The Eastern Bluebird chicks in one of my friend Steve Creek’s nest boxes are getting ready to fledge. It won’t be long before they start exploring the world.
Read Steve’s recent post about these chicks: Eastern Bluebird Fledgling Watch: A Peek at What’s to Come
Eastern Bluebird chick peeking out of the nest box – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/1250, ISO 1250, +1.0 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
Last evening I watched to see if the chicks would leave the nest box, but I kept seeing the young bluebirds just peeking out of the entrance.
It has been hot and humid here in Arkansas. I can only imagine how warm it must be inside that nesting box. I’d think the bluebird chicks are going to enjoy the breezes once they fledge.
The adult Eastern Bluebirds at this nest box are still bringing food to their young, but they’ve slowed that down a bit. That’s normal. The parents often use food at this stage to entice the young to leave the safety and security of the nest.
Eastern Bluebird chick getting ready to fledge – Canon R7, handheld, f8, 1/1250, ISO 1250, +1.0 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
I don’t know how many chicks are in the nest box, but I do know there are at least two. I’m hoping Steve and I get the chance to photograph these young Eastern Bluebirds as soon as they fledge.
It has been an eventful nesting season for the bluebirds in Steve’s yard this year, with a female incubating, brooding, and raising her young on her own after the male disappeared right after she laid eggs. Then there was the brood that simply vanished. I’ll breathe a little easier once these chicks fledge.
Maybe today’s the day the Eastern Bluebird chicks take that leap into the unknown and fledge!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Eastern Bluebird photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wonderful pics. Just like grand-kids…they always want to be fed. Thanks Mia.
Charming picture and narrative!