An advanced student of avian aviation launched from the nest yesterday afternoon, a couple of days early. The other four are still in the box.

I took these pics a short time before this bird went for it.

I was alerted to possible fledging by the noisy and active bluebird parents, working hard to clear the flight path of bigger birds and pesky rodents.

Now comes the tricky part for the parents, but they divided up the tasks nicely. Dad flew up into the trees to feed the Charles Lindbergh of this brood.

They will keep feeding them for around 30 days after fledging.

And mom stuffed her face with mealworms for the nestlings still in the box.

They also flew dive bombing patrols to drive off bluejays, grackles, squirrels and a red-bellied woodpecker.

Junior Birdman.

I tried to get a photo when this fledgling was up in the trees, but they are so well camouflaged they are tough to spot.

I’m guessing the rest of the brood will jump today or tomorrow. Whee!