Feathers and Fuzz

one woman's cure for the empty-nester blues

Carolina Chickadee

First Fledge 2019: Bluebirds Claim the Title

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The three Eastern Bluebird nestlings in the West house took wing today marking The Retreat's First Fledge of 2019.

As shown in the series of photos, Dad Bluebird was hard at work coaxing his youngsters to brave that first leap.

First Fledge 2019 - Male Parent Coaxing
First Fledge 2019 - Dad Giving Instructions
First Fledge 2019 - Parent Coaxing

I've seen this coaxing go on for days, but this brood responded quickly!  The fledglings certainly didn't demonstrate strong flight, but it was a beautiful day here in Georgia and I expect to see them landing on the mealworm feeder in a couple weeks -- beaks wide open!

 

Meanwhile ...

Momma Chickadee (I assume a second pair in addition to the Adobe Chick) took up nest building in the East house in spite of its proximity to the new house construction on the lot next to mine.

The four House Finch nestlings are on fledge watch.  They should be gone by tomorrow.  As shown in the photo, this is a good thing as CLEARLY Finches don't do poop sacs!

Mom Chickadee and Her Cotton-ball Bedding

Momma Chickadee: Cotton Ball Bedding

Finches Don't Do Poop Sacs

House Finch Nestlings Clearly Don't do Poop Sacs

Creative Nesting appears to be the key phrase for 2019

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Creative Nesting:  Eastern Phoebe

The 2019 nesting season kicked off with the Phoebe's creative nesting site atop the camera intended to film her nesting activities.  As I mentioned in my last post, I don't know if this choice was based on the 2018 snake encounter.  Perhaps the multi-week turf battle with the Carolina Wrens contributed.

Creative Nesting:  House Finch

A second House Finch pair decided to move in this year.  They chose to nest atop a column on the third floor -- some 40' above ground.  I confirmed the presence of eggs, and took a still photo, but have decided not to place a camera nearby.  There is no scientific evidence to support that the heat from my cameras draws a rat snake to a nest site.  Nonetheless, I don't want to take any chances of increasing the risk in locations where no cameras were previously installed.

Spring Nesting 2019
Creative Nesting: Finch

Creative Nesting:  Carolina Chickadee

A Carolina Chickadee pair picked up on the creative nesting theme after one of the male Bluebirds apparently decided NONE of the other bird houses within his view would be occupied.  A small, adobe bird house has hung on the wall outside my breakfast area for years.  The only residents, until now, have been hornets.  While I observed Momma Chickadee occasionally moving in and out of this house, it is only today I can confirm she is indeed nesting there as she was seen leaving at first light this morning.  Affectionately, I have named her "Adobe Chick".

Creative Nesting: Chickadee
Adobe Chick

Coming Up ...

I'll bring you pictures in the next post confirming 7 Bluebird nestlings and 4 Finch nestlings.  Soon, we will have migration photos as this guy heralds spring really is here!