Eastern Bluebird Fledglings Take Flight: A Morning Full of Surprises

This post continues the Fledgling Watch series and follows up on Eastern Bluebird Fledgling Watch: A Hot Day of Waiting.

At 9:15 A.M. on July 30, the long-anticipated moment finally arrived: the first Eastern Bluebird chick launched out of the nest box and into a nearby oak tree. This marked a pivotal milestone in its young life. Just moments later, the second chick followed suit.

A Third Surprise

However, nature had one more surprise in store. A third fledgling appeared at the edge of the nest, hesitated, then made its move. Unlike its siblings, this little one seemed to struggle in flight. Fortunately, it managed to reach the same tree and perched close to the others.

Mockingbird Mayhem

Just when things seemed calm, a Northern Mockingbird swooped in and began harassing the fledglings. Thankfully, the Eastern Bluebird parents were nearby and quickly took action to defend their young. No injuries were apparent, and the rest of the day passed without further incident.

Capturing a Precious Moment

The image above captures one of these young Eastern Bluebirds moments before it left the nest for the first time. You can see the juvenile speckling on its chest, a sure sign it’s just starting to grow into its adult plumage. The timing of this photo couldn’t have been better, freezing a fleeting moment of curiosity and courage.

Another Nest, Another Countdown

Later in the day, I checked on the second Eastern Bluebird nest. Both parents were actively feeding the chicks, flying in and out regularly. It won’t be long now before these nestlings take their own first flights.

Final Thoughts

Witnessing fledglings leave the nest is a reminder of how delicate and dynamic life in the wild can be. From triumphant first flights to parental bravery, every moment tells a story worth sharing.