skip to main content

Worried about Bluebirds

16 years ago

My neighbor's bluebirds, which I have been feeding (he does not), have babies that are 19 days old. I am not sure if they are still in the nesting box. The parents have been coming to my mealworm feeder many times a day since the babies were born on July 9. My question: Should I be concerned that the parents have not been coming to the feeder for the past two days? I am under the impression that they still feed their babies even if they have fledged. Am I correct in thinking this? Thank you.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

kendra2003
16 years ago
I've had two clutches of Blues this season, and both times they disappeared for a while after the young fledged. I think it's pretty normal, and they will bring them to your mealworm feeder eventually. Yes, you are absolutely correct that the parents continue feeding for a while. My second clutch fledged on 7/5 and I as of today, the parents were still feeding them. Though they seem to be trying to teach the young to use the feeder themselves at this point.
griffin_MD
16 years ago
The parents are busy feeding the young, while teaching them the basics of hunting for themselves. The babies are also working hard to perfect their flight skills. It's important that they stay hidden as much as possible at this time so that they do not fall prey to hawks, etc. They usually reappear after about 2 weeks, though the parents continue feeding for some time after that.
Kathy
Related Discussions
Question about bluebird boxes snake protection
Q
Comments (1)
A baffle on the post beneath the box is about all you can do. Black snakes can drop from overhanging limbs. I'll never forget the time a black snake fell off the rafters in our old barn (when I was a teenager) and onto a mouse. If the area around the post is suitable (sun and dry), you could plant lavender there. Cameron
...See More
Hawk Terrorizing Neighborhood
Q
Comments (2)
I have something new here that's unusual. I just did my final inspection for the evening and 4/5 babies were gaping. The fifth I thought was dead. It's in the nest with its head foreward and its feet pointing upward. I looked and it is still breathing. The parents have fed well today but these babies are so hungry! I'm wondering if maybe it has been poorly fed compared to the others. I have some experience w/ this. If a nestling is too weak it will gape w/o being able to cheep. If it's near dead it won't be able to gape or vocalize. Just concerning. Hope he's okay!
...See More
Bluebirds hatchlings return for about 30 minutes in Oct !!!
Q
Comments (0)
In the past 3 years the hatch-lings & possibly. the parents ALWAYS return & buzz around & look in their nesting box for about 30 minutes around Oct 10 th (MARYLAND) then disappear for good ! I don't see them since hatching - then just for 30 minutes- then not again !!! Has anyone else had this happen ?? It's been just luck that I had been looking out the window each time !
...See More
Worried about mixing styles on your new home? Worry not!
Q
Comments (23)
How quick you architects are to turn on your own profession! What ever happened to professional courtesy? You can always blame the contractor in these forums! Here's one scenario: Consider the possibility that M. Francois may have created a un design tres different from what was actually constructed. It may have been that the owner didn't retain Monsieur for the administration des contrats. It could be the case that plans for three different projects got co-mingled (foutu) during the bid phase. It could be the case that three different contractors--none of whom were able to decipher plans in French-- submitted exactly the same low bid. And it could be that the owner, out of a sense of fairness, decided to divi up the project to all three contractors. Alternative facts? Maybe...
...See More
mlkbskt
Original Author
16 years ago
OK So, it's normal that I don't see the parent bluebirds for a few days????? I did see that some of the mealworms were eaten while I was at work today. It's so unusual that I have not actually seen Papa and Mama though. I always saw them before I left for work in the morning and then in the evening several times too.

I asked my neighbor to carefully check the nesting box, and he said he would. Have not heard from him though. Guess I will try not to worry, and hope they are all still alive!

Related Stories

INSIDE HOUZZ Data Watch: Confidence Rising, but Labor Shortages Worry Many Pros

By Mitchell Parker

The latest Houzz Renovation Barometer report shows industry pros are rosy about the market while still struggling to find skilled workers

GARDENING GUIDES How to Stop Worrying and Start Loving Clay Soil

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Clay has many more benefits than you might imagine

BATHROOM DESIGN Upload of the Day: Worry-Free Wood for the Bathroom

By Mitchell Parker

We love this breezy white and wood bathroom from the latest photo uploads. Here’s why it works

GARDENING GUIDES How to Bring the Joy of Bluebirds to Your Garden

By Habitat Network

Attract these beautiful songbirds with nesting habitat and food sources, including berry-producing trees and shrubs

GARDENING FOR BIRDS What to Know About Birds Nesting in Your Yard

By Mitchell Parker

Learn how to observe, record data and help ornithologists with NestWatch’s citizen science project understand bird trends

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 28 Outdoor Projects Everyone Should Know About

By Mitchell Parker

Learn how to refinish your wood deck, make a garden fountain, add a shed and more

FUN HOUZZ Guessing Game: What Might Our Living Rooms Say About Us?

By Samantha Schoech

Take a shot on your own or go straight to just-for-fun speculations about whose homes these could be

WORKING WITH PROS What Do Landscape Architects Do?

By Falon Mihalic

There are many misconceptions about what landscape architects do. Learn what they bring to a project

HEALTHY HOME What You Need to Know About Dust and How to Fight It

By Mitchell Parker

Breathe easier with these 10 tips for busting mites, dander and other microscopic undesirables

LIFE Houzz Call: What Has Mom Taught You About Making a Home?

By Vanessa Brunner

Whether your mother taught you to cook and clean or how to order takeout and let messes be, we'd like to hear about it

Sponsored