Bluebird Behavior Question

[Jean]

In late March a bluebird pair used a nest hole that was drilled & excavated in a White Birch snag by male Downy but seemed to be rejected by the female when he brought her. The bluebirds occupied the nest hole and fledged two but never saw both fledglings together.  The pair started another nest in a neighbor’s box but abandoned that and returned to the birch site where they are successful.

I have watched them multiple times during the day. Both parents continue to bring food to the nest hole. Yesterday and today there was a fledgling with them. I assumed one bird had fledged and there was at least one that remained in the nest that stuck its head out.  However, the fledgling also came to the nest hole with food.

The question is do bluebird fledglings help with caring for current nest mates or is it from the first brood? Not familiar with progress of plumage in young birds but did notice some blue in tail feathers of the fledgling. It still has its spotted breast and overall appears gray.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Jean Mullen
Portsmouth, NH

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[Jean]

Thanks to all who took the time to respond to my question! The consensus is the “helper” is most likely a bird from the first brood. I have enjoyed hosting them!

Best,

Jean Mullen
Portsmouth, NH

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