Eastern Bluebirds--Juvenile Comedy and Renesting

I looked out the window before leaving for the office yesterday and paused to watch three chattering juvenile bluebirds visiting the mealworm feeder. It was empty at the time. They've learned how to go into the feeder now and feed themselves, even though they continue to vigorously beg for their parents to feed them also.

It is delightful to walk out the door in the mornings (and sometimes afternoons) and find five bluebirds lined up on a limb chattering in anticipation of mealworms. It is apparent they notice when I open the curtain, the door, and even when my car returns home. If I didn't plan to feed them at that moment, they can easily change my mind. Once the dish is empty, with the exception of the adult female, the family moves on to explore other areas for hunting. The female, however, has remained close to the nestbox lately. In the past three days she has created a beautiful new nest with a pine straw base and a cup and upper layer made from grasses and a few small leaves.

Meanwhile, Dad seems to have taken over much of the feeding and training of the juveniles.

The images below were taken during the family's visit to the mealworm feeder a few mornings ago.  In a comical endeavor to join dad and a sibling on the shepherd's perch, you see one juvenile's awkward efforts to navigate a landing.  The sensible male parent moved over to make room for the new arrival and brother just hung in there until sister finally figured out where she needed to be.  I also believe she is the youngest of the three juveniles.

You can see why the bluebird family guarantees my first smiles of the day!

Links and resources:

This is the tenth post in a series on this bluebird family.  To see all of the posts in this series visit the link, bluebird family.   The most recent post will be first.  You may also enjoy Wishing Upon a Bluebird at Vickie's Sketchbook and my June article for Wild Birds Unlimited, Having Fun with Bluebirds.

For articles leading up to the bluebird family posts, visit my Wild Birds Unlimited articles:
Smitten with Bluebirds and April Celebrations.  

Find instructions for making nest box predator guards by clicking the link.  These guards have worked to keep the 9" arm of a raccoon out and have prevented prowling cat predation, as well as snakes.  A 7-inch depth is recommended.  You may also find a version of these guards at the Wild Birds Unlimited store nearest you.

The "meal worm feeder" you see in my bluebird family blog posts is available through Wild Birds Unlimited.

Upcoming:  A parent attends to the swallow reflex, and bluebirds loving water.