I just looked outside my laundry room and saw a bluebird fledgling sitting on some patio stones in the pouring rain. I almost didn't notice her (or him) before letting Lucy outside, but since I know that the fledges must be leaving the nest box soon, I've been extra cautious before opening the door.
I went outside to verify that it was a bluebird and sure enough it was. Even if I wouldn't have been able to tell by looking at the bird, Mama was tisking me to high heaven. I didn't move the bird, but I did put some mealworms next to it and returned indoors.
Both Mama and Papa became interested in the worms and protecting their little one. At one point, Papa gathered 5 in his mouth at once and, completely ignoring his little one's gapping mouth, took off with them. This indicated to me that the other 4 birds were somewhere in the trees.
Like I said, it's raining here. Has been since yesterday. The bird looked drowned. I looked like a very concerned and conflicted human being. With all the options presented to me, how was I going to choose the best thing to do?
I don't know if I've done the best thing, but here's what I did. I watched the bird a little while longer and determined that he or she doesn't have tail feather development that lends itself to flying. This was borne out by the fact that he or she gave it a few college tries and couldn't get off the ground. It was then that I decided to return it to the nestbox in clear view of Mama and Papa so they would know where it was. This I did, and in doing so discovered an empty box which supports my hypothesis that the other birds are in the trees somewhere. This 5th bird must be the runt of the litter so to speak and needs another day to develop before venturing out. When I lifted the lid of the box, it very eagerly left my finger and hopped into its home. Before I went inside, I left another bunch of mealworms for the birds.
UPDATE: I just ventured outside again and saw my friend peering out of the box. Soon, Mama appeared and started her "clicking" at me. The bird is obviously wanted to leave the nest box, but I hope that it stays put for awhile longer. Will keep monitoring the situation and checking back in.
Posted by Elizabeth at April 26, 2005 02:01 PM