I've enjoyed our 2nd brood of Bluebirds this summer in the nestbox in our backyard. The first batch was born the middle of May and fledged the end of May. This 2nd batch were born about July 7---and should fledge anytime now. I'm not sure if Mom and Dad Bluebird will try for a third batch ---but if they do, I'll enjoy every minute of it just like I have these two batches. One of the neatest things is to see the little fledglings grow up --and help Mom and Dad with the new babies. Above is a very proud Daddy Blue. Below are more!!
This is how both broods started.
New Birth!
Mama and Daddy take turns (along with the other juveniles) feeding the little ones. (This poor nestbox is on its last legs. I need to get a new one--but don't want the bluebirds to go elsewhere!!!)
Daddy is feeding them. You can see those mouths open--begging and squealing for food!
Bluebirds keep a very clean nest. Daddy enters that crowded nest---and cleans out all of the fecal material. (By the way, after the little ones fledge, there is never a mess in the nest. Amazing!!)
See one of the babies peaking out???? Bet they wonder what is out there in this big ole' world!!!
Mama Bluebird comes to the feeder and grabs a raisin (and/or other fruit)---and then heads back to the nest.
Daddy Bluebird now takes his turn at the feeder.
"What is out there ??? It looks scary to me!"
Now---it's just a waiting game... I predicted a week or so ago that the birds would fledge on July 25.... SO---that is today!!!!! Wonder what will happen?????? I'll keep you posted!!!
Hugs,
P.S. Besides being 'blue' about the Bluebirds today, I am truly 'blue' about three of my friends. Please pray for Tommy (stroke), Susan (cancer) and Debbie (death of her father). All three of these special people need lots of prayers. Thanks so much!
46 comments:
Betsy, what a beautiful post about the bluebirds. You are truly a talented photographer. To get such close-ups of the birds feeding and the of the fledglings. Wow, Wonderful post. I'm praying for your three friends. Bless you. Hugs Jo
Your three friends are in my prayers.
What pretty photos today of the enchanting bluebirds. What a treat to get to watch them each day.
It;s wonderful to see the bluebirds doing so well in your yard! I wouldn't change the nesting box. Obviously the birds think it's still just fine for raising their kids. ;-)
Love the pictures of your Blubirds. It's nice that you can get those close-up pictures of them!
Beautiful Blue family! Thanks for the pics.
I'm so sorry about your friends. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Those are such wonderful shots! You're a great bird photographer. I guess I hadn't realized that the young birds stayed around to help with the babies - that's interesting. Your blog is fun and educational!
Betsy, those pictures are absolutely wonderful! I love the ones of the babies peeking out. I hope you're able to watch them fledge.
I'm sorry your friends are going through such hardship, Betsy. I'll pray for Tommy, Susan, and Debbie.
Betsy,
Wonderful pictures of your blues. I love to watch the family arrive in our yard. So much fun. Praying for your friends.
Love your great pictures of my #2 favorite bird. They are so pretty. Had two fledges here and while I see Mom and Pop, don't see any more eggs.
So sorry about your friendsl.It is so hard to see those we love in pain. They are in my prayers.
Love your baby blues. You are so lucky to have them right there for you to see all summer.
Thoughts on the way for your friends.
Love the bluebirds and how they take such good care of the newbies.
Prayers for you friends Betsy. Take care, suz
Great series on the Bluebirds. Am sitting on the edge of my seat wondering and waiting to see the next adventure--The fledging.
Good vibes going out to your three friends. MB
I so loved seeing the step by step photos of the blue birds! Keeping your friends special needs in my thoughts and prayers. Have a good weekend
Prayers ascend for your friends Betsy. Love seeing your beautiful bluebirds. Hope you get a third nest.
I did something like this a couple of years ago with a nest of robins and I was also amazed that when the four of them left for good that the nest was spotless. The mother and father would carry away white fecal sacks from the baby robins rear end and did it for each baby several times each day. They dropped them away from the nest so as to not attract predators.
Pick a Peck of Pixels
I really loved this post. The are so cute. It's so neat that juvies from the previous brood help feed the babies--gives them training for next year! Love the one of the little baby peering out wide-eyed!
I just love seeing your Bluebirds Betsy! It's so wonderful you get to see the babies grow up and the family hang out together! So precious!
I will say prayers for your friends.
Hugs, Shelley
Wow, you were able to get some incredible shots!
Your friends will certainly be in my prayers.
Betsy, thanks so much for those shots. I've always just loved blue birds. I can remember, as a kid, going along a fence and looking in the knot holes to see if there was a blue bird nest in the hole. I just about always found one or two.
I love keeping up with the birds, but I am sorry to hear about the things that are making you blue. I prayed for them just now.
Your bluebirds are wonderful! I love bluebirds and never saw them much until I moved to TN. So pretty! I miss having my nests but not my worrying about them with the cats. I will keep your friends in my thoughts and prayers. xoxo
Nice images of the blues!!Great post.Your friends will be in my prayers.
Have a great weekend!
Shantana
Oh, How Lucky you are to be on your Second Brood!!! We rarely have our second make it because of the late start here for Spring and then by the heat wave later on...
Beautiful, Beautiful photo's...
I used to have Bluebird trails up here years ago and truly loved the visits with them...
Wishing you luck with your babies...
My Best...Marilyn
Fabulous chronicle of the Blue Birds Betsy!
and of course you know I am still waiting for mine to return. ho hum
Love the series of the bluebirds...they would be a pleasure to watch grow and develop.
Betsy, I had been wondering about Susan and Tom....wondering how they are doing. My boss that I worked for for years at the orchard had a major stroke and was bedridden for several years...everyone loved him.
Found your blog today and was thrilled to see the post about the bluebirds. I live in Maine and have a pair here now. I had two males this past winter (yes indeed, even in the snowstorms) and have so enjoyed learning about them. My uncle made me three boxes but I am not sure if they are inhabited as yet. I am just a beginner in birding!
Betsy you always have such fascinating posts! These are truly your blues! I never knew all this information about birds and I love learning it now! So sorry about your dear friends! Yes, that can weigh very heavy on your heart. I'm so glad they have your love and friendship. May the Lord touch each one as only HE can! Hugs!
I wish I had bluebirds here, but we don't. I love your pictures, Betsy, I'm glad you share them with us. I'll pray.
Beautiful documenting of your bluebird family! Hope your friends recover, too...
What beautiful bluebird photos, Betsy! You did such a great job with this post.
Sorry to hear about the troubles your friends are having. Prayers going up for them.
You've had some great photos of your bluebirds. What a successful your you have had with them!
I'm so sorry about your friends' problems.
The bluebird photos are exceptional. You got a lot of great captures.
You have some incredible pictures of this little family. I'm so impressed the daddy bird cleans up the mess.
Where did she find a man like that?
♥
Joy
Said a prayer for your friends.
Think you will have a 3rd family of bluebirds, that is my story and I am sticking to it. I had babies in September last year. Hope you get to see them fly whether it is today or not.
Great pictures/story. I had no BB this season although one was building the nest when the squirrel came and almost distroyed the box in twenty minutes! She decided it wasn't a very good spot and I agreed. BTW I've allowed the comments again and put up my first little video. We are Great Grandparents as of yesterday. Hailey Dawn arrived perfectly @ 6*2oz. Mommy & babe are great.
Betsy: You get such great photos of the bluebirds. I never see them this close with the great light.
Sorry about your friends, let us hope they do well.
I am praying for your three friends, Betsy. Loved the bluebird pics.
Oh my goodness, such a wonderful series of photos! I love all the ones of the birds head and bottom sticking out the hole. The blue eggs are wonderful as well.
Spirithelpers
I have and will contiue to pray for your friends .Love the Bluebird pictures.
Blessings,Ruth
Betsy, I love the photos of your little bluebird family. They are just the best parents when it comes to caring for the babes.
Really sorry to hear about your friends, they will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Judy
Sending prayers their way. Bluebirds are such lovely birds, wish we could attract some:)
Prayers are being said for your 3 friends.
I love the Bluebirds & wish I could get them to nest here. It may be a tad too far South.
Beautiful pics.
Sure hope you get to see those babies "get their wings." Really nice series of pictures..
I sent a prayer on to our Heavenly Father for your friends.
Betsy, hope you get to see them leave the nest this time around..
The pictures are just wonderful, you can really get a feel for the personality of those little birds.
They are my very favorite, and thank goodness have taken up our nests, for the past several years now.
So sorry to hear about your friends, I will say a special prayer for them tonight.
Betsy,
Oh my gosh, what kind of camera do you use?? You get such fabulous shots...Are you outside or inside when you take them? The bluebirds are so adorable. :0)
Your friends are in my prayers...you cheer up..they need your positive energy. :0) I know that's not easy in the face of such bad news though.
Hugs and Love you,
Steph
Oh how sweet they are. I will be praying for your friends and their loved ones..m.
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