On about June 14-15, five days before the nestlings’ estimated fledge date, I noticed a significant increase in parental activity. Mom and dad chickadee were making many more trips into the nest with juicy insects in their beak.
The parents seemed to became much more vocal as well, perching on branches just outside the nest. Most likely they were scolding chipmunks and squirrels and any other living thing they thought were getting too close to their babies (like me!)
I checked inside the nest for the very last time on June 17. I estimate that the nestlings were 13 days old, with 3 days left in the nest.
What a change since last time! They each had big, beautiful black eyes and had all gained their namesake black cap. They were short-tailed but fully feathered. No more checks into this nest otherwise they might leave earlier than is good for them!
This was the first time in a couple checks that we've been able to get a good count of 6 nestlings. The 7th egg must not have hatched and remains hidden beneath the nestlings.
They're so beautiful! In just 3 days, they'll all take their first flight. In the days leading up to the big fledge day, they'll stretch and flap their wings to strengthen them for that flight. They'll fledge in the morning, maybe even before I get up and about. I'll try to check on them early on fledge day to try to catch their very first flights!
But the bad news (for me) is that even though they stay with their parents for a number of days, the little family unit immediately leaves the area. So after they fledge, I probably won't see the young anymore. The parents, however, will most likely return to my yard, leaving their young ones to join another group of chickadees. I'll welcome the parents back with open arms (and open feeders) to thank them for the little bundles of joy I've enjoyed observing over the last month.
If you are observing a nest and would like to report what you see, join Cornell Lab of Ornithology's NestWatch citizen science project. Talk to us in store if you have questions about NestWatch.
NestWatch Report #1
NestWatch Report #2
NestWatch Report #3
NestWatch Report #4
Ellen, I'd like to track down the phoebes that nest around us. I was hearing them daily, then poof, they're gone!
Barbara, I hope you look in on them next year. The nestbox pictured near the top of this page helps the monitoring process by allowing you to look in from the top vs. the side. You might want to consider one for next year (I'm moving to that type of box next year for an easier time checking and photographing).
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | July 04, 2012 at 05:54 PM
There are six nests of tree swallows that have been fledging at different times for the past couple of weeks. I didn't have the nerve to open the boxes after I photographed the eggs - maybe next year... you've given us a beautiful set of images and great stories Nancy, thanks.
There is one baby swallow that is very aggressive and whenever the dogs and I approach one of the nest boxes it attacks and nearly hits me. I had to hold up my arm to stop it the other day. Hopefully it will have relaxed a bit today... fun to see the babies swooping around though - they seem to have so much fun when they first fly.
Thanks for a great series of posts.
Posted by: Barbara | June 26, 2012 at 08:35 AM
It's so hard to say goodbye to the fledglings! Since our young phoebes fledged, I haven't seen them - they are probably off exploring this new world, just like your chickadees.
Posted by: Ellen | June 25, 2012 at 07:22 PM