In checking the bluebirds today, I have determined that one has died because there are only 4 birds in the box. I suspected as much since returning home, but didn't want to be too hasty in that determination. I thought that there might be a chance that one was wedged under the others, as was the case with the Song Sparrow babies. While it is sad that one has succumbed, I think that the bird's death has not been caused by predation for I see no signs of intrusion into the nest. Therefore, I have every hope that the remaining 4 will become healthy fledglings. And when will that be? Well, the first one hatched on the 10th with the others closely following on the 11th. Bluebirds remain in the nest 15-20 days after hatching, so I estimate that they will be fledging around the 28th.
Posted by Elizabeth at May 19, 2004 12:06 PM