Today we had a great surprise! Baby birds were in box #1, the box closest to the school. It was definitely an "Awe!" moment. They were only a few days old and were still considered naked although they do have a little down on them. We can't wait to check boxes next week. Hopefully we'll have chicks in box 2 and 4.
On day 21 there were eggs! They were in box 1&2; 5 in each. In box 3 all we saw was a wasp nest but no wasp and in box 4 there was a nest but no eggs we supected that there would be some on day 28. Also at box 2 a bluebird bulleted out and almost hit Mrs.Derise. I guess those safety tips are really needed.
On day 28 boxes 1&2 were the same but box 3 was swarming with wasps. We'll be avoiding that box now. Box four had gone from 0 to 2 eggs. At box 2 the bird bulleted out again, it's one fast bird! And protective! LM We learned that if there is no eggs on one day, then there can be eggs in a bird box on another day that you come back. Also, we learned that if a box is really old birds wouldn't want to build a nest or have eggs. We are still waiting for eggs to hatch and to see the baby birds. AS Our new group went out and looked at the bluebird boxes today for the first time. There are four boxes. Three out of four of the boxes had nests!!!!! One even had adult activity, one male and one female. We were all so excited but maybe not as excited as Mrs. Parker (geek). She'd done this before and normally there is only one nest per season. And no evidence of wrens. Whew!!! Even better.... NO SNAKES! (except LM wanted to see snakes)
We learned that we should come up to the box and block the hole. Because birds can fly out and we can get hurt. We also learned don't always use the same path because you'll leave a trail for predators. It is also important to stay quiet so we don't disturb the bluebirds. This is their home not ours. Also, always knock gently on the door before you open it. We'll check back after spring break. Keep your fingers crossed there are eggs when we get back. |
AuthorWe are a 5th Grade Seminar Group working with our GT Teacher, Mrs. Parker. We are interested in bluebirds and their habitat. We monitor our bluebird boxes that dot the perimeter of our school grounds. Then we blog about what we see to share with you! Archives
May 2012
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