I’ve been enjoying watching the Eastern Bluebirds nesting in my yard. Yesterday, I wrote about how the eggs hatched, and now the parents are feeding the babies. One of the duties of both parents is to remove the fecal sacs that each baby Bluebird produces.
A fecal sac is a small, white, membranous sac that contains the waste of a nestling bird. The sac is produced immediately after the bird defecates, and the parent bird removes it from the nest. Fecal sacs are removed to keep the nest clean and sanitary.
There are a few reasons why birds remove fecal sacs. First, fecal sacs can attract predators. The smell of feces can attract predators, such as raccoons, skunks, and snakes. By removing fecal sacs, the parents can help to keep their nest safe from predators.
Second, fecal sacs can contain parasites. Parasites can be harmful to nestling birds, so it is important to remove them from the nest. By removing fecal sacs, the parents can help to keep their nest free of parasites.
Third, fecal sacs can be a nuisance. Fecal sacs can accumulate in the nest and make it messy. By removing fecal sacs, the parents can help to keep their nest clean and inviting.
I was able to get this photo of the male Eastern Bluebird leaving the birdhouse with a fecal sac. I used a beanbag to rest my camera and lens on the deck rail. This allowed me to get a close-up of the bird without disturbing it.
I’m enjoying watching the Eastern Bluebirds raise their young. It’s a fascinating process, and I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to observe it.