I have had Mockers around guarding territory as well, but they have never hurt the babies. I would layoff putting seed out until they fledge IMO.

Tim, this was my first year that no TRES nested here. They showed up, looked around, and left. I have no idea why. So I am particularly happy for your success with the TRES. I love the Blues, but I love the TRES too. I too would call it a success. You've still got more Blues ready to launch. I think you're doing a great job!

Sorrry I didnt see this sooner. 1> your hubby saw the baby leave the box...did it go up to a tree limb or down on the ground? Wont even get to # 2 until you go out and look under bushes and trees if it went down...If it went down and you find it and it can not fly, put it in a bucket or box with a towel or in bird cage and run back in here for help.....right now you need to be sure the baby is not on the ground. If it went UP then you are done. Very common for the parent to return to the box with worms after the babies leave.

Hey -- Thanks for the IM about the bluebird nestling -- I can't log in to Garden Web for some reason, and haven't been able to for some time now. ANYWAY -- I could read the post. The poster says the baby was up in the opening looking out, calling out, and was not tangled in nest material. In addition, both parents are feeding. I would let it go, at least another day, I think. UNLESS they look and see that there is a lot of blowfly - one baby is vulnerable to an infestation, since he/she would be the only food source in the nest. They should be able to check the nest for blowfly, since they lifted the baby up and it did not fledge earlier in the day. In fact, I would go check for blowfly while the adults are watching me (probably having a fit at this stage in the nesting) and IF the baby DID fledge while looking for the blowfly, the parents would see it -- and it could hardly be called a PREMATURE fledging if it's nestmates went two days ago. Did they mention if this was a late hatching egg? Maybe that's the case and this kid is right on schedule. Hopefully, it will go on its own -- AND SOON! Malinda