I tried taking pictures of the little ones today but I can't figure out the camera and I seem to be a bit too short to get anything in focus, so no picture. Sorry. The humidity has really dropped off, so although it's still 80° it is not nearly as hot as it has been. They didn't look any more comfortable in the box than before, but I imagine that it is nicer for them.
Bluebirds stay in the nest for 15-20 days. We are leaving town on Tuesday which would be their 16th day in the nest. I missed the big fledge event last time and I'm really hoping that this is a precocious bunch who will be testing out their wings on the 15th day. Otherwise, I will probably have to wait another year to see a fledging unless they have a 3rd brood which would be a bit unusual for this part of the country. Fledgings are supposed to be wonderful things; little heads peeking out, lots of coaxing from parents, a brave leap, lots of flapping, oftentimes hitting the ground before being able to make it to a safe tree branch. Oh, I do hope I get to see this!! By the time we get back a full week later, they will probably be hidden somewhere in a tree by the parents. I don't recall seeing the first group of fledglings in the open for over a week and a half.
Posted by Elizabeth at July 15, 2004 05:03 PM