Our Eastern bluebird saga continues, and this update brings a mix of emotions – joy for the chicks, sadness for the missing mom, and a stark reminder of the realities of nature.
Yesterday, Mia and I decided to forgo our trip to the refuge, opting to monitor the bluebird nest box more closely. Our main concern was the continued absence of the female. Thankfully, my decision proved fortuitous.
A Dutiful Dad and Extra Help
Knowing the male bluebird was solely responsible for feeding the chicks, I left a small offering of mealworms near the nest box. He readily accepted some himself and, to my delight, even fed some to the chicks! I managed to capture this heartwarming moment on camera.
A Threat from Above
Later in the morning, a shadow fell over our optimism. I spotted a bird of prey flying low near the nest box. While I’m not an expert at hawk identification, Mia, who is, wasn’t present at the time. However, later in the day, she heard agitated birdsongs and saw a Cooper’s Hawk soar overhead. Putting the pieces together, we believe this majestic predator may be the reason behind the female’s disappearance.
Cooper’s Hawk: A Hunter’s Instinct
Cooper’s Hawks are known predators of Eastern bluebirds, particularly targeting fledglings as they learn to fly. Their small size and vulnerability make them attractive prey. While Cooper’s Hawks, being slightly larger, might favor slightly bigger birds, they are opportunistic feeders and will readily take advantage of any available prey, including bluebirds.
A Bittersweet Farewell
Throughout the day, Mia and I observed the male bluebird tirelessly feeding his young. The most remarkable moment arrived around 3:00 PM when the chicks began leaving the nest! Two little bluebirds took the plunge quickly, while the third waited almost an hour before venturing out. I even witnessed the proud dad feeding the first two fledglings high up in one of my pine trees.
While it’s heartbreaking to imagine what may have happened to the female bluebird, witnessing the chicks fledge successfully brings a sense of closure. We can only hope they remain safe as they learn to navigate their newfound freedom.
The Circle of Life
This experience serves as a powerful reminder of the delicate balance in nature. Predation is a crucial part of the ecosystem, and the Cooper’s Hawk was simply acting on instinct. While we mourn the loss of the female bluebird, we celebrate the resilience of the chicks and the unwavering dedication of the male parent.
Our bluebird story may be bittersweet, but it’s a testament to the wonders and challenges of the natural world unfolding right in our own backyards.
My friend Mia also wrote a blog post in reference to the above and you can check it out here: Mama Eastern Bluebird Is No More
Steve, I read Mia’s story and now it is interesting to read your observations and see your photos. I am glad you helped the dad out by offering mealworms. It’s amazing that he did not give up, but continued to work so hard to provide for his chicks. I am glad you and Mia are having such a good time. I have only traveled through your state, staying 1 night in Little Rock. What I saw through my car windows made me wish I had more time to spend there. Parts of Arkansas remained me of New England. It is a beautiful state.
When one follows the process from the beginning and sees the work it takes for the adult birds to prepare for and to raise their young, it is disheartening to know they all may not survive. But it is the way of the world. Can’t help but feel sad.
Yes, the birds of prey are waiting…😔