By now followers must realize my adoration of the US Native Bluebird. Four years ago, with the help of three bluebird experts, I joined the ranks of bluebird monitors. After a few rough starts and mortality rates, this year appears to be my most successful year. The following photos were shot this morning through my glass door, so some may appear blurry, yet the moment cannot be replaced. I hope that you enjoy!
for clarification this slightly blurry shot shows the predator guard acting as a perch for the 28 day old bluebird chicks. I rigged this private BB feeder in an unused BB box noel guard. It has worked splendidly–keeping other birds out.
28 day old chick safely explores the feeding ground below main feeder
adult male feeds chick and is instrumental in keeping fledglings healthy with food
OK, Smarty, as I named him, is the first chick to actually fly up into the private BB feeder
female adult perches amongst the chicks, as she has already completed her second nest in the other box used earlier (cleaned out by moi). I expect new eggs any day now.
Smarty enjoying the morning sun and awaiting more mealworms
notice Smarty’s blue tail feathers…at day 28 already we can see Smarty is a male. And how VERY adult he looks ~ very streamlined!
clever Smarty turned to the feeding bowl
I know, I am guilty of sharing too many photos, yet moi feels like a proud grandparent, with the hard parts left to the adult bluebirds
I surmise these three chicks are the ones that fledged first, before the last two from this clutch. If you recall, the last two chicks fledged two days after these, and I believe that somehow they do not associate themselves with the first three. I spotted a single chick with the adult male yesterday, a loner, who flew directly into my glass door window (despite the window ribbon) as I stood there, gasping. It was not killed, and flapped its way over the rooftop. The fifth chick alludes me to date. I shall hope to see all five together in order to soothe my concerns.
Observing wild birds can be difficult at times, as Mother Nature will take her course, despite the best efforts by moi. After all, I can only help so much, yet the hand wringing continues…
If you wish to see my other bluebird posts, merely type the word bluebird into the search bar on this site. I invite comments from readers more experienced than I. Yet, today I am one proud and grateful bluebird monitor. Kudos to the many naturalists who monitor bluebird trails and cope with hundreds of these beauties.
At home, garden, life, one box at a time is all I can manage.
Update as of 5/31. This face-guard is my adaptation to keep a nosy Thrasher out of the mealworm feeder. She happened by when adult BB was feeding the chicks. This quick contraption, made from another butter box, works perfectly.
PS I should mention another bird blessing this spring. A pair of robins decided to build their nest in the Little Gem magnolia, just outside my bedroom window. So close is the nest, that I merely need to glance through the pane to see their chicks eagerly gaping for food. A first for this birding woman, and a joy to behold.
PPS Just spotted Uno (the chick who crashed into the door glass yesterday) at the feeder. Female adult ignored it, yet in zoomed the adult male, who promptly stuffed Uno’s gullet with mealworms. Yay!
And off in the distance the din of a zillion cicadas….
Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved
home, garden, life 
Susan, I am happy to educate bird monitors. If you search my blog through the search box, you will find many images of blue bird box solutions, feeding stations, etc. As long as you credit me (Diane LaSauce) and my blog (all rights reserved), you have my permission. Let me know if you have further questions. Diane
LikeLike
I love these photos. I am planning to present a workshop on nest box design at the Pennsylvania Art Education Association conference in October and would like to include the photo of mess arrangement that you made below the bird box. I would use my Powerpoint presentation for educational purposes only and would credit you and your blog with the idea.
LikeLike
Pingback: A Rose A Day: Sunny | The Garden Diary
One must have a specific bird box suited just for BB. Check at your local birding store…they can show you cedar boxes that last for years. Also purchase a copy of the Bluebird Monitor’s Guide to learn most all you ever need to know. 😉 And of course there is moi here to coach you! 😉
LikeLike
I love this article. Have read it several times and thought I had commented but don’t see the comment. We have had glimpses of bluebirds through the years but no one stayed. If we had mealworms, we may have had a different story. Good job Diane! Love the bird adventures.
LikeLike
How adorable are the baby bluebirds. I love seeing how their tail is becoming blue first. Great job on the photos and congratulations, “mom”!
LikeLike
Wonderful story. Love the photos.
LikeLike
I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a close snapshot of a bluebird before. Very informative, thanks!
LikeLike
Remember to clean out the old nest as soon as chicks fledge. That way adults can begin another brood. Bluebirds can have up to three broods per year! If you see other birds beginning to build, that nest can be removed to discourage them and encourage BB.
LikeLike
I love how dedicated to your bluebirds you are. Mine have already fledged their nestlings and moved on. I found a dead egg and cicada carcasses in their house. Last year wrens moved into their house after they moved out. I love the feeder set up you have for the birds. What smart birds to nest at your place!
LikeLike
Good going Charlie.
LikeLike
Since other birds in my back yard are not box nesters, they are not attracted to this box and if you notice in an earlier post, I covered the noel guard so other birds cannot see in. Since birds have no sense of smell, I am good to go. Clever huh? Thanks for asking.
LikeLike
I love these photos. You are a true friend to the bluebirds. I’m a little baffled, though, by how your feeder keeps the other birds away.
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing you photos. This is the first year I have bird houses so I appreciate what you had to say about the benefits experience and perseverance.
LikeLike
Amazing photos. I love learning about the bluebirds through your images. Good boy Smarty!
LikeLike