The difference in lighting between the June 7 and June 8 fledges is partially due to time of day. The other contributing factor is a smear on the camera lens. I cleaned the lens early on June 8.
I couldn't figure out why that camera kept fogging up -- heading out to clean the lens fairly regularly. And then it dawned on me ... Daddy Bluebird and I are in a competition. I clean the lens. He attacks the crisp image of a male Bluebird in his territory. The bad news is ... Daddy Blue is much more diligent in his duties!
Smeared Camera Lens
Camera Lens Smearer
Over on the East Side of Town
I could no longer stand to watch the Urban Bluebird nestlings pant in the heat ... so out I went to install a sun screen. I vividly remember undertaking this adventure last year. Both mom and dad Bluebird dove at me repeatedly -- trying to scare me away. I might have flinched, but I did not run!
I have to say, I was rather disappointed the parents showed no interest in me this year. Just goes to show -- I can spoil both children and birds into ruin.
Urban Bluebirds House-Hunt for Brood #3
With Brood #2 presumably off in the woods being taught independence by their parents, mom and dad still find time to house-hunt. I put up a new house this year (I call it the Garden House) in hopes the Bluebirds would find its late afternoon shade appealing. It's harder than you might think to find a shady location with trees within 50' (ideal for fledging), but no trees overhead (ideal for snakes "dropping-in").
The Urban Pair has been in and out of the Garden house since I installed it, but they returned to last year's choice (north house) for Broods 1 and 2. This week, they have both been persistent in their home inspection of the Garden location. That said, Daddy Blue is still at war with the north camera, and Momma Blue stops by now and then. As for me -- I'm rooting for the Garden which (probably) won't require the construction of a second sun screen. And, yes, I know nature doesn't care what I want.
Garden House
Mom and Dad Blue Visit the Garden
Brood #1 Juveniles Still Here
Finally ... I promise! ... it is quite curious to see the Brood #1 juveniles still hanging around. In all years past, only the third (and last) brood has remained with the parents. This year, it appears to me Daddy Blue has not chased off two of Brood #1's juveniles even though he has five more, Brood #2 juveniles training for adulthood ... and ... is house-hunting for Brood #3.
I've read that, sometimes, the prior brood will hang around and help feed the latest brood. It's a scene I found hard to imagine ... so ... I paid attention. I can't tell you what happened once they left here, but sure enough -- both of the pictured juveniles flew off into the woods with a worm (after stuffing themselves, of course).
Brood 1 Juveniles Still Here
