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It is very important to keep track of the time when events take place in a nest. Here are some important times (Reference: for more details, see "Enjoying Bluebirds More, The Bluebird Landlord's Handbook," by Julie Zickefoose.) Nesting times on average (Eastern Bluebirds:) Nest Building: 1-6 days; Egg laying: 5-7 days; Incubation: 12-14 days; Brooding: 6 days; Fledging: 16-21 days (18 average.) Nesting Schedule days after hatching (Day 1 is hatch day:) Day 1: Bright Coral-pink skin, eyes closed. Day 2-4: Wings, head, spine look bluish due to developing feathers under skin. Day 5-7: Feather sheaths begin to emerge on wings. Eyes still closed. Day 7: First feathers burst from tip of sheaths. Eyes open as slits. Brooding by female stops. Day 8-11: Eyes fully open. Feathers continue to burst sheaths. Day 11-12: Feathers of wing and tail reveal cobalt blue in males, duller gray-blue in females. Female Eastern Bluebirds show white edging on outer tail feathers. Day 13: Cut-off date for box checks. Fully feathered young become increasingly active, and may fledge prematurely if box is open. Day 14-22: Fledging and first flight. Empty nest soiled, flattened. Young remain in cover while parents bring food. Day 28 on: Fledglings fly strongly, following parents who feed them. Day 30 on: Fledglings feed unassisted.
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Please feel free to send me, Fawzi Emad, any corrections, observations, comments or questions. Thank you! (The tail feather on the left is from Koko, our Blue-Front Amazon Parrot.) |
