An-tic-i-pation

Yesterday, instead of cleaning the bathrooms and pulling weeds, I was busy with a much harder and a more time-consuming job. I sat on the deck and took about 50 pictures of the Bluebird family. I was out there off and on ALL day long. I couldn't stay away!!! I know it's hard work---but someone has to do it!!! Poor George----he was out front working hard in the yard!!!!!




I was SO hoping that the babies would fledge--but they did not. By the time you read this post, they probably will have fledged, since I'll bet they do it early this morning. I think they are ready---at least two of the four. They all but jumped out of the nest a few times. I was SO excited... But--Mom and Dad and their other four siblings know what is best ---so I'll bet they are trying to get ALL four of them ready to fledge. The family kept feeding the babies all day!


I hope you are not tired of my Bluebird pictures because today, I'm showing you some more. Above is the most active of the four babies---almost OUT of the nest. Isn't he a cutie???? Below are more!!!!







Here's two of the four babies in that nest. Don't you know that the nest is VERY crowded!







Can you only imagine what this little guy is thinking!!!??? He kept wiggling and fluttering his wings like he was ready to jump!!!!!









The four Juveniles (from the first brood) were zipping around the feeders and helping Mom and Dad feed the little ones. I took this picture of one of them --getting ready to grab some food at the feeders.









One of the Juvies feeds the babies..







Isn't it nice of them to look at the camera --so that I could get a picture????? Don't know why they wouldn't smile for the camera though!!!!!







Here's one more picture of one of the Juvies feeding the babies. Look at those BIG mouths!!! ha







The babies seem to look just alike at this age---so I'm not sure if a different one comes to the top of the nest on occasion. They almost have to stand on each other to reach the top--since the nest is fairly deep. Does this one look disgusted ????? ha









The entire family stayed near the nest all day long ---and I spotted them all around the back yard. This is Daddy Blue at the birdbath.


There were a couple of times that a Bluejay would come to the feeder ---and the Bluebirds had a 'fit' wanting that Bluejay OUTTA there. The jay got his snack and quickly left. Don't think even a Bluejay wanted to tangle with SIX Bluebirds!!!







Another picture of two of the four little ones









"Please let me come out to play, but...









"...feed me first ---puh -lease!!"









Beautiful Daddy Bluebird is IN CHARGE of this BIG family... He wants to make sure that everything goes as planned!!!! Isn't he gorgeous?????


WELL---I'll be sad once they fledge. I may not see them as much since Bluebirds take their babies away from the nest for awhile. Hopefully, they'll come back and do it all again, or at least come to the feeders!!!!


Hope you had as good a Saturday as I did!!!!


Hugs,

Betsy's Blues

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!