Lee, according to this site, which I've found very valuable for info on
bluebirds, they fledge in 16-21 days from hatching, typically 17-18.

http://www.sialis.org/runt.htm	

Sounds like "your" guys were right on schedule. It's possible the scuffle
with the starlings gave them an extra incentive to hit the road.

Miriam Lawrence
Monkton


-----Original Message-----
From: Vermont Birds [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Lee Allaben -
Century21 Advantage
Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2006 11:24 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [VTBIRD] missing nestlings

Can someone tell me if starlings would take 17 day old bluebirds?
Also, if they fledged do they stay very close to the adults for awhile?
I'm trying to figure out if my nestlings fledged or were killed because I
saw 2 starlings fighting with the adults by the nest box. later when I
checked the nestlings were gone.

Lee Allaben
S, Burlington