In April through May of 2022, I documented an Eastern Bluebird's nest as eggs got added daily and until they finally hatched. Follow along with me! April 18, 2022: Whilst visiting family in Indiana last week, I had the pleasure of observing a bluebird couple figure out the ins and outs of avian parenting. Well, not quite yet. These bluebirds were very choosy about which nesting box to use, but eventually, they settled on one in the front yard. I never got to see the nest with just one egg, but on the first day I checked, there were two precious, perfectly-shaped turquoise eggs. I approached the nesting box tentatively, making sure the parents weren't in the nest or watching nearby. I opened the little door and peered inside the nest - and sure enough, there were two eggs. The next day, I did the same thing and was greeted by a newly laid egg, joining its future siblings. This went on for two more days, each day with a new little bird. Most Eastern Bluebirds usually lay four to five eggs at a time. Most Bluebird mothers new to parenting tend to only lay four, so I'm not sure what this says about the female's age. I hope that I get to see the Bluebird chicks grow up and start families of their own. The eggs are beautiful. Now, what happened. April 12, 2022 Two recently laid Eastern Bluebird eggs in a nesting box. 100% positive on the Bluebird ID. April 13, 2022 One more egg than yesterday!! Up to three now. April 14, 2022 Another egg laid!! This makes four, which can only mean momma bluebird is busy. April 15, 2022 And another egg! This will likely be the last one laid, since five tends to be the most that Eastern Bluebirds lay. Really exciting. May 2, 2022 The chicks have hatched! Welcome to the world, little ones. After tracking this nest's progression for about a month, I learned a lot about egg-laying and how birds nest, which was really interesting. I'm glad I got the chance to experience this. You can too! This all took place in a nesting box set up on a rural property in Indiana, and nesting boxes aren't hard to come by. Eastern Bluebirds tend to lay their eggs about 6-7 days after the nest is complete. Egg-laying in the Southern states usually begins in February and continues into March and in the Northern states, March and April.
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