bestdayever

16 years ago

This is my fourth clutch, and I have never seen fledging; I don't have much time and have never had the luck... but last night I went out to pick tomatoes and I was almost attacked by my blues!!! Mr. Blue flew STRAIGHT at my head---I had to crouch down in the vegetable garden for safety!!! And the cackling! It was fabulous! I got my tomatoes and headed for the house, and then watched in safety and realized there was a baby in my hanging basket of petunias 15 feet from the nest! I saw him fly to the trees, and then things calmed down considerably. There is still at least one baby in the house...they're still at it this morning. I'm so thrilled this happened over a holiday weekend!!!

Happy Ann

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Comments (5)

kendra2003
16 years ago
Hey Ann, Today is the day for me too. This is my second clutch, and today was the predicted fledge date. Sure enough this morning they started to launch. I also have never actually witnessed them fledging before. This was just the best. I watched two fledge beautifully - straight up into the tree. Then the parents tried to entice the others out, but ended up feeding them and bringing out fecal sacks. So I should have more exiting soon. Like you, I'm so happy this happened when I didn't have to be at work.
Ann
Original Author
16 years ago
That's awesome Kendra---I still haven't seen a baby emerge from the box. But the one remaining baby is still in the house-- I was gardening and hadn't seen any activity so I figured it was all over, but when I opened the box there was a baby in there!

I have seen much discussion on these boards about worrying that a baby was abandoned, and it always turns out not to be, but it sure is disturbing when there's one little baby alone in a house! Based on my fleeting view it looked fine...now I'm glued to the window waiting for someone to feed it!

This is a lot easier when you miss the whole process! But this sure is a thrill!

Ann
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kendra2003
16 years ago
Did your last little Blue fledge yet? I checked my box yesterday evening, and all five were gone. I never saw the remaining baby/babies launch, but it sure was a thrill to see the first two go. I totally agree with you that it is easier on the nerves when you discover they have all left. But it is sure a lot more fun to witness them go.
Ann
Original Author
16 years ago
Hi Kendra,

The last one finally left the house yesterday eve, and I saw it worriedly looking around from the top of my daughter's sandbox. Mom & Dad watched patiently. I watched as long as I could but I had too much to do and had to go about my business. A few minutes later they were all gone.

That's so much more than I have observed in the past and I feel very fulfilled, although of course I hope one day I'll see the entire process.

I'm glad your babies are on their way also. Big sigh! Now watching and waiting for a new nest!

Ann
Ann
Original Author
15 years ago
Now my lfe is complete.

4 babies left yesterday (at 15 days old!!) and I just watched the last baby FALL from the nest. Mama is watching closely and visits him every few minutes, chipping sparrows continue their drama in & around the scene, and baby blue is slowly hopping around in the tall grass. The rain stopped for the fledging which makes me so happy. I just hope he joins his family before it starts again!

How long does it usually take from leaving the nest to FLYING away? This is tough to watch!

Thanks,

Ann

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