A few weeks ago I looked out to see a newly fledged Eastern bluebird hopping around my terrace. It was alone. Normally when bluebird chicks fledge, they fly to the highest branches of the nearest tree and remain there with other members of their brood for a couple of weeks, while the adults continue to feed them.
This fledgling did not.
As a bluebird monitor, I had immediate concerns. I grabbed my camera and captured these rare shots through my storm door. I hope that you enjoy them.
So tiny in such a huge environment…this female chick contemplates her next move…notice the size of her feet!
This chick raised a ruckus to attract its parents, who wondered why this babe was not high in a tree with its nestmates.
While waiting for the adults to feed it, this chick wanted a nap. After all, these birds go from hatching to flight in merely 18 days. Quite a feat. I love the feet.
After a short flight to the terrace wall from the bench, this wee one nearly fell into the birdbath. What a face. Some mornings I wake with this same expression.
Gathering gumption, a few minutes after this shot, she managed another flight across the turf to the deep shrub border, where it landed on the ground not in a tree. Both adults were at her side during flight, another spectacular sight. I surmise that this miracle fledged too early and was not strong enough to gain altitude. Fingers crossed.
Before vanishing into the wild, this chick preened itself. I do hope she survived. She appeared to have an attitude which I hope serves her well during her lifetime.
Life is precious, and I am reminded of this every day as I witness the creatures and beauty that surround me daily. The difficult part is simply observing, as I can do nothing to change a situation like this. I must permit nature to take its course and be content with not knowing.
How glad I am to have this brief moment with my tiny garden visitor, and now this observation with my trusty camera allows sharing with you, my followers.
Have you witnessed a miracle this summer? Do tell.
Copyright © 2017 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved
home, garden, life 
Just wanted to stop back by and wish you all the best in the New Year.
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Nature is so interesting. It is amazing that wee little birds leave the nest so soon…this one perhaps a little too soon. I hope she did survive.
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Make sure the Honeybells have shade. They abhore full sun! I am removing nine of them next week, as they suffer in sun. They will go to a local customer who has shade and a stream.
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Good morning Diane, It’s raining steadily here this morning after a prolonged dry spell. I a location has opened up on the west side of my yard & will order 3 Honeybees this spring. Good luck, Joe
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Joe, Finally a mere 1/2″ of rain here overnight. So dry, hot/humid here for October. Makes me wonder if this is the new norm. Honeybells grow fast and large. The row of them here I planted 30″ apart and I see they have multiplied in just two seasons. Happy gardening!
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Good afternoon Diane. I went to the Made in the Shade Garden website & They have them for only $6:00 each. I will order this spring for sure. Made in the shade is a very good supplier of Hostas with a huge selection at very good prices.
Thank you for the going to the trouble to research that for me. , Good Luck, Joe
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Joe, the name of these beautiful hostas is Honeybells. At least that is what my research found. Well named, as the large flowers attract many pollinators and hummers. Also the nearly four week blooming period is especially nice in the late summer.
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Thanks for your good wishes Jeanne. The wee BB was indeed precious. Birds work so hard to raise their young. I am glad that a few find their way to my gardens and feeders. Both cardinals and BBs are raising three broods this season, and many young are about. With overnight temps in the 70’s, at least the young will have a good chance of survival.
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These are such great photos, Diane. You really get a feel for this little one. She does seem to have some pluck, and hopefully, she will manage to evade any possible predators at least until she can get higher up in a tree. Fingers crossed.
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Thank you Teresa. You adore your roses and I adore my wild bird visitors.
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Thank you Joe. Have seen no BB in the past few weeks. Perhaps they are all on a much needed vacation. 😉 Summer temps are still here, and yard clean up is well under way. Gearing up for a few weeks of holiday sales at market in early November…then for a long winter’s nap. PS Your seeds are still maturing…have not forgotten. Best, Diane
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Thank you Judy. We both love our wildlife.
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You express these thoughts and feelings about wildlife so beautifully. Thank you.
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Good morning Diane, These are some terrific photos. I am sure this bluebird is doing fine. She looks much healthier than Babe the cardinal . I hope you’ve had a great summer at the market & you’re doing well. Good luck, Joe
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Nice coverage.
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What a lovely observation and capture. I am so glad the plight of the young bird was not missed. The images are amazing and evoke so much emotion. This little one is very fortunate to have your creative eye representing her. xo
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