Birding/bluebirds

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Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 5/12/2008


Question

two baby bluebirds
I have a nesting box that bluebirds built the nest in the box.  After laying
then hatching the eggs they disappeared.  Then I notice a large bird I think
blackbird starts feeding them.  He she took care of the babies for about 2
weeks.  I saw 2 out then later saw a third with them.  They are staying close in
a tree in back and I have seen the large bird still taking care of them.  They
can fly and I guess feed for themselves.  The box was nasty with 2 dead
babies in the nest.  How unusual is this for another bird particularly a
blackbird.  He could barely get his head in the hole.  This is the second year I
have seen the birds use the house but this is the first time I have seen babies.    
They are definitely bluebirds because you can see the blue on the tails.

Answer
Wow! That is a first for me! Babies from the first families will help feed baby Bluebirds from the second families (and this happens with crows too), and I have heard of other birds feeding babies of other species - turned on by the babies crying for food I believe. There have even been situations where birds have fed carp and koi as they opened their mouths at the edge of water. Nature can be strange!

Send your mailing address to walshaw1@cox.net and I will send you a free 20 page bluebird book that will make you an expert. Bluebird Bob.

Bluebird Bob Walshaw

Expertise

I can answer almost any question on Eastern Bluebirds and small cavity nesters such as Chickadees, Titmice, Wrens, etc. Also general questions on other songbirds. No pet bird questions please.

Experience

I have had a 100+ nestbox trail for more than 20 years, I do a lot of writing, public speaking and educational work in this field. My hands-on Bluebird talks include more than 1000 people each year.

Organizations
Oklahoma Bluebird Society, North American Bluebird Society, National Audubon Society, Oklahoma Audubon Society, Oklahoma Fur Bearers Alliance

Publications
Bluebird Magazine, Oklahoma Today, Fur-Fish-Game, Birds & Blooms, Nature Society News,Back Woodsman Magazine, Tulsa World, Broken Arrow ledger, Teaching Tolerance magazine,Trappers World, OK Hole Story, Birders World

Education/Credentials
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA, Graduate of the Home Study Course in Bird Biology from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Oklahoma Master Naturalist. I am also a pofessional speaker and writer.

Awards and Honors
Chosen as a public speaker for the North American Bluebird Society, Bluebird trail accepted as part of the Transcontinental Bluebird Trail, Chosen as a panel speaker at the 2006 NABS Convention.

Past/Present Clients
Many

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