The baby bluebirds are growing up fast. They hatched on 8/16. On that day, they looked very little like the birds they would soon grow up to become, and could barely hold their heads up. They were mostly bare skin, looking like little hairy shrimp.
baby bluebirds right after hatching (click on any image to enlarge)
At 3 days old, they were gaping their mouths and holding their heads up on command, waiting to be fed.
baby bluebirds at 3 days old
Today they are 8 days old, and beginning to look like bluebirds. They were snoozing this morning when I checked on them. I did not see the parents, but I know they were not far away. We see them coming and going all day long, bringing food to the babies. It is a full time job!
bluebirds at 8 days old
If you look closely, you can even see some blue color starting to show on their feathers.
closer look at baby bluebirds
In another 7 or 8 days, they will probably start leaving the nest. I won’t disturb them any more, because that can lead to premature fledging. I am sure that will be all the babies for this year. This will make 14 new bluebirds fledged this year to add to the local population. Not all will make it, but some will, and with any luck we will be enjoying bluebirds for many years to come. And so will our neighbors.
I hope you enjoyed this last peek at the baby bluebirds. I wish you a Happy Friday!