Friday, July 15, 2016

Bluebirds! Season 6. Episode 10. Season Finale

Charles River Peninsula, Needham, MA after July mow.
Suddenly summer is almost over. By next week all the boxes at CRP will be empty of nestlings. Then it will be the clean-up and long wait for next year.
Eastern Bluebird nestlings, Charles River Peninsula, July 9
The second bluebird nest is moving along quickly.
Eastern Bluebird nestlings, Charles River Peninsula, July 15
Today my first legitimate bluebird dive bomb. It was so bluebird--an elegant swoop from an upper tree branch towards my head. I get it, bluebird. It has been a lot of work to keep these chicks alive. 
Tree Swallow fledgling, Box 19
Meanwhile the tree swallows are all fledged or on the verge of fledging. 
Tree Swallows, Box 11
I imagine the parents will be mighty relieved when these hungry mouths can fend for themselves. 
Tree Swallow, Box 19
Some of the tree swallow families can be seen zooming around the peninsula. Some seem to have already moved on to staging areas. 
Downy Woodpecker
See you next year, bluebirds et al. And yes, downy woodpecker, it's safe to explore these boxes now.