The young Eastern Bluebirds have all fledged. The birdhouse is now empty. I took it down and opened it. Nothing inside except for a nest made with dried grass. There was no eggshell (maybe it was eaten by the babies or their parents), and the nest did not look too bad. No fecal sac, just some dirt at the bottom of the nest. Still I used a hose to spray it with water thoroughly to make it clean again. It is now back in its old place waiting for the Bluebirds to raise their next brood.
The fledglings are flying around our backyard practicing their newfound skills. Some also dive to the grass to look for food. One newly fledged chirped plaintively as it landed near me on the deck.
An older sister was at the top of a magnolia tree, looking all around her to see whether she could spot her parents.
However, the parents are keeping their distance, perched very near the top of the surrounding trees. They won’t intervene, unless there is a threat from a bigger bird, like a Blue Jay.
Lignum Draco said:
It must be fascinating to be so intimate to their routines. I’m learning a lot from your observations. Thank you.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you for commenting! I am going to take a break from blogging to concentrate on finishing my second book.
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Lignum Draco said:
I hope it is productive time for you.
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bayphotosbydonna said:
Such a happy, beautiful post, Hien! The fledglings’ captures are both adorable and sweet!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Donna. Bluebirds are really pretty, and their babies even more so.
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RV John said:
Nice batch of photo Hien, I miss seeing the whole process of birds fledging and having birdhouse too.
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neihtn2012 said:
Thanks John. Since you move around so much, it may be difficult for you to put up birdhouses and watch birds take residence in them.
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diespringerin said:
What lovely photos, I especially like the last one, it is just … so talkativ!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you! I am glad you like the photos.
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MichaelStephenWills said:
You are a dedicated bird god parent.
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neihtn2012 said:
Ha, ha! Do I get to name the babies?
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Gunta said:
How wonderful! A successful fledging. Nice to know your tenants were such neat housekeepers! 😀
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you! I forgot to mention that the Bluebirds took over two birdhouses, but only used one to raise their babies. That seems to be common behavior for birds. Some species have several nests, but only one is actually used in the end.
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Jessica Hagan said:
Wow, how interesting to have seen your photos of their amazing voyage. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photography Hien.
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neihtn2012 said:
Glad you like the photos, Jessica, and maybe saw something that you had not seen before.
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T Ibara Photo said:
Hello Mr. Hien,
It is ‘bittersweet’ because they grow so soon, but of course a real joy and honour to witness this through your beautiful photos. I can imagine it was quite an experience for you! The last photo especially touched me…
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neihtn2012 said:
You are so right Takami. It was like watching the life of a human family condensed in a month or so.
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loisajay said:
An empty nest already? Oh my–this is too soon for me. Come back, kids!
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neihtn2012 said:
I wish they could read this blog, and specifically your comment, Lois!
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Eliza Waters said:
Adorable photos, Hien, esp. that last one. It was so fun watching the process – thanks for sharing!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Eliza! It was fun and not as hard as I thought.
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Irene said:
Hope new residents take occupancy soon! 😊
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neihtn2012 said:
I checked today, and the birdhouse is still empty. Keeping fingers crossed that will be back, if not this year then the next one.
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Jet Eliot said:
I sure enjoyed getting this update on the bluebird chicks, Hien. It is the miracle of life, and to watch it unfold in your backyard, wow, what a delight. Thanks so much for sharing it, and for the great photos.
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neihtn2012 said:
Glad you like the photos, Jet! I enjoyed photographing the Bluebird family and wanted to share what I saw with everyone of this blog readers.
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cindy knoke said:
Awwww……precious!
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Cindy!
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AmyRose🌹 said:
What an incredible experience, Hien! What an honor for you to have witnessed these gorgeous birds while nesting and bringing up their young. Glorious pictures!! Thank you so much!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
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neihtn2012 said:
Thank you Amy! It was a good learning experience for me. Those Bluebirds were very cooperative, allowing me to capture part of their life up close.
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AmyRose🌹 said:
I’d consider that an honor, Hien. Whenever any of Mother’s creatures allows me to be close, I am humbled.
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