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June 19, 2009
When do Western Bluebirds Fledge?
http://www.prescottbluebird.com/manuals/MonitorMnl.NestingActivityPg10.pdf
Western Bluebirds fledge anywhere from 19 to 23 days after hatching. They leave the nest one after the other, flying only a short distance to a tree or shrub. If they land on the ground, the adults lead them to cover. The parents return to the nest several times to see that all the young have fledged. The fledglings beg for food, and are fed occasionally. At first, the young will observe prey, but not attempt to eat it.
After a day or two they will seize the prey, but usually discard it. By the third day out of the nest they can consume prey and within 10 days they have mastered self feeding, thoroughly preparing the food by removing the wings of insects before consuming them. In 35 to 45 days they are independent of the parents, but remain with them throughout the summer
and fall.
So, according to this, Bud's bluebirds should fledge between June 28th and July 2nd. My bluebirds should fledge between July 3rd and July 7th.
Posted by Rob Kiser on June 19, 2009 at 6:32 PM
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