Last bluebird fledgling won't leave nest

14 years ago

A pair of bluebirds raised a second brood in my birdhouse and I was glad to see them leave what I am sure was an unbearably hot nest (105 degrees here in MD today). One bird of the four has not made an attempt to fly away and the mother is nowhere to be seen. I am afraid that it has been abandoned. Could it be not developed enough to fly and will starve without care from the mother. I assume there is nothing I can do and will just have to let nature take its course.

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Comments (8)

lisa11310
14 years ago
Mom has not abandon it if it is a healthy bird. It is not unusual for a baby to need and extra day. You can read up on Blues at www.sialis.org Have you peeked in the box to be sure it's not stuck in something? Call a rehabber first thing and get instructions on what to do if a parent does not return tomorrow. I have one that fledged today, 3 are still in the box. Mom has not been back this evening but I know she will be in the AM. I am one that will do everything I can even if it's stretching the law a bit when it comes to saving babies. I have been know to bring them in (in the nest) and feed them when I knew they were starving (done with a rehabbers instructions). I am not suggesting you do this , just letting you know there are things you can do other than just let it die. HOWEVER I bet Mom is there bright and early! Let us know!
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johns08
Original Author
14 years ago
Mother is back! Mom is checking on the reluctant fledgling, but does not appear o be feeding it. Maybe that is to encourage it to leave the nest. I hope will have good news soon.
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lisa11310
14 years ago
YEA! Hope it takes the big hop soon! She will eventually break down and feed it then let it rest and try again. Do you have meal worms that she can use to entice it with? Is the baby peeking with it's toes out or still on the bottom of the box?
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johns08
Original Author
14 years ago
I do not have any meal worms, but there are alot of insects in the backyard. No peeking out the hole yet. I can see it moving around in the box. Today is the third day since the other birds left and another 100 plus degree day. I can only imagine how hot it is in the birdhouse.
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lisa11310
14 years ago
Is the box in direct sun most of the day? 3rd day is a bit concerning, especially with no peeking. I thought it was just a day! It's time to contact a rehabber And get shade for the box. You can put an ice pack ON TOP of the box (NOT IN the box)Set a large umbrella over the box (like a patio umbrella), just make sure the female accepts it. http://www.mdbirds.org/conservation/rehab/rehab.html
http://www.mary.cc/rehabbers1.html
try calling several, they dont always return calls promptly.
Dinner time or shortly after is good. It does not have to be a rehabber in your immediate area, but that would be best. Let us know how it goes.
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johns08
Original Author
14 years ago
"Buy Buy Birdie" When I checked the birdhouse this morning it was empty. Today would be the fourth day that the fledgling would have been alone in the nest. Yesterday I heard it chirping in the birdhouse and the mother was closeby. I am hoping that the young one was able to fly and is okay. The birdhouse is on the side of tree and in the shade. Thanks for your interest!
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lisa11310
14 years ago
YEA! I forgot that once in a while an egg wont hatch until a day or so after the others. Maybe thats what happened. If the nest was intact and there were no feathers on the ground It was strong enough to get out of the box so thats a very good sign! Please go to www.sialis.org to see how to mount a box to keep the birds as safe as you can, on a tree is not a good place (but most folks don't know that)that baby could have been taken by a racoon or a snake. Come join us in the Blue Bird forum if you ever have questions. Good Luck on your future nestings!
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HU-33511519
2 years ago
I had three baby birds. They were laid one each day. Then when they hatched it was not all at once. Yesterday they started flying. From last night into this morning it looked like there was still one alone in the nest. Mama came by this morning with a worm but left. I think she heard me. I am hoping she will continue to feed the last one and it will fly away soon.
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Last bluebird fledgling won't leave nest

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Last bluebird fledgling won't leave nest

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