Right on schedule, the bluebird eggs began hatching yesterday, 13 days after the last one was laid. The normal incubation period for bluebirds is 12-14 days.
When I checked yesterday morning around 9am, there were 5 eggs in the nest box. By 5pm, 4 of them had hatched. When I went out early this morning, all five were hatched, and they were wanting breakfast.
day old bluebirds in nest box (click on any image to enlarge)
The male and female will be busy for the next few weeks, feeding and tending to the young. The bluebirds typically fledge when they are 17-18 days old, though it can be a few days sooner or later.
feed me
I have installed a raccoon baffle on the mounting pole. The baffle serves to keep predators like raccoons and snakes from climbing the pole and disturbing the nest.
black metal baffle installed on conduit mounting pole
While I was taking these photos, the female went in the nest box with food. In the last photo she is half in, half out of the entrance hole.
female bluebird leaving nest box
We’re celebrating Memorial Day quietly here at home. Today I extend my thanks to all those who have given their lives while serving our country.
cemetery in the early morning
We will always remember your service.
I think those little babies mistakened you for their daddy 🙂 Enjoy your quiet day at home with your lovely wife.
Recently I got a bluebird in my wood stove. Something had been in the flue for several days, did not know if it was a bird or squirrel. One morning I saw a bluebird in the stovebox, apparently he couldn’t get out and went down the flue out of exhaustion. I wrapped the stove with a large piece of Agribon row cover, made a pouch in front and opened the front doors. He flew right into the pouch and I took him outdoors. Then I put a cover on the flue.
Wonderful! What a great photo of the baby bluebirds. I’m so glad they made it through this time and look forward to more pictures and stories of their progress! (and take THAT, raccoons.) 😉
Beautiful post.