Chaseman

These pics were taken two days apart, at 3 days old and 5 days old. Since there is no competition for food, I'm beginning to wonder if we have a "monster" baby on our hands.

So, a series of surprises. The first surprise was that we had a third nest built this year. Last year there were only two. The second surprise was there were only three eggs laid, each previous nest had five. I guess the final surprise is that only one of the eggs hatched. Seems like a lot of work for one baby, but if they can put another Bluebird into the world, I say it's worth it.

I know I'm late to this topic, but thought I would offer some insight. First, Chickadees tend to only have one brood per year. Timing would follow along the lines of: 6-7 eggs laying one per day until brood is complete. Incubation is approximately 13 days until hatch, and then 16 days until fledge. Adding that up you have a minimum of 6 days for egg laying + 13 days for incubation + 16 days until fledge = 35 days from first egg to fledge. Any nest activity you saw in April would more than likely be the same nest activity you are seeing early May.

Leave them. They should remove them. If not, just let it be.

Because songbirds don't start incubating until all eggs are laid (unlike raptors for instance) all eggs should hatch within a 24 hour period. I would take from this that only two are going to hatch.

Looks like we will have a 3rd clutch this year. Surprised that it's only going to be 3. I haven't experienced that before. Checked on Monday and there were two eggs, so waited until Thursday to check again. Only 3. Definitely better than nothing, and first time for a third one here in hot lower Alabama.

Successfully fledged our second nest today. Last year she only had two broods, time will tell if she goes for three this year. It's already so hot here, that may play a big part.

My brother sent me this from Georgia saying the Barn Swallows were getting ready to fledge. I don't think that is what they look like, so thought I would ask.

These kids are funny. They know Mom is in there sitting on 5 new eggs.

Wow, 21 days? Mine typically fledge at day 17. This last brood waited to day 18. We are up to 4 eggs in the second nest, so well on our way to more babies!

I've never seen 6, that's interesting. Wonder if they are all viable? On another note, have you ever looked deep into a bird's throat? Obviously they thought they were getting fed, but I've never seen down deep like this. Makes me laugh.

Haha! Smart little birds they are. I have found by watching that most egg laying takes place early in the morning. Not always, but for the most part. Since they don't incubate until the last egg is laid, there really wouldn't be a need for her to be around during the day once she has done her "business". Congrats!

Right on schedule! Welcome little ones...

I am by no means an expert, but I have watched Bluebirds for several years. I would not be too quick about removing a nest. Are you able to observe the box during the day to see if she is around? It is possible something happened to one of them. From what I have observed, Bluebirds will take a territory and wouldn't be quick to give it up. Patience is the key, as well as observation. Meanwhile, we have 5 eggs here and are on hatch watch for Monday. Been in the 70's all week, and predicted to stay that way, so she isn't spending a ton of time on the eggs except at night.

Cold snap is gone, and she's been busy.