feedmecam.com/blog

Bluebird Babies!

May 6th, 2008 by Kip Draper - 1,226 Views

HELLO WORLD! My mom called at 7AM and said we had babies. Looks like they all successfully hatched between 4:45AM (last time I checked the cam) and 7AM. Can’t wait to see them in color when that cam wakes up. More to come…

There’s a discarded eggshell at the top left corner of the image. As far as I can tell all five made it out. Keep an eye on the bluebird feeder when the mom leaves the nest…

Bluebird nest cam

Here’s some video of the parents in the nest box at the same time (briefly) feeding the babies:

Posted in Feed Me Cams |

136 Responses to “Bluebird Babies!”

on 06 May 2008 at 9:10 am Barbara

Congratulations Grandpa Kip!!! Sadly, I only see four babies — check out the picture at cabinbirds.blogspot.com
on 06 May 2008 at 9:28 am Barbara

OK– I think I was wrong, although the shot was blurry, it looks like five! They really move around a lot when Mom is gone.

http://cabinbirds.blogspot.com
on 06 May 2008 at 11:13 am BIRDWATCHER

finally! babies! i havent seen them yet. are you working on your cam? if so, i’ll see them soon. congratulations!
on 06 May 2008 at 12:00 pm Ron

I don’t know who’s getting more of a workout, mama trying to keep those 5 fed or Kip trying to keep up the supply of mealworms. That streaming video is awesome!!
on 06 May 2008 at 1:26 pm Kip Draper

It’s difficult to tell Barbara! You’re not kidding Ron. It wouldn’t be quite so difficult if not for the wrens; they eat more mealworms than the bluebirds so I have to pull the mealies off of the feeder when the bluebirds aren’t around or they eat them all in one sitting.
on 06 May 2008 at 1:45 pm Andrea

Hi Kip: How exciting! I may have to order one of those big boxes of mealworms, too. After weeks of daily appearances, fights over the new nest box with the tree swallows (who had already claimed the older nest box), and a vicious battle with a house sparrow over the weekend (at one point the male house sparrow stuck his head out of the entrance and appeared to grab the female bluebird by her foot, leaving her hanging upside down!), my pair of bluebirds is finally busy at work building a nest. Hopefully we’ll have some eggs and babies of our own sometime soon…but no webcam. At least I will know what to expect!
on 06 May 2008 at 3:53 pm Kip Draper

Are you feeding mealworms at all? No other bird hits the mealworms except for the Carolina Wren. As soon as I enclosed the feeder w/ plexi, the wrens just hopped through the holes w/o thinking about it so I just leave it open. Can’t see an automated way around that one. When the bluebirds sweep in to feed though, they skeedattle.
on 06 May 2008 at 5:00 pm Bill

My eight year old daughter clicked on and saw the babies and just screamed with excitement!!! My whole family have been watching daily and this is one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen on the internet.I can’t thank you enough for all you’re doing. Looking forward to watching them all grow.
on 06 May 2008 at 5:14 pm Suellen

My nine year old son and I have been watching as well!! I was so excited to see all this online!! It is truly amazing to watch those precious babies and their mama! We are moving up your way in 4 weeks! Can we visit the babies and their mama? Thanks for sharing this with all of us!
on 06 May 2008 at 7:58 pm Rachel

I saw your babies at 8 am this morning. Congratulations! I noticed my dad bluebird was around all morning. I checked my bluebird box this afternoon, the babies were coming. I saw 2 or 3 babies with 2 eggs. I was surprised, expected them the 9th or 10th. I have not checked the box this evening, will wait until the morning. This has been a bluebird day.
on 07 May 2008 at 11:56 am BIRDWATCHER

Kip, Are you still working on your streaming cam? I have java, windows media player and active x and they dont seem to be working for me.
on 07 May 2008 at 1:25 pm Linda Nielsen

I only see 4 babies - what happened to the 5th egg?
on 07 May 2008 at 2:08 pm Kip Draper

Thanks Bill & Suellen! Congratulations Rachael!

BW, was it working for you before then stopped? Let me know and I’ll look into it; the code is auto generated from the webcam software so I’m somewhat limited.

ADDED 5/10: I made some changes; try it here: http://feedmecam.com/birdhouse/video/

Linda, I counted 5 mouths open at once today on video. It’s very difficult to tell though; this morning I thought there were only 4, went down to the nest for a peek and still couldn’t tell–the cam provides a better view than peeking in the box, which is designed to be opened and viewed with its plexiglas sub wall. They are so tiny!

BTW, my problem w/ the plexi wall is that it’s somewhat reflective so it’s difficult to see in and tough to get a good angle for photos. I guess a ladder would help. I have the cam so I only go down there when I need to and I feel guilty because they’re always in the closest tree chirping away at me to beat it.
on 07 May 2008 at 5:48 pm BIRDWATCHER

it only worked once. i dont know too much about computers or webcams though. i can see the bluebird nest but its refreshing like before. that ok though. thank you!
on 08 May 2008 at 9:38 am Kip Draper

Hopefully I’ll come up w/ more stable streaming. I’m amazed it works at all w/ this little cam.

I noticed the parents are providing a varied diet; they don’t rely entirely on mealworms by any means. There was a dead bug in the nest yesterday that was almost as big as a chick. I noticed today she dropped a mealworm in there, but both are gone now. Does anyone know whether they regurgitate or just feed straight?

Here’s some video of the female feeding them:

YouTube - Eastern Bluebird Babies Being Fed
on 08 May 2008 at 3:23 pm BIRDWATCHER

they feed just straight
on 09 May 2008 at 12:31 am Suellen

Quick question. Why does the mom sit on top of them after she feeds them? I noticed that after she’s done she immediately assumes this position!
on 09 May 2008 at 12:48 pm Barbara

Check my picture of all five birds!!!
http://cabinbirds.blogspot.com

Also, Suellen — the babies can’t keep themselves warm without feathers, so mom sits on her brood.
on 09 May 2008 at 4:33 pm BIRDWATCHER

Those bluebird babies are sooo cute!!!!!
on 12 May 2008 at 9:21 am Ron

Kip,
Without a doubt, this is one of the most fascinating sites on the web. I saw the male on the feeder loading up with mealworms. When he took off, I switched to the birdhouse cam in time to see him arrive and feed the flock!!
You are truly a master of the webcam. Thanks a million.

Ron
on 12 May 2008 at 12:57 pm Sandy

I am so glad someone gave me this link. I stop by many times a day. This is so facinating. I have feeders in my yard but no cams. I am thoroughly enjoying this experience. Thank you very much!
on 16 May 2008 at 3:00 pm birdwatcher

Oh look! the babies eyes are opened!
on 17 May 2008 at 3:53 pm Suellen and Nick

They are just a joy to watch as they keep changing and growing! Their little eyes are opened and they have feathers! I can’t wait to meet these little babies and their family when I move up here!!!!
on 19 May 2008 at 1:22 pm birdwatcher

the babies are getting sooo big! i havent seen them since friday!
on 19 May 2008 at 3:45 pm Barbara

I am in Blue Ridge now (but only near the birds via the webcam) and I’m getting very nervous. The babies are so active and I know they will be leaving the nest soon.
on 21 May 2008 at 9:11 am Ron

Well, what does everyone think? Will today be the day? They sure are active in there. I wanna see some flyin’.
Kip, your cams have made the last few weeks very educational. I hope lots of kids have had a chance to witness this display of nature at its finest.
on 21 May 2008 at 11:45 am birdwatcher

I think it will be any day now. they are already looking like they want out! I want to see some flyin too. Thats why i suggested the cam on the entrance hole. Kip is doing a great job!
on 21 May 2008 at 2:58 pm Kip Draper

Ron, I’m hoping to coax all of the babies to the feeder or the bird bath when they’re ready. Hopefully we can catch them on the different cams.

Barbara, how long are you in BR?

I thought they would fly today for sure. The big male keeps poking his head up there and flapping his wings. The others seem to want him to just stop sitting on them; they probably think he’s the dad by now. I wonder, do the parents call them out when they think it’s time or do they just start heading out on their own?

I can’t get any work done and the waiting is getting to me so I’m headed out on the lake for a few hours. Please call me if the fledge, but I’m guessing they’re more likely to do it earlier in the day. 888-520-7812
on 21 May 2008 at 4:58 pm Sandy

This site is so awesome. I have been watching since I was told about the site right after the eggs were laid. I am so anxious to see one of the babies fly out that I can’t get any work done. I have it up at work and I keep watching when I hear their wings flutter. Anytime now. They are walking all over each other and I saw a little pecking today. There just isn’t enough room for 5 grown babies. Thank you so much for this experience. It has been a real joy! Sandy in Missouri
on 21 May 2008 at 8:17 pm Kip Draper

>>There just isn’t enough room for 5 grown babies

My thoughts exactly Sandy. Perhaps the parents nor Mother Nature draws them out–just an acute sense of claustrophobia?
on 22 May 2008 at 10:38 am Ron

This nest is looking like the shopping mall on Christmas eve. All that pushing and shoving. Hope no one ends up getting poked in the eye!!!
on 23 May 2008 at 2:08 am Sueleln and Nick

Once these little guys fly..will they just disappear? Or will they stay near by? I will be there in 11 days and I would love to see them in person! They are cute and I have enjoyed watching the whole family!!!
on 23 May 2008 at 10:25 am Ron

Looks like fledging very soon. After each visit by the adults, the “big kid” flys up and sits in the opening for a few seconds. I think he’s ready to meet the world. Stand by for flight!!!
on 23 May 2008 at 11:23 am Ron

THE BIG KID JUST WENT OUT!!!!!!!!
on 23 May 2008 at 11:55 am birdwatcher

I JUST SAW THE SECOND ONE JUST PEEK OUT THE HOUSE AND GO BACK IN! HES GETTING READY!
on 23 May 2008 at 12:00 pm Ron

2 out, 3 to go.
on 23 May 2008 at 12:01 pm Kate

I just saw the second one leave the nest! Just three left to fledge!
on 23 May 2008 at 12:08 pm birdwatcher

I MISSED THE SECOND ONE FLEDGE. I HAD A CUSTOMER COME! DARN.
on 23 May 2008 at 12:15 pm birdwatcher

LOOK LIKE THE LAST THREE GOT TIRED AND HAVE TO REST BEFORE TRYING AGAIN.
on 23 May 2008 at 12:21 pm Kip Draper

And then there were 3! A hawk flew over before the 2nd one fledged. They’re both OK so far. Got a good still shot of the big male (first) fledgling sitting on the lowest fence rung. I had to crawl on my belly to get this shot (Nikon D70s/stock lens), and he just froze, and needless to say his mum was not too happy with me:

Interesting how his underbelly salt-&-pepper camo somewhat mimics that out-of-focus branch…
on 23 May 2008 at 12:29 pm birdwatcher

The other 3 are probably thinking “i’m not going out there with a hawk around”. Hopefully the hawk will find better hunting grounds!
on 23 May 2008 at 12:32 pm Kip Draper

I ran him off hopefully…
on 23 May 2008 at 12:48 pm birdwatcher

good!
on 23 May 2008 at 12:51 pm birdwatcher

you read my mind this time. i was going to tell you to chase him off.
on 23 May 2008 at 3:12 pm Barbara

Wish they’d leave

See my computer screen

and the shot of my “work” set up
on 23 May 2008 at 3:25 pm Kate

The third one just fledged! Two to go!!!
on 23 May 2008 at 3:27 pm birdwatcher

I SAW IT TOO!
on 23 May 2008 at 4:04 pm Ron

These last two babies look like they don’t want to be separated. They’re so cute sitting there huddled together.
Meanwhile, the wrens are having a feast on the mealworms!!
on 23 May 2008 at 4:44 pm birdwatcher

When the next one fledges, the last one will be left all by himself. thats ok, he will evenually fledge and be with his brothers and sisters.
on 23 May 2008 at 4:48 pm birdwatcher

O no! the birdhouse cam isnt working!
on 23 May 2008 at 5:41 pm birdwatcher

i think the 4th one just went!
on 23 May 2008 at 5:48 pm Suellen and Nick

yes.. the 4th one went and now we are watching and waiting for the last to fly out!!! This is so exciting to watch!!!!
on 23 May 2008 at 5:49 pm Kip Draper

Sorry about the color cam. I ran out to run errands and a storm hit–mother nature. The last one looks so lonely! Birdwatcher, do they come back to the nest to sleep or is that it?
on 23 May 2008 at 6:14 pm birdwatcher

looks like the last one is gone and i missed it. now i miss them. they feel like my kids. we have a storm here too. im not sure whether they come back and sleep in the box but i think i read someplace that eastern bluebirds usually have more than one brood during a season. i think i read it someplace on the internet. i really enjoyed watching them maybe they will lay another clutch of eggs and we can watch them too.
on 23 May 2008 at 6:14 pm Barbara

They are all gone and missed the last one!

Now I have no excuse to not work!
on 23 May 2008 at 6:24 pm birdwatcher

i dont have an excuse either now. all ive been doing all day is watching those bluebirds in between helping customers!
on 23 May 2008 at 6:51 pm birdwatcher

i just read something that said they almost alway a another brood using the same nesting sight and usually while young are feeding on their own. so… just maybe we ll have more babies soon!
on 23 May 2008 at 7:09 pm Ginny T

Thank you for the opportunity to watch and witness this experience… watching nature and creation always leaves such as sense of awe. I appreciate your bringing this to us, especially if we are not able to experience it first hand. Let’s hope that your babies continue to thrive and bring new little ones into the world for themselves.
on 23 May 2008 at 7:19 pm Sandy

I missed everyone from getting out of the nest. What luck! I’m trying to get the other cam to work but the only thing I see is the outside of the birdhouse and a bit of ground around it. What’s the secret to the new cam?
on 23 May 2008 at 9:00 pm Kip Draper

Well, apparently for the birdhouse cam, “THAT’S ALL FOLKS”…for now. According to Tom, birdwatcher, & Barbara, they do up to 3 broods in a season, and the previous broods sometimes come back to assist the parents w/ subsequent broods. So stay tuned; I’m gearing up for the next round of peepers.

Things should be much more reliable next time as I will attempt to move the birdhouse closer to our house/computers. Nonetheless, running it on a Dell out of a tent for a month was admittedly fun. Personally, I thought the pollen + humidity would shut it down, but a nice dry tent, circulating fan, and a long cool spring seemed to do the trick. Next go-round, I’m hoping for better shots, cams, recording, and a mic that will handle that high of a frequency & decibel level, holy smokes.

I can’t begin to tell you all how much everyone’s participation (even if you were only watching) meant to this project. The birds kept me up at night w/ a few snake and raccoon nightmares but knowing I had caring folks watching & commenting really made this something completely new to me and that’s cool. Even cooler there are 5 more beautiful things to look at in the world. THANK YOU!
on 23 May 2008 at 9:04 pm Suellen And Nick

I sat and watched the last 2 birds leave their nest! It was so cute because the last one sure took its time. It was almost as if he wasn’t sure he wanted to leave!
(it also took about an hour for both of them to leave) we watched one hour straight!

When the last one left the nest I felt sad. I am going to really miss these little guys!! Will they fly away far? Or will they stay near by?

Ho Hum!! I am going to miss them!!
on 23 May 2008 at 9:14 pm Kip Draper

I’m feeling like an empty-nester myself Suellen And Nick, but I’m PROUD. However, I’m betting on them eating me out of another several thousand mealworms in the next few weeks.

It can get boring, but keep an eye on the Bluebird feeder cam for family-style dining. Also, I hear they all like to hit the bird bath together too, so I’ll lock a cam on the pool when they’re bathing.
on 23 May 2008 at 9:17 pm Bluebird enthusiast from MO

Thank you so much for all the work you’ve done and expense of the cameras, food and feeders to bring this experience to us. I’ve enjoyed watching the bluebirds as I was confined to my home recovering from a operation.
on 23 May 2008 at 9:17 pm Suellen And Nick

So..they won’t fly away somewhere else? They’ll stick around then?
on 23 May 2008 at 9:44 pm Gary Draper

That was a beautiful journey of love and devotion! If only every off- spring in the species could have commitment!

Love,
Mom
on 24 May 2008 at 12:04 am birdwatcher

I thank you also for all the time and effort you put into all your cams. i will still be watching the feeder cam, bluebird feeder and nest box for future broods. Thanks again!
on 24 May 2008 at 9:46 am Susan in Ellijay

It has been wonderful to experience this miracle of nature up-close-and-personal thanks to all your hard work. Your devotion to the project has been exceeded only by that of the mother! Loved your shot of the first little guy out of the nest! I’ll be watching for the next brood. Thanks again.
on 24 May 2008 at 4:25 pm Ada

I also would like to thank you very much Kip. It was really great to first see the bird on eggs and later the babies. Thank you for all the effort and time you have spent on this. I really enjoyed it.
Ada watching from England
on 24 May 2008 at 5:39 pm Rufus

Thank you for the great show over the last several weeks! Great camera work! I hope we enjoy a replay with a new clutch in the not too distant future!

Rufus watching from Minnesota
on 24 May 2008 at 6:43 pm Ron

Kip,
Allow me to add my thanks for the education and my congratulations on a job exceedingly well done. Sorry but I couldn’t resist calling when I saw the big kid take the plunge. See, you shouldn’t have put your number out there for all to see.

Ron (watching from Valdosta for now, but soon to be watching from Cleveland (GA not OH)
on 24 May 2008 at 6:56 pm Terri

I can’t get anything done anymore when I am near a computer!…I just want to look at the birds all the time! I miss the little ones, but will be checking for a new nest and birdies!
Kip, thank you so much! You have done so much to bring nature close to all of us watching! And I really enjoyed the photo of the baby that you posted above! It was my only chance to see one out of the nest!
Well, gotta go…and see what is at the feeder, in the birdhouse, etc!
on 24 May 2008 at 7:23 pm Terri

p.s.
Watching from Orlando, but will soon be up in Blue Ridge… hoping a baby bluebird visits my cabin; wouldn’t that be neat?!
Does Tom keep mealworms in stock? Or do they eat something else that you can buy? I’ve never put anything out other than seed, a little fruit, and hummingbird necter….are mealworms pretty messy to deal with?
on 28 May 2008 at 9:06 pm sherry

awwww how cute!!!
on 03 Jun 2008 at 8:55 am Kip Draper

They’re pretty non-messy as far as worms go Terri–very dry worm. I’m trying to raise some; they’re in the beetle stage now hopefully laying eggs. Tom usually keeps them in stock as far as I know.

I haven’t seen the babies up-close since they fledged. I think they stay mostly in a tree down by the lake. That’s where mom/dad head with the mealworms, and there was a bald eagle seriously buzzing that area too, but the crows ran him off.

The parents have been in-&-out the newly-moved birdhouse; I hope they will accept it closer to the house. No nest-building yet but the male has hardly been hitting the feeder at all so maybe he has other things on his mind.
on 03 Jun 2008 at 12:37 pm birdwatcher(Stephanie)

I dont think you have to worry about the bald eagle too much. They sometimes eat mammals and carrion but prefer fish. They are good fisherman. We had a coopers hawk around our area. The ravens chased him around all day and finally ran him off. I’m still constantly watching your cams!
on 03 Jun 2008 at 9:13 pm Kip Draper

You must be right on that one. I don’t see how a bird with that wingspan could successfully get into where these guys are hiding. I can’t even catch them w/ the binocs; they’re way high & deep in the foliage.

He did a few impressive loops perpendicular to the water in a pretty tight cove/area with crows on his tail. My jaw dropped, beautiful display. I was 99% sure I spotted one here in a distant tree last year, but this was like watching the Thunderbirds do a loop in the backyard.

When we lived in CO, there was a Kokanee salmon run on the Gunnison River and the bald eagles stacked up like the fish and the fishermen & fisherwomen. Impressive sight viewable from the hwy between Gunni & Crested Butte starting in Aug/Sep. Going to be difficult to top that commute…
on 04 Jun 2008 at 11:34 am birdwatcher(Stephanie)

I love bald eagles. I saw one once while visiting relatives in minnesota. You should check out channel island eagle cam and read about the raid on the bald eagle nest. I think i wrote something on your blog about it. A golden eagle is more apt to try and catch birds. good birding!
on 04 Jun 2008 at 3:30 pm Barbara

I just saw the bluebird IN the house but now is ON the house. Maybe we’ll see new nest construction soon.
on 04 Jun 2008 at 3:57 pm birdwatcher(Stephanie)

Thats what i was hoping! I saw the same thing.
on 06 Jun 2008 at 9:31 am Kip Draper

This morning, for the first time, I caught a fledgling being fed just a few trees away from the feeder. They’re still way up in the trees, well hidden by the foliage, so I was just barely able to catch them on the binoculars.
on 06 Jun 2008 at 11:20 am birdwatcher(Stephanie)

Thats good! Now we know that they are ok. I wish i could see them bacause they still feel like my kids:)
on 06 Jun 2008 at 1:26 pm Ron

Just saw a male in the house checking it out. I think he had a little bluebird tape measure and a little bluebird sketch pad trying to see if the floor plan suited his intentions!! Quick Kip, get out the lease agreement before he changes his mind:)
on 06 Jun 2008 at 1:57 pm birdwatcher(Stephanie)

I like the way you word that Ron! How cute!
on 06 Jun 2008 at 2:03 pm birdwatcher(Stephanie)

Looks like a white breasted nuthatch is checking it out too. They usually nest in tree cavities.
on 06 Jun 2008 at 4:32 pm Ron

By the way, has it occurred to anyone that today is the fledglings’ birthday (one month old today).
Let’s all sing, “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday Kip’s birdies, happy birthday to you!!!!”
on 06 Jun 2008 at 4:34 pm Ron

What would a mealworm birthday cake taste like? (Yuk)
on 06 Jun 2008 at 5:26 pm birdwatcher(Stephanie)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIPS BIRDIES, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
on 06 Jun 2008 at 5:28 pm birdwatcher(Stephanie)

I think a meal worm cake would be yummy! (Gross)!
on 07 Jun 2008 at 11:22 am birdwatcher(Stephanie)

I just saw the bluebird checking out the house again this morning. Hey Ron, i think i saw the bluebird tape measure and the bluebird sketch pad too! haha!
on 07 Jun 2008 at 1:19 pm birdwatcher(Stephanie)

Awww look everybody! More bluebird babies! These are even easier to see!
on 07 Jun 2008 at 1:25 pm birdwatcher(Stephanie)

Oopp!! Thats a robins nest! Now i feel really stupid!
on 07 Jun 2008 at 2:00 pm Ron

The adult robins seem to guard their nest pretty closely. I guess an open nest in a tree is pretty vulnerable to predators, unlike the relative safety of a nesting box. Looks like they do a tag team thing with alternating trips for food. Kip, thanks for finding us something else to watch now that the bluebirds have fledged.
on 07 Jun 2008 at 2:03 pm birdwatcher(Stephanie)

You got such a great shot of the robins nest! What did you have to do, climb up in the tree to get the shot? Sounds like alot work for a Saturday considering i m just sitting here and work and watching. We really appreciate all the shows you are giving us!
on 07 Jun 2008 at 4:37 pm birdwatcher(Stephanie)

I think these babies are about 5 days old.
on 08 Jun 2008 at 7:06 am Kip Draper

>>The adult robins seem to guard their nest pretty closely.

I discovered that. I climbed the tree when they were off worm hunting (don’t have to feed these!) and was just about finished strapping the cam to the tree when the mom landed in a branch beside me. I scared the heck out of her because she didn’t know I was there until she had already landed; her squawk almost scared me out of the tree. Then they both descended upon me (within 2 feet of me, pretty brave). Had to go back for one adjustment and I was out of there.

>>What did you have to do, climb up in the tree to get the shot?

Yes, but it’s only probably 12-feet to the nest. I spotted it and the eggs but they hatched before I expected them to.

Looks like the bluebirds are doing a bit of nest-building. I’ll get the color cam back on air today, but if you check out the nightvision cam, you’ll see a few pieces of grass…
on 08 Jun 2008 at 4:47 pm stephanie(birdwatcher)

I noticed the adult robin is almost always around. 12 feet isnt that high i guess. Just dont fall out of the tree! I will check out the bluebird box later today. I am home today just watching the birds in my backyard but all we have are sparrows and tons of house finches. The’re all bringing there babies to the feeders and feeding them. We’re getting more hummers now also. Annas, allens, rufous and i saw a black chinned hummer about a week ago. Dont work too hard!
on 08 Jun 2008 at 4:53 pm stephanie(birdwatcher)

By the way, i just checked out bluebird box and saw the few pieces of grass! maybe we’ll be singing happy birthday again to the second brood. lol.
on 09 Jun 2008 at 9:34 am Ron

I see construction materials being delivered this morning. Interior renovations must be under way.
on 09 Jun 2008 at 9:52 am Kip Draper

Definitely some work going on in there. I had to rob a part from the color cam because the fledglings are starting to hang around the bluebird feeder cam. However, until I get another part, you can watch nest construction on the nightvision cam.

They’ve been sitting on the branch, while the mom jumps back & forth from the feeder. She seems to bring them in mornings & evenings. Recorded video:
on 09 Jun 2008 at 11:26 am birdwatcher(Stephanie)

I didnt get to see the first nest construction so i’ll get to see this one. There are more grasses in the box than yesterday.
on 11 Jun 2008 at 9:34 am Susan in Ellijay

Mom’s really working hard on the new nest this morning! Hopefully in won’t be long now till we have a new brood.
on 11 Jun 2008 at 11:19 am birdwatcher(Stephanie)

WOW! She sure has! What a difference from yesterday!
on 12 Jun 2008 at 11:20 am Kip Draper

Check it now, new egg! She didn’t waste any time on this brood. Mother Nature calls…
on 12 Jun 2008 at 11:28 am Ron

ALRIGHT!!! Now we get an egg a day? I’m excited.
Thanks Kip.
on 12 Jun 2008 at 11:46 am birdwatcher(Stephanie)

Yeah! egg #1!
on 12 Jun 2008 at 1:02 pm Ron

This is egg-citing!!
on 12 Jun 2008 at 1:51 pm birdwatcher(Stephanie)

I can’t wait to see these eggs hatch!
on 12 Jun 2008 at 4:11 pm birdwatcher(Stephanie)

While we are waiting for more eggs, there are 8 nest boxes with eggs, western bluebird babies almost ready to fledge and swallows eggs on James Reserve webcam in California. They also have feeder webcams but Kips webcam is sooo much better!
on 13 Jun 2008 at 8:53 am Susan in Ellijay

Looks to me like Mom should have put more grasses, etc. in the box before she started laying the eggs … then what do I know. But that first egg is practically sitting on the grate in the bottom of the box. What happens when Mom sits on it???
on 13 Jun 2008 at 11:27 am birdwatcher(Stephanie)

I think it will be fine. I’m sure mom knows what shes doing. But then again, what do i know?
on 13 Jun 2008 at 12:28 pm birdwatcher(Stephanie)

EGG #2!
on 13 Jun 2008 at 1:50 pm Suellen and NIck

Well well…let the show begin!!! I am so pleased to see two eggs and can’t wait to see mama lay more !!Those baby robins are too cute!! LOL! Kip, you actually climbed that tree?? How funny!! Thank you for these spectacular shows!!!
on 16 Jun 2008 at 12:11 pm birdwatcher(Stephanie)

EGG#4! YEA! I missed the 1st fledging robin but will be sure to watch the others. Hope you had a great fathers day Kip!
on 29 Jun 2008 at 8:25 am Kip Draper

Steph, you were right on the money. They’re hatching this Sunday morning. Three have hatched and they are under the blowfly grate, and one egg is still on top.

Called Tom and he suggested removing the grate which I did apparently w/o issue. Trying to nudge one to the center of the nest, but so far: 3 living & moving, 1 egg left to hatch. Hope they make it…

My surgery is complete; I’m out of the box, hope she accepts the rearrangement. Moved the 3 living to the center of the nest and pushed it down a little bit so they don’t crawl into a corner. Tom says they definitely would have died below the grate. The cam saves the day again. Next time, I think I’ll cover the grate myself if she skips it, but I was afraid she would abandon the nest.

Egg#4 is starting to crack (to the naked eye, the spot on the egg appears to be the chick trying to poke through) so hopefully the sun will come out to stay for the hatching (clearer video in this dark box).
on 29 Jun 2008 at 10:06 am Birdman Tom

SuperCam (Kip) has saved the day, with the help of the cam and his diligence. I will report the problem of the grate having holes that are too big to the manufacturer, who will probably move to fix the problem in future models. Kip - consider making a new grate out of 1/4″ hardware cloth.

Meanwhile, keep the world posted about this turns out!
on 29 Jun 2008 at 10:12 am Birdman Tom

One more thing on a different note. I don’t have the great equipment Kip does, but I installed an infrared (black & white) camera in a purple martin gourd at my store in downtown Blue Ridge (Blue Ridge Bird Seed Company.) It’s not hooked to the internet, but it delivers clear pictures 24/7 to a little TV in the store. Four beautiful purple martin babies, hatched on June 14th, all doing great! Feathers are really coming in, eyes are open, and they’re moving around the gourd now. They’ll fledge about Day 28, which would be July 12th.
on 29 Jun 2008 at 10:19 am Susan in Ellijay

Hey, Kip, this is so great to watch, especially since I missed the first hatching. Thanks for all the hard work and love you have put into this project. Where is chick 3, still down in the straw?
on 29 Jun 2008 at 10:24 am Kip Draper

Thanks for your help Tom! Sorry for the early Sunday AM frantic call. I’ll definitely come by and see the purple martin cam…

Hi Susan, thanks, yes chick 3 is down in the straw but was moving last time I looked. Might have to make another trip out there.
on 29 Jun 2008 at 12:04 pm Kate

All three chicks seem to be moving nicely. One egg left to go! Anyone seen Mom bluebird this morning? Or maybe it’s normal for her to leave the eggs alone during the hatching??

Thanks for giving us this up close and personal view of these birds, Kip!!
on 29 Jun 2008 at 12:26 pm Stephanie(birdwatcher)

Hey Kip! I was right! It was just a guess but they are hatching! Thats great that you were able to remove the grate. I’m not sure but i think the mom will accept the arrangement. I’ve heard of people moving birds nests when they think the nest is in trouble and usually the parent birds are ok with it. Its also ok to touch the babies if you have to. Alot of people think if you touch a baby bird, the parents will abandon it but thats not true because birds have a bad sense of smell. Again, my brother at Victor Emmanual Nature Tours in Austin taught me that.
Is the cam down? I know you said the other one was toast and a new one was coming but i havent been able to view it since i think friday evening or early saturday morning.
on 30 Jun 2008 at 1:07 am Stephanie(birdwatcher)

Hi Kip!
If the bluebird parents dont return this morning and the babies are still alive, maybe you should check out a licensed wild rehabilitator. I read newly hatched nestlings can only survive about 24 hour without food but maybe they will be lucky and the parents will return soon. Like Monday morning.
on 30 Jun 2008 at 8:10 am Kip Draper

The parents were in the closest tree this AM. At least one went into the house briefly a few times, think it was the male. Male is frequently sitting on top of the house.

The chicks have yet to rise for feeding when the parents (or I) enter the box. The male came in with a worm yesterday and they didn’t move; he looked confused and left. They also haven’t moved around the nest at all, just moving in-place. They almost seem premature.
on 30 Jun 2008 at 2:48 pm Suellen

Kip if you can save these precious babies when I get up your way( I am moving there in 2 days) I will hunt you down and personally thank you!!! I feel like those are my little ones and I feel so darn helpless!!!!
on 30 Jun 2008 at 3:27 pm Stephanie(birdwatcher)

I feel the same way!
on 30 Jun 2008 at 4:00 pm Stephanie(birdwatcher)

Even if he cant save them, hunt him down and thank him for trying!
on 30 Jun 2008 at 4:58 pm Suellen

Yep!! You’re right on that Stephanie!
on 30 Jun 2008 at 9:27 pm Rufus

Kip-

Thank you for trying to save the chicks. They truly looked too immature to make it. I think you summed it up with the words premature.
on 30 Jun 2008 at 9:30 pm Stephanie(birdwatcher)

Hey Suellen! I hope you find him!
on 01 Jul 2008 at 9:40 am Lynne

What’s happening?
on 01 Jul 2008 at 11:06 am Kip Draper

The 3 chicks have moved on to greener pastures. They will get a nice burial today down by the lake where our chocolate lab is buried. I figure he could use a bluebird or two on his shoulder; he was definitely an Uncle Remus-type, “Mr. bluebird’s on my shoulder…zippity-doo-da…”

As far as what happened, I don’t think these chicks ever had a chance. When I brought them in on the heating pad, I couldn’t even get their mouths open to take a syringe of egg yolk. There’s absolutely no way they could have taken a worm; it’s all they could to to just breathe. I have the remaining egg on a heating pad but it’s obviously a dud. So the nest has been cleared out, the blowfly grate has been modified, and wishing for a 3rd brood though their trust in me is probably pretty low at the moment.

Thanks for watching and I wish it could have been a happy ending as before, but there’s always next time. On a high note, while looking for the mom yesterday in the binocs, I spotted the dad feeding a male and female from the last brood, so I know at least two have become pretty mature birds and they’re hanging around.

PS: The new main cam should be here and running tomorrow (Weds.).
on 01 Jul 2008 at 11:52 am Stephanie(birdwatcher)

Zippity doo da, zippity a. My o my what a wonderful day. Zippity doo da, zippity a, Plenty of sunshine heading our way. There a bluebird on my shoulder……!
on 01 Jul 2008 at 1:13 pm Kate

Hi Kip,
I already saw an adult bluebird in the birdhouse just now, so maybe they will have another go of it this season.

It’s sad that this group didn’t make it, but unfortunately that is part of the cycle of life sometimes. Creatures that raise young in groups tend to lose some of those young from some their litters, broods, etc. Not everything in nature has the storybook ending we would like to see, but it is still wonderful to have a chance to watch these birds and their chicks. Thanks for all you do to make it possible for us to have this view, and for all your efforts at keeping the little ones safe and sound.

And thanks for the update on the two birds from the previous brood of chicks. Great for you to have a chance to see them out there, making their way in the world!

Kate
on 01 Jul 2008 at 2:17 pm Stephanie(birdwatcher)

Yes, I saw the adult in the house also, but he or she had food in her mouth like she was looking for the babies.
Hopefully they will have another brood.

Thank you Kip for all your efforts and keeping us posted!
Its also fun chatting with you on ustream. Will you be keeping that chat available? If not, is ok. I will still be frequently posting on your blog and still watching the cam!
on 01 Jul 2008 at 3:00 pm Stephanie(birdwatcher)

OOppsee! I sang the zippity do da song wrong!:(
on 02 Jul 2008 at 12:08 am Suellen

Thanks for all your efforts Kip!! You did an amazing job trying! Hope we’ll see a third brood. Zippity doodah..sniff sniff…dippity day.
on 04 Jul 2008 at 12:23 am Stephanie(birdwatcher)

Hi Kip!
Have a great 4th of July!

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Bluebird Babies!

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