2003: 7 Nuthatches fledged on 5/15

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Nuthatch nest  (in Flying Squirrel nest box #1)

Nuthatch nest in 3-level Flying Squirrel nest box
Photos by John C., 2003 in Dickerson, MD.
7 recently-hatched babies on 4/27/2003 ABOVE: Nuthatch nest with 7 eggs in 3-level Flying Squirrel nest box. Eggs noticed on 4/20/2003. Box active since 3/16/2003. Shown are the stains from rubbing objects all over the box, especially near the bottom entrance. This is done with a peculiar bill-sweeping motion that is funny to watch. Most sweeping was done while the birds were hanging upside down. I have read that these objects used to sweep with might be "stink bugs" or other organisms with predator-repelling properties.

LEFT: 7 recently-hatched babies on 4/27.

Approx. 10-day old babies on 5/4/2003 LEFT: Approx. 10-day old babies on 5/4. The parents didn't seem to mind that I was checking the box. They quietly watched me do this and didn't even drop the bugs they were caryying in their mouths. Now when begging for food, the babies are loud enough to be heard from about 100' away.
Continued >>


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  Started: 4/20/2003.   Last updated: 5/16/2003