Yesterday morning, July 28, I photographed this young Eastern Bluebird peeking out from its nest box in my Arkansas yard. This moment is part of an ongoing story I’ve been following closely, an Eastern Bluebird fledgling watch that began weeks ago. The chick’s sharp, curious gaze signals it may be only hours from leaving the nest.
This photo follows up on my post, Eastern Bluebird Fledgling Watch: A Peek at What’s to Come, when the chicks first became visible.
Waiting for the First Flight
This young bird is at the final stage before fledging. Its fluffy down has given way to more defined feathers, and its behavior, alert and watchful at the entrance, suggests it’s preparing to make the leap.
Eastern Bluebirds typically fledge between 17 and 21 days after hatching. Based on its development, this one may have taken flight late yesterday evening. I’ll have to wait for daylight to confirm whether the nest box is now empty.
The Third Nesting Attempt
This brood marks the third nesting attempt by this pair of bluebirds this season, but only the second successful one. Earlier in the year, their first nest was lost. However, they persevered and Eastern Bluebirds Begin Again After Nest Loss, eventually producing two healthy broods.
Given the timing and their hard work throughout the season, I don’t expect them to nest again this year.
Backyard Conservation in Action
Watching these birds nest, grow, and fledge has been a powerful reminder of how simple steps, like providing nest boxes, can support native wildlife. These small wooden homes offer critical shelter, especially as natural cavities become harder to find.
Takeaway
Moments like this, seeing a chick poised at the nest entrance, ready to fly, capture the quiet wonder of backyard birding. Whether or not it fledged last night, this young Eastern Bluebird represents the success of both its parents and a carefully tended habitat.
Update: As soon as it was light enough this morning, I checked the nest box. The chicks are still inside. I even observed one of the parents bringing food and removing a fecal sac, another sign the chicks are healthy and not quite ready to fledge just yet.