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Blue birds and tufted titmice

13 years ago

Watching 2 nests at one time.... 5 baby blues that hatched 5/8/13. All doing well with spooker up! Worried about a pair of TUTI that have nested in the top of a metal basketball goal/post. I first heard the babies on 5/6/13. Climbed up on a ladder and used a flashlight to see they are about 6 to 8 inches down the pipe. A metal rod runs across the pipe about 4 inches down. Parents are very attentive and babies appear heathy. I'm worried that the babies might not be able to get out when its time to fledge. Any thoughts?

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Comments (7)

bluebirdbabe
13 years ago
oh boy!! when it gets to be fledging time, I would put something down the hole to help the babies get out. Without help or something to climb, I don't think they will get out. Congrats on the blues. Hopefully someone else will let you know what you can do about the TUTI. They will definitely need help getting out. GOOD LUCK!!

Karen
renee1958
Original Author
13 years ago
Thought I might try hanging a bird cage ladder on the inside of the pipe if it will fit.
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bluebirdbabe
13 years ago
anything that the babies can get a grip on and pull themselves up will work. It can't be anything that they will get their little "claws" stuck in. The ladder might just do it!! :)

I am such a bird nerd and love them so much...I would probably cut the pole to get them out LOL
renee1958
Original Author
13 years ago
Got home from work today to see a TUTI baby perched at the top of the pipe. Watched the parents feed him 3 times before he jumped into the Dogwood tree. Checked down inside the pipe as soon as I could and they were all gone. He must have been the runt. I was able to see him preen himself and take short flights. Took a picture of him at the base of a Pecan tree. Parents are still feeding him presently. I am so excited that they were able to make it out safely. I have never been witness to the fledging process before! Took a picture with my I phone and posted on my facebook page.

The Blues are busy feeding their babies. Today is day 14 for them so they will be leaving soon too!
bluebirdbabe
13 years ago
Great news!! I am so glad they made it out. Thanks for sharing, I wondered about them :)

Karen
renee1958
Original Author
13 years ago
Lucky me! Baby blues fledged yesterday I knew it was time and had been keeping my eye on them. Just happened to be watching at just the right time and saw 4 of the 5 fledge safely! Pretty sure all 5 made it out safely. very exciting for me to witness this for the first time.
kendra2003
13 years ago
So happy that you got to watch the fledge. It is so exciting to see. The first time you witness it, it is absolutely amazing.

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