The male fledgling above happened to catch my eye while he was exploring the lichen in a tree near the patio. His behavior, plus the rich color of his plumage and his yellow gape, helped distinguish him from his older male sibling.
A few days before fledging occurred, I captured some fun video of the first brood juveniles interacting as they came to the nestbox to feed. The three juveniles readily cooperated in feeding with the adult male's encouragement. The male encouraged their assistance with wing-waving, soft whistles and chattering which were also behavioral exchanges observed in the mated pair prior to the female's disappearance (last seen June 8th).
Though they are serious about caring for their younger siblings, juveniles will be juveniles, and their interactions can be amusing. Watch what happens when these two female juveniles land in the guard at the same time.
Below, a female juvenile feeds the nestlings, then carefully removes a fecal sac.
Next: Watch bluebird behaviors as the whole family gathers at the nestbox to care for the nestlings!
To see nestlings as they fledge visit: Bluebird Nestlings Fledge. To see a determined juvenile trying to feed the nestlings for the first time, visit: Bluebirds Adapt to Single Parenting. And to see last season's juveniles bathing and feeding siblings visit: Juvenile Bluebirds Enjoy the Water and Juveniles Helping Parents. To see all my bluebird posts visit: Bluebird Family.
They really know what "family" is all about!
ReplyDeleteI'm really enjoying your Bluebird videos, Vickie! Your photograph of the young fledgling in the tree is so sweet!
ReplyDeleteMarvelous, just stunning, I love all of this and know how wonderful it has to have been for you! I have shared with others too, for this is a great outcome to this story~
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