I [heart] Davids It helps me to say these things aloud, I think.

More pictures of the birds. We’re calling them 8 days old today (4/20/07). They are still getting brooded by the mom and get lots of food from both momma and poppa bird.

Mmmm, fecal sack…

Here’s an interesting tidbit about how bluebirds keep their nests clean:

In order to keep their nests clean, most baby songbirds give off their waste in what is called a “fecal sack.” These little pouches of poop are mostly white and are encased in a tough mucous membrane. After being fed, the baby bird will turn its back to the parent and “hand” it this sack. The parent bird will then fly away with the sack and drop it a short distance away from the nest. (And I thought dealing with diapers was gross.)
It you think that is disgusting, this next bit of info will curl your toes. Instead of flying away with the waste, many birds, including bluebirds, will often eat the fecal sacks. Now there’s a pleasant thought. Perhaps that will explain why bluebirds always carry a pak of Tic-Tacs. Story credit

So, here’s momma bird dropping off a mealworm to Zowie
and picking up the fecal sack

I think the birds are about 6-7 days old now. They have a natural “gaping” response whenever someone enters the birdhouse, so that means we get good pictures. 🙂
I think this is some rogue worm that Momma bird brought in and wasn’t eaten. Momma bird took care of it.
Momma bird feeds the babies.
Poppa bird pauses in getting a mealworm to see who’s watching him.

Here is a great explanation of what you can expect to see as the chicks develop – very cool!