Did Two Nestlings Prematurely Fledge?

[floridasunshinegoddess]

I was very worried today when I did my nest checks and as I lowered the gourd rack, out flew 2 young birds (couldn't tell how young) from a gourd which is supposed to have (4) 24 day old nestlings. Now these young ones didn't hesitate to jump right out and fly way up to the sky. They were very strong on the wing... like they've done it a few times before.

My first thought was that two of the nestlings had prematurely fledged.... but they flew so well! Then I thought, are these 2 of my 15 fledglings from this week? Had they been in the nest with the other young ones?

Since the nestlings were over 22 days old, I was prepared to put a cup with a string on it and plug that gourd's entrance while I did my nest check, but after this happened, I very quietly raised the rack and left everyone alone. (Figured I'd done enough damage)

And as if that wasn't bad enough, I saw a Hawk right after trying to catch a Martin and the whole colony was chasing him away. He didn't get the Martin (Thank God) but all I could think was it was one of my babies that I might have prematurely fledged!

I went to the archives and read the article about premature fledging again. It made me feel a lot better. If they could fly like that, then they couldn't have been 24 day old nestlings.

It has been rainy today and I bet some of my fledglings were in there with them just hanging out and keeping dry!

In case you'd like to read about premature fledging, here is the link:

http://purplemartin.org/forumarchives/a ... eckold.htm

[Donna - TX]

I bet your heart raised for awhile. I'm Glad everything is o.k. including them getting away from the Hawk.

[floridasunshinegoddess]

Donna,
It sure did! I kept thinking, "What have I done!!!!!" But all's well.