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Worried about Bluebirds
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Posted by mlkbskt (My Page) on Tue, Jul 27, 10 at 11:16
| My neighbor's bluebirds, which I have been feeding (he does not), have babies that are 19 days old. I am not sure if they are still in the nesting box. The parents have been coming to my mealworm feeder many times a day since the babies were born on July 9. My question: Should I be concerned that the parents have not been coming to the feeder for the past two days? I am under the impression that they still feed their babies even if they have fledged. Am I correct in thinking this? Thank you. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Worried about Bluebirds
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| I've had two clutches of Blues this season, and both times they disappeared for a while after the young fledged. I think it's pretty normal, and they will bring them to your mealworm feeder eventually. Yes, you are absolutely correct that the parents continue feeding for a while. My second clutch fledged on 7/5 and I as of today, the parents were still feeding them. Though they seem to be trying to teach the young to use the feeder themselves at this point. |
RE: Worried about Bluebirds
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The parents are busy feeding the young, while teaching them the basics of hunting for themselves. The babies are also working hard to perfect their flight skills. It's important that they stay hidden as much as possible at this time so that they do not fall prey to hawks, etc. They usually reappear after about 2 weeks, though the parents continue feeding for some time after that.
Kathy |
RE: Worried about Bluebirds
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| OK So, it's normal that I don't see the parent bluebirds for a few days????? I did see that some of the mealworms were eaten while I was at work today. It's so unusual that I have not actually seen Papa and Mama though. I always saw them before I left for work in the morning and then in the evening several times too. I asked my neighbor to carefully check the nesting box, and he said he would. Have not heard from him though. Guess I will try not to worry, and hope they are all still alive! |
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