As of the evening of July 29, the Eastern Bluebird fledgling watch continues. Despite the intense summer heat here in Arkansas, reaching a scorching 101°F, the chicks have yet to make their move. Though I’ve only seen two peeking out, they appear to be getting closer to fledging.
This post is a follow-up to Eastern Bluebird Fledgling Watch: Just Before the Leap, where I documented the early signs of the chicks preparing to leave the birdhouse.
Not Begging, Just Trying to Breathe
One photo from yesterday might seem like a classic feeding pose, but look again: the chick has its mouth open, not calling for food, but likely trying to cool down. It stayed there for quite a while, silently, with wings slightly spread, another clear sign of heat stress.
This behavior is a natural way for birds to cope with high temperatures, much like panting in dogs. It’s remarkable to witness this small survival strategy up close.
Parents Persist in the Heat
Despite the grueling conditions, both adult bluebirds were nonstop with their duties. One was seen bringing in a fat green caterpillar, an ideal meal for a growing chick.
Feeding isn’t the only job. Bluebird parents are also meticulous housekeepers. They remove fecal sacs from the nest to keep it clean and reduce the chance of attracting predators.
It’s easy to overlook how much work these small birds do each day. Their determination and resilience are inspiring.
What’s Next?
As soon as daylight breaks this morning (July 30), I’ll be checking again. Will today be the day the chicks take their first flight? Stay tuned for updates.