Eastern Phoebe Second Nesting

The Phoebes Have Fledged

Eastern Phoebe

This year we had a pair of Eastern Phoebes (Sayornis phoebe) nest under our raised deck.  They raised two clutches and were more successful in the second clutch.  The first clutch was parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbirds.  See a previous post for more details (June 17, 2017).  The first clutch had 3 phoebe chicks and 1 cowbird chick.  The second clutch had 3  or 4 phoebe chicks.  

Eastern Phoebe Fledgling

The phoebes like to nest on or near human habitation.  In our case they built on top of a shelf over a light affixed to the underside of a raised deck, a secure, dry spot indeed!  The nest was made of mud pellets and moss and lined with fine grasses.  Such fine workmanship!

After the eggs hatched, both parent phoebes were very busy feeding the hungry chicks.  Every possible perch around our yard was used by the adults as they hawked insects.  The youngsters grew quickly and were poking their heads up at the least sound or motion near their nest.  

Eastern Phoebe Fledgling

The chicks fledged at age 2 to 3 weeks.  I was made aware of the eventful day by our dog who was witnessing the event from inside the house.  I didn't know what the commotion was about until I went out to hang clothes on the line.  A baby phoebe landed on the line right beside my hand!  I was able to gently stroke its breast while it decided what its next move would be.  That was a neat experience.  With the dog securely shut inside, I waited outside to watch the event.  There were 3 or perhaps 4 very young phoebes wheeling around unsteadily, obviously trying their wings and this new mode of transportation for the first time.  The adults were noisily giving advice from the sidelines.  It did not take long for the young ones to gain more control of flight and to get themselves hidden away in the shrubbery.

Eastern Phoebe Fledgling

I felt privileged to have been a witness to the rearing of at least 6 new phoebes this year.  Our yard was a good nesting site and we are grateful for all the insects that have been removed from our environment.  We are especially pleased that this second clutch was not parasitized.

Eastern Phoebes make great neighbours.  They unobtrusively build their nests and raise their young around our buildings and help rid our areas of insect pests.  It is nice to watch them perch on garden stakes, lamp posts and every other suitable perch while watching for the next meal to come within  range.  We will certainly miss our phoebes when they leave for their wintering grounds in southeastern US and Central America.  Safe journey, friends!