Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Nature Notes: Bluebird Babies

We have bluebirds again this year, just one pair, but they have three babies! They stop by every day for a swim, and it's such a joy to see them splashing around.

They have zero interest in the seed feeder, and I am not inclined to pay actual money for meal worms. I don't mind keeping the bathwater clean and fresh, though.

I've found a shallow plastic plant saucer works better than the deep clay birdbath for attracting them. Raccoons like to munch on the edges, but the birds don't seem to mind the raggedy accommodations.

Bathing the Kids


Splash

All Clean

I considered putting putting up bluebird houses on the fence posts around the pasture, but after doing some research I concluded it might do more harm than good.

There's a lot more to it than just putting up a nest box. They have to be monitored at least once a day for parasites and sparrow attacks, and we have predators that would quickly notice the boxes.

It's a lot of responsibility, and it often ends in tragedy. Call me cowardly, but I try to avoid heartbreak wherever possible these days. Besides, wherever they're nesting, they seem to be doing just fine on their own.

Here are two great resources, though, if you want to take up "bluebirding" as a hobby:
** North American Bluebird Society
** Sialis



Click here to visit Michelle's site and see more Nature Notes.

10 comments:

Jill said...

Wonderful pictures of one of my favorite birds!

eileeninmd said...

I just love the bluebirds, love the baby blues. Great photos.

??? said...

The baby bluebirds are just adorable, such huge eyes.
Sparrows are really nasty as introduced birds, I was amazed to read that they actually kill other small birds for their nests. As far as I know they don't show this behaviour in their natural habitat (but maybe I just haven't come across it)

Rambling Woods said...

I know exactly how you feel as that I how I did about the wood duck nesting box that hasn't been used yet because of starlings..but how CUTE are they....

Carver said...

Wonderful shots of the bluebirds.

Debbie said...

wonderful photo's today, those babies are adorable. my bird baths sure are seeing a lot of action!!!

Dianne said...

I use the same thing as a bird bath
they are adorable :)

EG CameraGirl said...

So cute! I love how you've captured them splashing. :)

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

OMG-a video of these guys splashing around would be priceless!! Thanks for sharing such wonderful images!

Digital Flower Pictures said...

AWWWW. SO cute. They are my favorite bird around here.