I learned some new things this week.  First, not all “first sightings” are delightful.  Second, when tragedy strikes — it can be touched by a miracle — and it is the miracle I will treasure.

On the morning of May 3, I turned on the bird cameras’ viewing software just after dawn.  Something was off in the bluebird nest box — it looked like a strange feathered creature was in the house.  I finally turned on the camera showing the exterior of the box.  There was no birdhouse in view. I got my visual bearings.  The feathered creature was a disarray of bluebird nestlings.

Okay — so I promised to only send uplifting things to your inbox — but this is a rare suburban nesting story I just have to share.  I hope you will find, as I do, that it is — in the end — uplifting.  In fact, the nest box had been attacked.  The miracle is that 3 nestlings survived — unharmed.  From the interior camera, it would appear the 4th intentionally escaped the house — fate unknown.  These nestlings were old enough to fly.

When you watch the video, the miracle will be clear!

Attack Aftermath

Turns out, this ~300 black bear spent the night demolishing things — the trash can storing the bird seed, a feeding station, and the bluebird nest box.  He (I think it was a “he”) was actually here two nights — from 9:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.  As you can imagine, I have become quite reluctant to go out after dark.

The day of the attack, a house guest took me shopping.  I now own, and have fired, a shotgun.  My guest promised I didn’t have to actually shoot anything — just the sound would be a deterrent.  I assure you, it deters me!

For the next two nights, I went out at dusk — disconnecting both occupied nest boxes from the poles (Bluebird and Chickadee) after stuffing a rag in the door.  Both nest boxes spent the night in the safety of my basement.  The next morning, at dawn, I rehung the boxes and removed the rags.  As I expected — it appears neither the parents, nor nestlings, minded the temporary relocation.  I slept in peace.

On the second day, I was getting close to pushing the Bluebird nestlings out of the box myself.  They were two days past normal fledging age and showed no signs of heeding their parents’ calls.  The point is:  the attack clearly traumatized us all!  Finally, the Bluebirds did fledge — flying strong.  I treasure the miracle!