Baby Bird update

By SKEETER Chives blooming in my Georgia Garden...We had a really bad storm roll through our area last week. These were the same string of storms that left damage in many Southern States. Luckily, we had nothing more then 2 inches of rain fall on our thirsty gardens. The baby Bluebirds decided to leave the nest on the evening of the storm. The Saint and I noticed they could not fly upward so we picked two of the three baby birds up off the ground and carefully placed them on top of the Wishing Well. We lost track of the third one as night fall was upon us. This way, they were off the ground where the neighbors cats roam at night. Little did I know the storm was on the way.

At 3:30 in the morning, I was waken by the sounds of thunder and I immediately thought of the baby birds roosting on top of the wishing well exposed to the elements of Mother Nature. I jumped on the Internet and saw the storm was headed our way within a few minutes. With thunder all around me, I went outside and carefully placed the birds in the bucket of the well so they would be free from the pounding rain that was quickly approaching. I worry about the birds throughout the two hours of thunder, lightening and rain. I wondered if they would survive the nasty storm. The next morning, I spotted this little baby in the front yard next to a Crepe Myrtle tree. I have no idea if this was one of the baby's I rescued or not but he sure did pose for a picture as if to say Thanks for the lift last night... It amazes me how quickly birds hatch from Egg to flying Bird. Some, within 10-14 days! They start out these tiny naked things that only a mother could love. 9 days later, they look like beautiful birds! This picture was snapped on May 1. 2011. 1 Day later, the same birds! See how much they changed over night? Mommy and Daddy Phoebe are very protective of their brood at this stage.





Eastern Phoebe's are very clean birds and in this video, you can see how the parent's remove the baby's Fecal Sac from the nest. Bluebirds and Wrens also have this method of nest cleaning as we have seen them in action. We have enjoyed observing and learning with our front porch guests but we are so anxious to get our porch back to normal. Coming and going has been a challenge for us as we take special care to not disturb this family. As I was running laps with my lawn mower today (May 2) I saw all 5 of the baby's fly the nest! They left in the most perfect flock all at the same time. I was thrilled to witness the baby's going off into the big world. I welcome these BABY BIRDS, In the Garden...

Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden