New to Bluebirding

15 years ago

I have the wonderful pleasure of bluebirds this year. I watch mom and dad go in and out of the house all morning feeding the 4 or 5 babies that I can see in the nest. Today however I have not seen mom or dad, should I worry? I saw them last night purched in a tree looking over the nesting box. The babies are ok and peeping in the nest. I am new to this and am not sure if I should worry. Thanks.

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Comments (7)

bluebars
15 years ago
Sometimes their behavior is puzzling!

I will take a wild guess, without knowing the age of the nestlings. If they are near fledging, the parents might stop feeding on purpose, to encourage them to fledge.
If that's the case, you might see the youngsters peeking out, or it might get REALLY quiet very soon. Fledging can be very slow and take several days, or they might all fly out within 15 minutes. Do NOT open the nestbox at this time.

Generally though, if you monitor the nestbox, and keep notes on a calendar, you will be able to predict events, even prvent problems, by knowing the age of the young.
Visit this web site to learn more... The very first page includes a link to DO's and DONT'S and a "Nesting Timetable"...
BlueBars

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.sialis.org/index.html
new2bluebirdz
Original Author
15 years ago
Well the babies are less than a week old, my guess would be about 4-5 days. Shortly after I posted this I saw momma in the tree cleaning herself, which was a relief. I am just extra worried because my neighbor feeds ferral cats and one comes in my yard all the time and has killed several birds over the years. So I am trying to keep a close eye on that situation. I finally broke down ordered a scarecrow sprayer to keep them out of my yard.
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lisa11310
15 years ago
What a thoughtful and kind way to keep the cats (who are just being cats with bad owners) away from your birds! Let us know if it works!
new2bluebirdz
Original Author
15 years ago
Oh I sure will, I just hope it gets here before they fledge, I dont want the cat the get an easy meal!
new2bluebirdz
Original Author
15 years ago
Ok got the sprayer and it seems to be working, I have not seen the cat in my yard since I got it. I checked the babies today and they were not peeping this morning.Opened the box and they looked half asleep??? I didnt see anything on them, and the nest didnt smell. They looked healthy and one opened his eyes and looked at me. I could see the rest breathing, have they gotten used to me? Should I worry? Or are they like all babies that eat and sleep all the time??
bbcathy
15 years ago
When they get older they play dead when you open the box. Don't open the box after day 12 or 13 though. It could cause them to fledge early. Congrats on your healthy babies.
Cathy
new2bluebirdz
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you Cathy, I think they are maybe 9 days old. This is the first time I have had blue birds so I am still learning. Thanks again!! :-)