Although the Bluebirds chose to raise their third brood up in the Purple Martin house where nosey me can't see how the babies are doing, I was at the right place at the right time this week.
One day I spotted the Swallowtail Kite, a type of a hawk bird soaring over the property. That means it is close to fledge time for some poor unsuspecting nestling. I'm not sure how the kites know that the babies are ready...perhaps they use a calendar much like I do: See food going in? Check in 16-18 days for bluebird babies coming out.
The next day I was walking around the pond when I heard the unmistakable chatter of the bluebird parents. Flutter around, sitting high in treetops, seemingly telling the kids to hurry up.
I stepped far enough away to not upset the parents, but close enough to get a view of the babies. I got to witness one dancing in and out of the various holes in the martin house, leaning out onto the balcony, contemplating the first flight.
(S)he seemed a bit hesitant and was taking a bit too long, so I snapped a few photos and headed inside with the hope that it had a successful first flight and that the hawks and kites weren't waiting in the wings with bibs on.
