R. K. Cook's video: Trio of Cute Eastern Bluebird Fledglings Huddled Together

HANK WILDING'S JOURNAL: 'Twas late upon a May (2016) evening, toward dark, when I stumbled upon this trio of way-cute — if rather grumpy-looking — Eastern Bluebird fledglings huddling together for warmth underneath my home's drier vent. They looked to be two males and a female, likely hatched in the bluebird box in my backyard that's been the starter home for more Eastern Bluebird families than I can count. How this trio came to be just outside my garage is anybody's guess, but Mama and Papa were none too happy about my investigating. They were squawking their heads off and dive-bombing me while I cogitated what to do. I decided the best thing was to let them be for the night, but not before making them more comfortable and providing some protection against nocturnal predators. I fashioned a nest with pine straw and made a little fortress using ornamental garden fencing. I put my trust in Ma Nature to watch over them, and kept my fingers crossed that no roving cat would do them in. I couldn't help being reminded of "Opie the Birdman," one of the most beloved episodes of "The Andy Griffith Show." In tribute, I decided to call the little birdies Wynken, Blynken and Nod. I rose early the next morning and was delighted to find them still safe and sound. Mama and Papa were more agitated than ever, but their young-uns still wouldn't budge. Finally I donned a pair of gloves and took Wynken, Blynken and Nod, one by one, to the edge of the woods near the bluebird box, and set them on the branches of small trees. Mama and Papa harassed and scolded me the whole time, but eventually they calmed down and joined their offspring in the woods. The space beneath the drier vent was empty ... but the trees sure seemed nice and full.