skip to main content

Bluebird fledged but can't fly

13 years ago

I had three bluebirds that hatched on July 15th and the forth on July 16th. Three of the four fledged Wednesday (July 31). The remaining bluebird, that I'm assuming was the late hatch, spent the majority of day on Thursday just looking out of the nest box. On Thursday night the baby jumped out of the box but the parents were not here and she can't fly. I caught her and put her back in the nest box. Yesterday the parents were checking in on her, removing fecal sac, and feeding her so I wasn't too concerned. This morning she jumped out of the box again without the parents around. She still cannot fly so I caught her and put her back in the box again. The mother did check on her a few hours later and took food to her.

I'm not sure what to do at this point. I wouldn't be concerned if at least one parent was here when she has jumped out but both times they weren't here and I couldn't hear them calling either.

This post was edited by Laura_ColsOH on Sat, Aug 3, 13 at 13:50

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

kendra2003
13 years ago
I feel you've done a great job. The parents obviously know the baby is still there. She's a day late hatching next to her siblings, so it may take her a few extra days to learn to fly (they were probably bigger and got fed better). I'm sure if she's not flying by the end of the day, she'll be flying by tomorrow. Hopefully one of the parent birds will coax her out and stay with her when she does. You would be amazed at how good the parents are at finding their young. I'm sure if she makes it out again, they will find her.
Laura_ColsOH
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you Kendra, I'm hoping that she will be able to fly tomorrow. I contacted a resource at the Ohio Bluebird Society that was comfortable with going until Monday as long as the parents are still feeding and cleaning. If by then she still can't fly she wants me to take her to a wildlife center in town to be checked out. Fingers crossed that she is just a slow learner :)
Related Discussions
Bluebird sadness
Q
Comments (2)
If any babies fledged it will be considered a successful nesting! If I were you I would monitor more closely. Good notes can help you determine what may have happened. Blowfly feed at night and as the other babies left they would have had only the one chick left to feed on. I'm not saying that's what happened but it is a possibility. I know we are not supposed to interfere so much but I would have tried to at least pick the baby up to be sure it was not stuck on something and examine to see if there was something obvious that was keeping it from leaving. I did have 3 TRES babies that just were not strong enough to fledge (due to loss of a parent and bad weather). It is sad but sometimes there is not anything we could have done and it's just Natures way. Good luck on the next nesting!
...See More
5 Western blue babies fledged today - I think
Q
Comments (4)
Hmmm, it doesn't appear that I can edit my message, but pictures are below: 3 days old: 8 days old 11 days: 13 days: Mom: Dad: Both parents working hard: Baby looking out: (sorry it is so blurry) Empty nest:
...See More
Baby bluebirds r getting ready 2 fledge
Q
Comments (2)
Hi Michelle, Congrats on the baby blues fledging!!! Those wrens are a pain!!! They have taken over 2 boxes and I just keep pulling twigs. I put out grape jelly 4 the orioles. I get tons of them. This is the first time EVER I have had 3 orioles nesting in my yard. Last year there was 1 nest. They like 2 build in the choke cherry trees. That's where all 3 of them built their nest. Yesterday I could hear the babies cheeping and I kept watching, but the little buggers left when I wasn't watching. They are a joy to be around, and because they built so close to my house, they can hear my voice and they have become quite tame. I mean they will come to the jelly feeder when I'm standing on the porch. I can't wait for them to bring the babies back. If u have orioles around try grape jelly....they LOVE it!! Best of luck!! Karen
...See More
5 Successfully Fledge!
Q
Comments (3)
I've spotted them a few times now! They're mainly staying high in 3 tall cottonwood trees. They almost blend in with the leaves! I've also seen 2 take flights! For being so young, they're flying exceptionally well! Of course the parents get nervous and chatter whenever they see me, but it doesn't stop them from feeding. I've also noticed that they fly high to the tops of trees and sing when the local hawk shows up at the neighbors' bird feeder. Kendra, unfortunately I take on too many other things and it would take to much extra time and money I don't have for meal worms. Though I'd love to if I could. I usually see them a few times still weeks later, though not as much. ~Tim~
...See More
Laura_ColsOH
Original Author
13 years ago
Unfortunately the little lady did not survive. She jumped from the box again on Sunday and the parents were taking care of her so it was recommended that I leave her alone and let them work with her. The last time I saw her was Monday night, tucked in a blue spruce that her dad led her to. On Tuesday morning, I couldn't find her but I did find a lot of blue feathers. I suspect a hawk is to blame.
kendra2003
13 years ago
I'm so sorry. After all that she went through to finally get up into the trees. So sad.

Related Stories

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

INSPIRING GARDENS What We Can Learn From Longwood Gardens’ New Meadow

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Sustainability, ecology, native plant communities ... this public garden is brimming with lessons on horticulture for home gardeners

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Amelanchier Signals Spring With Airy White Blooms

By Ellen Sousa/Turkey Hill Brook Farm

With roughly 20 species of serviceberry native to the U.S., bees can feed on the early-season blooms while birds enjoy the summer berries

FALL GARDENING 7 Reasons Not to Clean Up Your Fall Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you pluck and rake, consider wildlife, the health of your plants and your own right to relax

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 GUIDES Backyard Birds: Healthy Home Habitats for Northern Flickers

By Habitat Network

These colorful woodpeckers found across the U.S. and Canada love berries, seeds and ants and often nest in deep burrows in trees

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Feed the Birds: 6 Plants for Abundant Winter Berries

By Therese Ciesinski

Be kind to your fair feathered friends during lean food times by planting a shrub or tree loaded with nutritious snacks

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Northern Cardinals in the Snow, and Other Red Birds

By Habitat Network

Brilliant crimson feathers make these friends stand out in a crowd

GARDENING GUIDES 13 North American Backyard Birds to Know

By Annie Thornton

Find out about these enchanting native species and learn how to attract them to your yard

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Wild Birds Transform a Woman’s Garden and Life

By Mary Jo Bowling

How Sharon Sorenson created a wildlife haven and became the Bird Lady of Southern Indiana

Sponsored