| Author | Content |
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
9:26 AM Post #4982710
| If you want to go back to number 7 , it is here:
[HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
9:49 AM Post #4982817
| The first brood is now 46 days old, and Mama has five little ones in the nestbox, four days old. Papa has stopped feeding the older ones but he does stand guard while they go into the cage feeder alone. I (or he and I, rather) have one male that is reluctant to go into the feeder. He sits outside, begging whenever he sees Papa, who is now taking worms to the nestlings. If he is close by, Papa pecks him until he stops. Obviously, the youngster is confused by this tough love. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
9:50 AM Post #4982820
| Here Papa flies directly at the fledgling. 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
9:52 AM Post #4982829
| He flies around to the other side, looks in, but doesn't go in. 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
9:53 AM Post #4982834
| Here comes Papa again! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
9:55 AM Post #4982845
| Next shot. The fledgling flees. 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
9:58 AM Post #4982858
| And so their education continues. He did cautiously return and feed himself a few minutes later. Papa waited at a safe distance.
Here are some candids from this morning.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:00 AM Post #4982867
| Here I am entirely too close to him. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:03 AM Post #4982878
| Papa watches from the edge of the roof. 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:05 AM Post #4982884
| Ruffles his feathers... 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:07 AM Post #4982893
| And flies toward me. Here you can see the broken middle toe on his left foot. This is how I know he is the same male as has been here since 2004. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:08 AM Post #4982899
| Mama, again from this morning. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:10 AM Post #4982906
| Here are a couple of shots of the fledglings 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:11 AM Post #4982908
| Same one 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:13 AM Post #4982914
| This one from yesterday, a bit soft, in the rain. 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:14 AM Post #4982918
| On the feeder. 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:16 AM Post #4982923
| Here's Papa again, pretty wet. 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:17 AM Post #4982930
| He seems to dry fast. 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:18 AM Post #4982935
| Mama, during a brief, break. 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:19 AM Post #4982940
| Papa again. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:21 AM Post #4982952
| A shot of Papa, several weeks ago. 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:22 AM Post #4982957
| Mama today 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:24 AM Post #4982964
| Here she is, back to work. 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:27 AM Post #4982981
| One more. 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:31 AM Post #4982996
| Here is a begging scene from several days ago. Mama has ignored their pleas, since she started incubating, but still they try. 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:32 AM Post #4983007
| Here Papa helps with feeding of the nestlings 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:34 AM Post #4983016
| Again. 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:35 AM Post #4983024
| Here is Mama, leaving the nestbox.
This message was edited May 21, 2008 10:45 AM
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:37 AM Post #4983036
| And returning with chow. 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:38 AM Post #4983043
| Papa helps. 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
10:42 AM Post #4983055
| Last shot for now. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
May 21, 2008
11:15 AM Post #4983221
| spectacular as usual. I love the look on the two caged fledglings when Papa is reprimanding the other. Ha. Cuties all. |
crazybirdlady51
Wilmar, AR
(Zone 8a)
May 21, 2008
12:40 PM Post #4983633
| Great pics. I can tell you are a good landlord. I had a pair in one of my boxes but something must have happened to them. my Hubby and I were gone over the weekend and now they are gone. I went and checked the box and nothing came out and I haven't seen the adults since we got back home. Haven't seen any fledglings either.
Will they brood again this season or will I have to wait until next season to try again to be a better landlord? |
goldfinch4
Ripon, WI
(Zone 4a)
May 21, 2008
12:57 PM Post #4983704
| Your "Here comes Papa again" picture (5th one down) is awesome - as they all are - but I really like that action shot! I've missed reading your posts and glad to see you back! |
bookworm28
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
May 21, 2008
1:17 PM Post #4983778
| Hope you have dried out a bit up there, Dave! Glad to see your photos again! So much fun to see the progress. There are 4 babies in my box and mom and pop are very busy feeding them. Your photos have been an inspiration :)
I'm going to post a thread in a bit - apparently there's a bit of a meal worm shortage - and my first attempt at getting them online resulted in being sent fruit flies instead! Any ideas where to go online?
Edited for clarity!
This message was edited May 21, 2008 1:24 PM |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
May 21, 2008
2:24 PM Post #4984054
| Excellent pics Dave!
Glad to see the new thread. |
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 21, 2008
2:43 PM Post #4984153
| Well, CBL51, whether they come back will probably depend a lot on why they left, if they did. Just being gone over a weekend shouldn't make them leave. Actually, there's no requirement that you feed them. This time of year there should be plenty of insects around. It is hard to figure why they choose to nest in this yard versus that one. Sometimes they go back and forth between two or more nestboxes, and even if she starts a nest, you never really know. Usually when she lays that first egg she has bonded to that box and it will take a disaster to get her to leave. Anyway, they usually have three nestings in the south -- sometimes only two way up north. So if you have a completed nest in your nestbox, I'd watch it for a week or so. If you don't see any progress, clean it out and hopefully they or another pair will start again.
BW: I have heard there is a shortage of mealies. This is one of the busiest times of the year, so it is not totally surprising. But apparently a lot of the suppliers are running short. I ordered 10,000 from Sunshine on Monday and they filled my order without comment, but someone on another forum told me they weren't accepting new customers. I would call them on the phone and give them a sad story and maybe you can get something, particularly if you don't order as many as I do. Problem is it is already too late for them to ship today and if they ship tomorrow, they would have to go overnight, since UPS doesn't deliver on Saturday. And you might end up paying more for the shipping than for the worms.
I don't know what else to tell you. Sorry about the fruit flies. Bet Zimmerman has a list of meal worm suppliers on her Sialis site.
Dave
[HYPERLINK@www.sialis.org] |
bookworm28
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
May 21, 2008
3:29 PM Post #4984384
| Yes - Pelletory recommended Sialis links on the thread I started. I've called most of them, and you are correct - there is a meal worm shortage! They aren't accepting new customers for a couple of weeks to a month. I'm going to ration the ones I have and drive to a WBU store - apparently they still have them. Maybe WBU is buying up all the meal worms - or your thread has inspired many more bluebirders! I guess this a good sign that blue bird trails are going up all over the country.
There appear to be lots of bugs here, so they'll just have to give up "fast food" for a while... |
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
May 22, 2008
10:19 PM Post #4990744
| I love the 'too close to him' shot...fabulous! |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 30, 2008
5:25 PM Post #5027406
| Dave. You have d-mail from me. Thank you.
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nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
May 30, 2008
6:21 PM Post #5027600
| I wonder if something has happened? There has been no posting here from Dave since the 21st! |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 30, 2008
9:24 PM Post #5028366
| I don't know nanny. I didn't get a reply from him. |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
May 30, 2008
9:31 PM Post #5028397
| Probably busy with the inlaws… |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 31, 2008
6:55 AM Post #5029806
| Ok. |
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 31, 2008
9:51 AM Post #5030391
| Hi Gang:
Not inlaws, but close. Sorry if I caused any concern. We went to Kentucky for the Memorial Day weekend, and then turned around and flew to Phoenix for one of my grandsons' HS graduation. Got back after midnight last night. I was worried about my birds the whole time but they seem to be all right. I accidentally went off and left the VanErt trap set in the dummy nestbox. Fortunately, Papa didn't check it out. He has done it before. I was out there at 1:30 a.m. with a flashlight.
They have chased off the fledglings from the first clutch. Haven't seen them in 10 days or so. I assume the nestlings are fine, based on the amount of mealies they are carrying and the fecal sacs they are removing.
They have a pretty effective system for controling the mealworm feeder. One stays by the feeder to keep the HOSP out while the other flies to the nestbox. Then they switch places. Here is a picture from this morning of Mama with a mouthful.
I am afraid to open the nestbox to check on them because they are due to fledge Monday or Tuesday.
Dave
This message was edited May 31, 2008 10:22 AM
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nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
May 31, 2008
10:28 AM Post #5030502
| Glad to hear all is okay!! |
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 31, 2008
10:48 AM Post #5030588
| The nestlings are growing so fast at this stage that the parents seem to be feeding them every 15 to 20 minutes! I sometimes try to stop them as they put on the brakes approaching the nestbox. Here are a few from a few minutes ago. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 31, 2008
10:48 AM Post #5030594
| Mama 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 31, 2008
10:50 AM Post #5030599
| Papa 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 31, 2008
10:51 AM Post #5030607
| Mama again 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
May 31, 2008
10:53 AM Post #5030619
| Well, that's probably enough. I got about 20 but will throw most of them away. Here's one final one of Papa. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
May 31, 2008
11:09 AM Post #5030679
| That last one of momma is neat! |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
May 31, 2008
12:54 PM Post #5031043
| Glad to hear everythings going well Dave! |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
May 31, 2008
5:01 PM Post #5031994
| Good to hear from you Dave. I think mama and papa deserve a trip to Phoenix when they're done. Whew!! |
UniQueTreasures
Beaumont, TX
(Zone 8b)
May 31, 2008
11:02 PM Post #5033662
| Great photos Dave. Please keep them coming. I've missed them lately.
Janet |
bookworm28
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
May 31, 2008
11:39 PM Post #5033813
| Poor Dave - you can't even go away for vacation and family events, and we are clamoring for more photos! Don't mind us, Dave! We're addicted. Love the new photos, though. I learn so much through your photos and narratives. I'm hoping for fledglings this coming week - and of course I have to go out of town... if I could stay home, I would. |
Marilynbeth
Hebron, KY
(Zone 6a)
May 31, 2008
11:50 PM Post #5033875
| Dave,
Love all the fledging pics! They so adorable! :-)
Thanks for sharing!
Marilyn |
MargaretK
PERTH
(Australia)
June 1, 2008
12:05 AM Post #5033926
| Wonderful images, Dave. The USA birds are so new to me. Fascinating. I'm jumping from thread to thread like a crazy woman. Do the birds retain their colour throughout winter? We have some species of birds that are highly coloured during the mating/nesting season, but have less spectacular colouration during winter. |
MargaretK
PERTH
(Australia)
June 1, 2008
12:05 AM Post #5033938
| Wonderful images, Dave. The USA birds are so new to me. Fascinating. I'm jumping from thread to thread like a crazy woman. Do the birds retain their colour throughout winter? We have some species of birds that are highly coloured during the mating/nesting season, but have less spectacular colouration during winter. |
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 1, 2008
12:58 AM Post #5034159
| MargaretK
Once they get their adult colors, Bluebirds retain those colors, but their feathers do become drab and worn over the summer, so they do molt each year at the end of the season. Then they begin each new season looking brand new, crisp and attractive.
Dave |
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 4, 2008
8:09 AM Post #5050836
| Ok, time for an update.
As you may know, the fledglings from the first nesting, that fledged April 22, are now gone. They were apparently a nuisance, continually perching on the sparrow spooker above the nestbox, calling attention to the fact that Mama had five new ones growing in there. I assume Papa ran them off. He was growing very short with them before we left for Arizona and when we got back, three days later, they were missing. Rather young to be chased off, but not unheard of.
Anyway, the big news is that yesterday the second clutch fledged successfully. Fledge day is always a big deal as I like to watch and try to capture their "leap of faith." To do this you must be dedicated and that I am.
I had reason to believe that at least one left just before dusk Monday, during our supper (the adults were fluttering about the nestbox but also were making occasional trips with worms to the tall trees behind the house). As it was growing dark another bird was doing some serious peeking and also seemed likely to go, but it grew dark.
Working on that assumption, I got up at daylight yesterday, and took up a position on the deck where I could control the mealworms and watch the nestbox. I positioned a camera on a tripod about 15 feet from the nestbox and another next to my chair. The camera nearest the nestbox was aimed at the opening of the box, set on autofocus and to rapid fire. I controlled it with a wireless remote. The camera on the tripod next to me was also set on autofocus and I controlled it from my chair with a 3 foot remote cable. I had another camera sitting next to me and two additional lenses, in case I needed them. I had extra batteries and extra CF cards. You never know how these things will develop and I tried to anticipate everything.
My DW served my breakfast and lunch on the deck and I sat there for nine hours. Lots of peeking, especially after noon, but no one fledged. Then at 3:10 p.m., one did. Almost immediately, a second one appeared in the opening, and within a matter of seconds (less than 15 seconds, literally) it also flew out. Then the third, again very quickly appeared and fledged. I had never seen such rapid succession before. All three were gone within 10 minutes. And they all flew to different trees, all at least 150 feet from the box and all perched at least 50 feet from the ground.
Almost immediately, a fourth bird appeared at the nestbox but the parents didn't seem anxious to have to have it jump. As it was perched to fly, a parent flew to it with a mouthload of mealworms and the baby withdrew into the box. It peeked out from time to time but the parents were away, apparently gathering the others to one location. Before they returned, we were hit with a tremendous rain storm that drove me and my cameras inside. It was too dark to shoot anyway, and I had to run an errand since today (Wednesday) we must go to Baltimore. (It was scheduled for yesterday, but we changed things to accomodate me and my birds). At our house Fledge Day is Priority One!
Thanks for struggling through this lengthy introduction. It probably contains typos. If so, forgive me, I will edit them later.
Dave
This morning it is still drizzling, and the parents are here for mealies and they are not flying to the nestbox, so I presume number five has left.
p.s. Before we left I did check the box and it is empty.
This message was edited Jun 4, 2008 2:55 PM
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 4, 2008
8:09 AM Post #5050844
| Next 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 4, 2008
8:16 AM Post #5050885
| I have tried to post more pictures four or five times, but for some reason they do not take. I'll have to wait till later to add some more. |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
June 4, 2008
8:22 AM Post #5050909
| Congratulations Dave! Beautiful pics! |
UniQueTreasures
Beaumont, TX
(Zone 8b)
June 4, 2008
9:00 AM Post #5051067
| The sound of clapping here in Texas! YEAH!!! I admire your dedication to these beautiful birds. Thank you so much for sharing your joy with us all.
Janet |
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
June 4, 2008
9:37 AM Post #5051256
| To hang out all day like that ...You are very dedicated...and we appreciate it so much! |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
June 4, 2008
9:49 AM Post #5051336
| I love that story. Waited nine hours and they were gone in 10 minutes!!!
Give you and your DW a big hearty congratulatory hug! |
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 4, 2008
1:22 PM Post #5052610
| Thanks. You would be surprised how few bluebird hosts get to see the birds fledge, much less get a picture of it. I am up in Baltimore now and I brought a few pics with me. Let me try again. Maybe they will load this time. Bear with me. They have the cheapest DSL and it's not as fast on the upload as my cable.
This is the next shot in the sequence. Same bird.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 4, 2008
2:14 PM Post #5052824
| Here is Mama, trying to entice one of them out. 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 4, 2008
2:18 PM Post #5052850
| And Papa, doing it his way. 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 4, 2008
2:21 PM Post #5052864
| A similar shot 
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 4, 2008
2:26 PM Post #5052883
| The operation was highly coordinated with both adults working together beautifully. Of course, there was a lot of arm and hand signals. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 4, 2008
2:36 PM Post #5052913
| At one point a squirrel approached the nestbox. Both BBs dive-bombed him. Very hard to get a picture since it was such fast moving action. But I did get two that I will include, with apologies. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 4, 2008
2:42 PM Post #5052941
| Here is the other shot. It was definitely a two bird attack. Papa has just hit him and If you look carefully, the tip of Mama's wing is visable at the top left, just above the squirrel. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 4, 2008
3:05 PM Post #5053021
| But, despite all that was going on, Papa took time for a bath in the sundial. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 4, 2008
3:08 PM Post #5053030
| Back to work 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 4, 2008
3:12 PM Post #5053040
| Here is the second one, just before he jumped. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
June 4, 2008
3:38 PM Post #5053128
| Little fellow looks determined! lol
Poor papa need to cool off after all that and before he got back to work! |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
June 4, 2008
4:01 PM Post #5053232
| Superb pics Dave! They are so cute! |
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 4, 2008
4:19 PM Post #5053307
| OK We had a big storm come up and I had to run to Home Depot for a tarp to cover a reclining chair I have on my truck. Still under a tornado warning but I think the worse of it is east of where we are. At least we haven't lost power yet.
Here is the second one again, after he jumped.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 4, 2008
4:24 PM Post #5053323
| And here are two shots of number three. I won't bother to show her before she left. At least I think it is a female. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 4, 2008
4:25 PM Post #5053328
| Here she is again 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
June 4, 2008
7:36 PM Post #5054447
| It is still so amazing to me that they know how to fly. they just KNOW! amazing. |
UniQueTreasures
Beaumont, TX
(Zone 8b)
June 4, 2008
9:09 PM Post #5054914
| Outstanding photos!
I bet poor Papa had to wash the "squirrel" smell off of him before he went back to continue his job.
I saw there are tornado warnings for Virginia. I watch the weather there because my Mom is about 10 miles from Front Royal for the summer and fall. I will keep you and yours, along with your new BB family in my prayers along with my own family.
Thanks so much for sharing this awesome experience with us here.
Janet
|
MargaretK
PERTH
(Australia)
June 5, 2008
2:51 AM Post #5056277
| Fantastic shots, Dave. Well done! Keep 'em coming |
cwspy
Fredericksburg, VA
June 5, 2008
4:27 AM Post #5056336
| Dave,
Our BB babies fledged on the same day! :-) I just love your pictures! Unfortunately, I was at work and was unable to view the event, but I figured it out when I returned from work and saw Mom fly into the trees with the meal worms rather than to the box.
I hope you and yours survived last night without much damage. Crazy weather we have been having! I just keep thinking about all of those bird families and what a first couple of days for these birds to be out in the world.
Hopefully, Mom and Dad will bring the young ones to the deck railing and the mealworm feeder this weekend so that I can see the little ones in action. :-) It has been a lot of fun watching the Titmouse, Chickadee and Wren babies come to the railing and follow the parents around yelling to be fed.
Thanks again for all the encouragement as it helped get me to get the bluebird box out of the garage this spring and up in the yard!
|
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
June 5, 2008
8:22 AM Post #5056720
| Looks like the Fredricksburg bluebird population is growing strong!!! |
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 5, 2008
11:06 AM Post #5057488
| CWSPY: Sit down my friend, this is a long story. But first, congratulations on your successful fledging.
Yesterday was quite an ordeal. We were in Baltimore to unpack and setup a new lift chair for my Mother in law, and I took my pickup so I could remove a recliner she was having to get rid of. I had it on the truck but with no cover when the sky turned very ugly. I dashed over to Home Depot, bought a tarp and got it covered just in time. In the process I really got soaked. Reminded me of the monsoons in VietNam. I even had water in my shoes. I borrowed some of my father in law's clothes while mine went into the drier.
I knew it would be impossible to drive the 100 miles to Fredericksburg and keep the chair dry -- tarp or no tarp. We talked DW's sister, who lives about 25 miles from my in-laws, in Laurel, MD, into taking the chair and we stayed at her house and watched the news until it seemed the storms in the Fredericksburg area had passed. Sometime after 11:00 p.m. we set out. Skies were clear and traffic was light. We pulled into our subdivision and it was total darkness. My truck key ring did not include a door key and the garage door opener was inoperable. It was 12:30 a.m. and we were locked out. No flashlight. No nothing.
Fortunately, the power was restored at 3:30 a.m. and we got to sleep in our own bed. DW is still sleeping. You can bet that a house key is going on the ring with my truck key.
I don't see any damage to our house or in the neighborhood. Hope you fared as well.
Dave |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
June 5, 2008
11:16 AM Post #5057534
| OH Dave!!! ((hugs)) Ick. what a night! |
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 5, 2008
12:21 PM Post #5057853
| Thanks Mrs_Ed
It was actually much worse than I described, but half way through the story I decided I should spare everyone the details. But you can imagine a 70 year old man climbing around in the dark on a ladder, checking for open windows. And a wife down on the ground saying "are you all right?" every 30 seconds.
I probably should have used D-mail.
I have a bunch more pictures to sort through so I had best get with it.
Dave |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
June 5, 2008
12:45 PM Post #5057950
| HA! No no, glad you posted it here. I particularly liked the "Are you alright" every 30 seconds from DW.
Come to think of it, if the power were out, I'd have to break in too. Our front door lock has no key so we enter from the garage. Good thing I could probably break into the back door to the garage (for now).
Well, good thing you are all safe and sound. |
OPbirder
Orchard Park, NY
June 5, 2008
6:11 PM Post #5059351
| When does the novel get published Dave??? What a story. Your photos and stories have taught me just what a fascinating bird the bluebird is. All that amazing communication and tag teaming is astounding.
p.s. - I think DW deserves something that is very sparkley and shiney as a reward for her patience. wink wink! |
cwspy
Fredericksburg, VA
June 5, 2008
8:21 PM Post #5060023
| LOL :-) Dave, I just got home and your post has made my day! ;-) What a great story, now that we know you are alright!
My first question to you has to be: "It's 8pm Friday evening; is that house key on your truck key ring yet?" :-)
I can just imagine your and DW's frustration arriving home from the long day you had only to realize that you can't get into that nice dry home ... and not having a flashlight during your hunt for entry. I laughed so hard imagining you moving from window to window with DW "chirping", "All you all right?"...
Sounds just like something my husband and I would go through. I could just see us continually pushing the garage door opener as if it would magically decide to open. Of course, our ladder would have been in the garage to which we couldn't gain access! :-)
Well, glad to hear that you are alright and that you sustained no damage from the weather.
I am hoping that by this weekend baby bluebirds will come to my deck railing so that I can take pictures and show off the "fredericksburg cousins".
Take care and stay cool with the hot weather we have coming this weekend!
Janine
|
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 5, 2008
9:41 PM Post #5060381
| Yep. I should add that she reminded me more than once that I'm not 28 anymore.
Once she was quiet and I said, "Are you still there? After a minute she answered, "Yes."
I asked "What are you doing?"
She answered "Praying." |
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
June 5, 2008
9:49 PM Post #5060416
| LOL. Nice. Kinda comical on this end right now. But if you would have fallen, oh My!!!
I think I'm glad I live in a one-story ranch!!!
Now if you had those bluebirds trained right, they could fly down the chimney and get your keys for you. |
dellrose
Conway, MO
(Zone 5b)
June 5, 2008
9:49 PM Post #5060417
| LOL Dave...I just spit water on my keyboard!! I have enjoyed your stories and the wonderful images on this and all the threads you have created. It is pure joy to look and read all that is going on in your neck of the woods. Thanks again for the entertainment as well as all the knowledge you have shared with us. |
plantnutz
Austell, GA
(Zone 7a)
June 6, 2008
8:59 AM Post #5062146
| As always Dave, your photos are wonderful.
Nature is such fun to watch, isn't it?
Brenda
|
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 6, 2008
11:04 AM Post #5062685
| Not much going on here abouts while the fledglings are away, undergoing survival training. Mama and Papa come to the feeder regularly but I am cutting down on the amount of mealworms I offer them. My supplier says they are completely out and won't have any before July 1st. I am going to make what I have last as long as possible so I will offer them early in the morning and just before dusk and hope I don't run out.
Here are some shots from before they fledged. Hope I don't repeat any I have already posted.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
June 6, 2008
11:06 AM Post #5062698
| We don't care if you repeat, they are pretttttyyyy.
|
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 6, 2008
11:07 AM Post #5062706
| OK But I'll still try not to. Here's Papa again. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 6, 2008
11:08 AM Post #5062711
| Another view. Same sitting. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
UniQueTreasures
Beaumont, TX
(Zone 8b)
June 6, 2008
11:12 AM Post #5062733
| He's a handsome devil Papa. I've always thought so. :-)
Janet |
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 6, 2008
11:13 AM Post #5062738
| Mama must think so, too. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 6, 2008
11:14 AM Post #5062744
| A second later. Cropped. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 6, 2008
11:16 AM Post #5062752
| A second after the last one. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 6, 2008
11:17 AM Post #5062756
| Another visit. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 6, 2008
11:18 AM Post #5062763
| Last one of this series. I'll look for some more. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 6, 2008
11:22 AM Post #5062788
| OH heck, let me include a cute shot of a Carolina wren. I love the tail feathers, viewed through the wing feathers. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Mrs_Ed
Whiteside County, IL
(Zone 5a)
June 6, 2008
11:23 AM Post #5062795
| Oh Nice! Looks like it's in a studio with the background!
How about some more wing waving if you have it. HA! That's IF you are taking requests
|
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 6, 2008
11:25 AM Post #5062803
| And one of a goldfinch, feeding upside down. More wing waving in a few minutes. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 6, 2008
11:52 AM Post #5062925
| Wing waving 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 6, 2008
12:14 PM Post #5063051
| Some of these were from back in the winter, so they are drab. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 6, 2008
12:15 PM Post #5063059
| Another 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 6, 2008
12:16 PM Post #5063065
| And one more 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 6, 2008
12:17 PM Post #5063073
| Last one for now. I need to look on another computer. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Marilynbeth
Hebron, KY
(Zone 6a)
June 6, 2008
12:45 PM Post #5063213
| Dave,
Thanks so much for all the wonderful pics you post! Love to see them! Thanks for all and any stories you post too! :-)
Esp. love the fledglings!
Marilyn |
nanny_56
Putnam County, IN
(Zone 5b)
June 6, 2008
3:15 PM Post #5063935
| LOL! Sounds like you had an adventure! |
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 6, 2008
4:19 PM Post #5064183
| A rare sight. A fledge wing waving?
I see I previously posted it on May 21...Sorry.
This message was edited Jun 6, 2008 4:21 PM
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 6, 2008
4:43 PM Post #5064270
| Another Carolina wren. You can tell they are among my favorites. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
bookworm28
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
June 6, 2008
4:45 PM Post #5064280
| So glad you are ok! You have had some ferocious weather up there. Thanks so much for sharing the second fledging event. My first batch fledged on June 2, and I just happened to see one of the little ones fly over my head - I missed the actual takeoff. I enjoyed so much your photos of the event - how proud you must be.
|
bookworm28
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
June 6, 2008
4:48 PM Post #5064296
| Love the wren shot, too. My wrens haven't found the meal worm bowl yet. I too have been limiting the worms to early morning and night. The parents fly off with them - hoping I'll see the little ones again one of these days. |
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 6, 2008
4:55 PM Post #5064331
| Yes BW, Fledge Day is one of my all-time thrills. I've watched them for 10 fledgings so far and have managed to get a picture of at least one from every clutch. Some better than others.
It takes a lot of preparation to get the cameras ready. Then you never know when they will jump, or what direction they will fly. If the light is too low, it reduces the color in your picture and if it is in bright sunshine, you get harsh shadows. And most of all, you never know just where his wings will be when you click the shutter. In the final analysis, on top of all the thought and preparation, it takes a lot of luck.
I would call this guy my Indian Brave. I'm sure you can see why.
This message was edited Jun 6, 2008 4:57 PM
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
bookworm28
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
June 6, 2008
5:11 PM Post #5064432
| Oh - so cute - the little Indian brave! Your efforts to get those photos is really amazing - and appreciated! |
dellrose
Conway, MO
(Zone 5b)
June 6, 2008
5:12 PM Post #5064433
| Great shots Dave...I sure do enjoy what you do! I can see why you call this little one an Indian Brave! LOL! |
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 6, 2008
5:27 PM Post #5064537
| Another wing waving. I went back through the May 08 shots and found a few more. Say when you've had enough. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 6, 2008
5:28 PM Post #5064546
| Another fledgling 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 6, 2008
5:30 PM Post #5064550
| And another. Reminds me of a cheerleader I once knew. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 6, 2008
5:31 PM Post #5064557
| Papa. Again I hope these aren't duplicates. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 6, 2008
5:33 PM Post #5064570
| Again 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Sunshinesw
Cape Coral, FL
(Zone 10a)
June 6, 2008
7:00 PM Post #5064926
| Enjoyed your fabulous photos!
I've never seen them in real life. |
MargaretK
PERTH
(Australia)
June 7, 2008
3:34 AM Post #5066662
| Hilarious story Dave, although I bet it wasn't so hilarious at the time. Again wonderful images and even if some are repeats (don't know if they are) who'd complain. |
plantnutz
Austell, GA
(Zone 7a)
June 7, 2008
12:16 PM Post #5067728
| Dave, how cute, specially the cheerleader!
|
goldfinch4
Ripon, WI
(Zone 4a)
June 9, 2008
12:16 PM Post #5076947
| Precious photos and captions. Absolutely awesome pictures and story.
Glad you survived your horrible night safely! |
UniQueTreasures
Beaumont, TX
(Zone 8b)
June 13, 2008
8:14 PM Post #5100471
| I just found out today that there's a Bluebird Thread # 9. It can be found here. [HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]
Janet |
bookworm28
Houston, TX
(Zone 9a)
June 13, 2008
11:00 PM Post #5101223
| Thanks, Janet! |
UniQueTreasures
Beaumont, TX
(Zone 8b)
June 13, 2008
11:12 PM Post #5101278
| I just figured Dave must be busy. Little did I know he was showing the birds again. I thought if I missed it, others might have too.
Janet |
meadowyck
Sagamore Hills, OH
(Zone 5b)
June 13, 2008
11:28 PM Post #5101340
| Just incredible shots you have posted. I love watching nature. Thanks for sharing them and the info to go along with the pictures.
Janet |
2dCousinDave
Fredericksburg, VA
June 14, 2008
8:09 AM Post #5102224
| Sorry folks. Thoughtless of me not to make the jump more definite. The powers that be on this forum prefer that we retire a thread when it gets to about 130 or 135 responses. Anything longer is a nightmare for those using a dial up modem.
Dave |
UniQueTreasures
Beaumont, TX
(Zone 8b)
June 14, 2008
8:19 AM Post #5102255
| You're forgiven Dave. But only because you post such awesome photos! HAHAHA
Hugs from Texas!
Janet |
