A pair of Eastern Bluebirds nested nearby and successfully
raised a brood of at least three.
The three are mostly independent now, but I’ve seen an adult staying close
by. Most likely it was the female
still watching after her brood, as the male’s contribution is mostly nest
location and protection of it. She
builds the nest and incubates the eggs.
The three youngsters have favorite perches for insect
hunting and return again and again, if the hunting is good. Judging by the hunting activity here, there are enough insects to merit sticking around for a while.
The three offspring are still
a pale imitation of the parents with only muted color on their primary and tail
feathers. Their back and breast feathers
still blend in well with their surroundings.
Next year they may return to Wisconsin
in full color.
This could possibly be
their father, but I don’t know that.
Some studies suggest that one out of 4-5 eggs involve a male from outside
the family pair. The male will
attack birds such as, cowbirds, starlings, sparrows, mockingbirds and jays that come too close to the nest, but it seems he can’t be everywhere.
Allan
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