Lisa: Thanks for your post. I did not see the babies last week, husband did. I have checked the nest- it is empty. I have heard some twitter out in the forest that adjoins our grounds- I'd like to think it might be the fledglings, but that may be wishful thinking. Things have been hectic lately so I have not opened the box as faithfully as in past years. There are no broken shells or feathers in box or on ground underneath. The nest was completely clean. We've never had racoons; I have heard owls very far off, but they have never appeared on the property. This box is close to our screen porch and under my office window, so I can usually monitor it by sight most of the time. This box has been in use since 2003; it's had at least one clutch per year. There's another box closer to the woods, and I've seen Mom and Dad Bluebird checking it out in the last two days. I've already cleaned out the box in question, and am going to install a baffle. It's silly to think that standing sentinel during the day will keep the nest box safe at night. Thanks again for your help.

Donna, glad your dad is OK. OK, here is my vote..... they are fine! In MOST fledgings I don't see babies for a week. Now I do see the adults come in for a haul of mealies and take off farther than I can follow them even with binoculars but it is rare (in my case) for them to keep the babies close by for at least a week. On the first nesting (not in my box but in a street light that I could view) I watched papa blue take off to feed in one direction and momma in a totally different direction leading me to believe that they weren't together. That only lasted about one day till all four kids finally came to my yard. It does seem a little odd that you are seeing the adults take meal worms and perch rather than fly towards their fledglings BUT if I've learned anything in this bluebird thing it is to always expect the unexpected! Good luck and keep us posted!

Sara, I would call it day 16. This means you should start seeing little baby faces peeking out of the box soon. At first there will be just shy little peeks then they will get braver. Mine Started peeking on Sunday and left Tuesday. The parents will start preparing to call them out and may keep the area clear of other birds, squirrels , etc for a couple days. They have a soft little "baby talk " coo. They may withhold food for short periods and even dangle a nice juicy bug in front of the hole but not give it to them. This is to motivate the babies to leave. There seems to be a pattern 2 days before fledging they feed them well and there is lots of activity , fighting to look out etc. The next is quieter and is a day of rest. Fledge day the babies should be returning peeps to the parents coos (however I had a very quiet bunch last year). They will be sticking their whole heads out then popping back in the box and flapping their little wings. Once you see toes sticking out you know they are ready. This is the first time I have had Blues fledge that close together, several times I have had 2 or 3 fledge and the others not go till the next day. I have seen somewhere around 30 fledges and they are all different but most have had these thing in common. Extra meal worms are of great help! Good Luck!

Lisa - thanks for the play-by-play. Your little Hussy sounds like such a character! Congrats on the five new blues!