The Eastern Rosella chicks on Jockey Drive [see post] are nearly ready to ‘fly the coop’. Nature however has taken its toll – six eggs became five hatchlings but this had dwindled to only two yesterday. It’s been a challenging season with some extremes of temperature making it difficult for the parents and young alike. In my experience Eastern Rosellas often raise two or three young to fledging so this result is about par for the course.
Still five chicks on 29th November – Day 18.
Starting feather up at Day 20 – now down to 4 nestlings.
Three nestlings at Day 23.
It looks like the third nestling has died by Day 25, leaving just two to hopefully fledge.
Natural Newstead 
Geoff, your postings, via photos, always tell a story. Thanks for your time and effort that you devote to your blog.
Geoff do you think the chicks that have died are removed by the parents,
its something I have never thought about, it would be totally unheigenic in the nest with a rotting bird?
Hi Dave, many birds species remove dead, or sickly nestlings but I’m not sure of the strategy with Eastern Rosellas. Perhaps another reader will be able to illuminate us?
Cheers, geoff
The 2 remaining chicks were still there yesterday (Monday 10/12/12), but looking quite cramped and uncomfortable, One looked less vigorous than the other. I’ll check again today. PS Thank you for your exquisite pics, Geoff and for bringing the private lives of birds to life through your beautifully crafted narratives..
Thanks Ros – will try and get an update this evening!
Cheers, geoff
A Twitter link to your blog would be useful. I’d like to share the joy in that way, too.
This feels like a bridge to far Ros but I’m happy to be persuaded otherwise!
Cheers, geoff