Do Bluebird fledglings remain in the vicinity of the nest box once they have fledged?
The movement of young bluebirds after they leave the nest is not well known or always predictable. It is thought they usually remain for a time in the general vicinity, but not necessarily in the immediate vicinity of their natal box. Since suitable nesting sites for bluebirds are scarce, bluebirds will often choose a nesting sites where the food supply is not optimal. Thus, adult birds may have to travel some distance to obtain food for the nestlings. As soon as the young birds can fly, it appears that the parent birds encourage them to move closer to a better supply of food. This simplifies the task of feeding them and, at the same time, explains why the young birds appear to disappear from the nest site . It also permits the adult birds to begin construction of another nest. If mealworms are supplied this enhances the chance the young birds will remain in the immediate area even after the adult bird ceases providing them food. Mountain Bluebirds appear to abandon the nesting area al
