Feathers and Fuzz

one woman's cure for the empty-nester blues

Bluebird

Eastern Bluebird – Hatch Spring 2018

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A day ahead of (my) schedule, the Bluebird eggs began hatching on April 8. The first hatch was about 10:30 a.m. The last of the five eggs hatched early on the morning of April 9.

Even after years of watching God's creation at the tiniest detail, I am still in awe. An itty, bitty embryo matures within a tiny egg in just 14 days. It saws a crack in that egg. The shell cracks. Almost immediately, the hatchling unfurls and has both the instinct and strength to raise its head and open its beak wide to beg for food. Amazing!!

Not to be out-done, the Eastern Phoebe's 5 eggs hatch on April 9 -- also one day ahead of my schedule.

Wild Bird Egg Hatch Countdown 2018

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The 2018 Egg Hatch Countdown has begun.  Five nests (on camera) cradle a total of 25 eggs.  The lineup is shown below with the Chickadee having surprised by revealing SIX eggs.  The rural Bluebird pair has four.  

I expect the first hatch as early as Monday, April 9.  I provided estimated hatch dates for all nests.  The Chickadee date is a total guess as one just doesn't know the lay date.  

As you will see, this will go by fast!  Six or so posts from now -- these nests will be empty.  I can't wait to share with you their stories.

Bluebird N

Bluebird N Mom 2018

Phoebe

Phoebe Mom 2018

Wren

Wren Mom 2018

Bluebird S

Bluebird S Mom 2018

Chickadee

Chickadee Mom 2018
Bluebird N Eggs 2018
Phoebe Eggs 2018
Wren Eggs 2018
Bluebird S Eggs 2018
Chickadee Eggs 2018

April 9

April 10

April 12

April 18

April 20

Not to be left behind, the Flying Squirrel triplets are climbing the walls.  They appear quite mature so I expect they'll be out of their nest soon.  It usually doesn't take them long to start exploring outside the box once they are mobile.  Inevitably, this leads to Momma Flyer relocating them.

2018 Flyers Climbing Walls

Feeding the Flock

Now to keep everyone stocked in mealworms.  The post's feature video reminds us that the love of mealworms is not limited to the five nests I've talked about here.  I've even noted our little Napoleon has discovered the worms.  This should be interesting.  Once the eggs crack open, it will be worm mayhem!!