Empty Nest Syndrome Today
By CarolDM
@CarolDM (203396)
Nashville, Tennessee
April 20, 2020 12:14pm CST
Went out slowly checking on the thrasher bird babies earlier.
I know it is almost time for them to fly. It has been about 10-12 days since they were born.
I saw them yesterday for a second before being bombarded by the parents.
Today... they are gone. Flown from the nest to start their new lives. I feel like a mother who lost her child again. Empty nest syndrome as they call it. But there are more nests being built.
This nest was challenging to monitor but the babies were protected. More stories to come soon I hope.
23 people like this
22 responses
@snowy22315 (208746)
• United States
20 Apr 20
I was thrilled when the gang I had here on my bug zapper that year left...I didn't have to worry about them anymore! Rejoice!!! They have flown the nest.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (128824)
• Gainesville, Florida
20 Apr 20
Do any of the birds still use the nest at all, or do they all just abandon it once the babies leave and fly away?
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (128824)
• Gainesville, Florida
20 Apr 20
@CarolDM I was wondering if the babies would fly back home to the nest each night as they slowly acclimated to their new world, and then when they felt brave enough, left the nest permanently to venture out into the big bad world. But I guess once they leave, they leave, right?
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
20 Apr 20
@moffittjc No, once they leave the nest, they don't return. The parents show them how to survive the next few weeks.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222222)
• United States
20 Apr 20
They seemed like they were too tiny to fly; but I guess they managed OK. Thanks for keeping us updated!
2 people like this
@m_audrey6788 (58468)
• Germany
20 Apr 20
That`s sad but that`s how birds are. They are free to fly wherever they want 
1 person likes this
@allen0187 (59648)
• Philippines
21 Apr 20
The birds cannot stay in the nest for the rest of their lives. They have to move out sooner or later.
There will be new babies to keep you company real soon.
1 person likes this
@allen0187 (59648)
• Philippines
21 Apr 20
@CarolDM nice!
Looking forward to seeing more photos of these new nests.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (56195)
• Canada
21 Apr 20
This family has been nurtured in a safe nest, grown and gone off to fly.
Our son's family of bunnies are growing up too, during the daytime, when they were sleeping most of the day a week ago, now they venture (on their own) out of the nest. There is one that will stay behind, but they go under the fence to the neighbour's yard. Our son is hoping that they will soon be old enough to find their own nests to live in as he fears that the temptation might eventually get the best of his dog.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (56195)
• Canada
21 Apr 20
@CarolDM We really grow attached don't we?
Our son told me that there is 1 bunny that won't leave the nest, he fears it is the smallest and maybe the weakest. I told him to keep his distance so that the Mama can monitor it and come to feed if she feels it necessary, otherwise he can contact the wildlife place and ask their opinion on feeding techniques. I do not know if a little lettuce would help the baby grow and then he can catch up to the size of his siblings or not.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
21 Apr 20
Yes they have, and have a good chance of survival. As protective as the parents are, they will be fine. And I might see them in the yard flying around. I am sure the bunnies are growing. How cute. I am sure they will be fine and start a nest.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
21 Apr 20
@Juliaacv I always get attached. Someone asked me to foster animals once. I said no, I could never give them up! The wildlife agency are ways good at answering these questions. But the parents are good as well at protecting their babies. I always have a small bluebird when they nest. Seems there is always one smaller for some reason, and they do fine.
1 person likes this
@DocAndersen (54399)
• United States
21 Apr 20
i think this speaks volumes of the care you give to these visitors.
1 person likes this
@DocAndersen (54399)
• United States
21 Apr 20
@CarolDM it comes through, and no you are not a crazy bird lady!
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61463)
• United States
20 Apr 20
Hopefully, they are off to a great new life
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (135583)
• Marion, Ohio
20 Apr 20
I was hoping for a prettier picture of them. You might spot them flying around.
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
21 Apr 20
I have not seen any nests this year.
1 person likes this
