The bird parents continue to keep up with the demands of the nestlings on the property.  While Mr. Bluebird has been busy excelling at all aspects of parenting, Mrs. Bluebird demonstrates she is an equally-qualified parent.  Showing her hunting prowess, she arrived home with what I first thought was a large nightcrawler — still wiggling.  As I watched the scene unfold, it became clear she had actually captured a juvenile snake — and she was determined to stuff it into one of her babies — head first.  Snakes are well known for their attacks on bird nests.  That day the tables turned.  Predator became prey.  Justice Served – Literally.  (Several years ago, it was this Bluebird pair whose nestlings had been attacked by a snake — an attack I was fortunate to see happen and able to abort.)

I have to advise against viewing the video while enjoying your morning coffee and breakfast.  I imagine some will find it unpleasant any time of the day — snake-snacks are probably not for everyone.  For me personally — I got caught up in the challenge faced by the eager nestlings as Momma moved from one to the next — trying to find one of the five capable of the feast.  It took 15 minutes until, finally, an exhausted nestling dosed off with only the tip of the snake’s tail still visible.  The video is limited to one nestling — and even then — cropped, and sections shown in 4X-speed, to trim viewing to a minute.

On a More Fun Note

Two of the five “urban” Bluebird nestlings earned their fledgling wings today — two days earlier than the normal 18 days.  They flew strong so I expect they will fair well.  The remaining three nestlings appeared to hunker down — betting they’ll take flight tomorrow.  By the next post, I imagine I will be showing video of Bluebird, Phoebe and Wren maiden flights.