Not a good picture..too small to see..trying again.

For some reason bluebirds are intent on forgetting their responsibilities and this is a good reason their attempts to nest end in failure. I'm sure they would have gone extinct if it wasn't for us! Unusual indeed. Last season I had one parent (male I believe it was) feeding the hatch-lings, and the female NEVER went in to feed the babies. That's if my memory is serving me correctly. This is my 6th season, so it's getting hard to remember what exactly happened when. In one case here in Ohio, it was 70 degrees one evening - nice and warm - the babies were ALL gaping like crazy! The blues didn't seem to feed their young AT ALL. I was SO mad! This resulted in the ENTIRE clutch starving to death the next day when it was cold, blustery, cloudy, and only 50 degrees. The mom continued brooding but the young were doomed. I pulled the poor things out of the nest, buried them, and called it a day. Sounds like things are getting better. Unfortunately I suffer set-backs nearly every season. This time the 1st egg of the season disappeared. Could have had a full clutch by now! Sometimes it's just irritating seeing these birds become so careless, but so long as the parents stay alive, everything will be okay. I'm just not fortunate to have many successful attempts each season despite doing so many things right. Good luck from here on out! ~Tim~

Hello M. We don't have much of a snake problem here in the woods of West Michigan, those that we do have get plenty of critters on the ground. I can only tell you that the parents visiting is a good sign. Do you have meal or waxworms out for them? There is a lot of growing to be done in a week and every day increases their chances. Go to www.sialis.org. There is a spot there that shows pictures "from egg to fledgling" It will help you determine the age a little better. It is common for the parents to try to save the babies by calling them out of a dangerous situation, at least they have a chance protecting them on the ground where as they would surley be doomed by the snake. My understanding is they will save themselves first knowing they can have a next nesting. Are they feeding these babies when they visit? If they are feeding them you could be ok. I suggest getting in touch with a rehabber now, you may need to call several. Put sombody on allert that you may need assistance with these babies. At the bottom of the sialis website is Bet's (website author) contact info...she is very helpful. I would also locate a good source for wax worms (bait shops) if you dont have some on hand already. Come back tomorrow and let us know what is going on. Good Luck and Baby prayers!

5 eggs in bluebird box & momma is sitting! Momma tree swallow sitting now too. must have been one more than I saw in the chickadee nest....there are now SIX little mouths when I check the box. All moms have been staying in boxes past day or so. We have had lots of rain and thunderstorms with winds so I guess moms are trying real hard to keep little ones snug and dry. I think these three boxes and watching other birds obviously nesting in the spruces has helped lift from a depression. The wonder of newness of life! I am truely blessed to be in an area where I can observe these wonders. Excited to watch it all unfold!