The evolution of a bluebird nest here at Alta: 1: Five eggs laid in a nest box near the top of the Sugarloaf lift. 2: Four mountain bluebird hatchlings are born altricial, meaning: naked or sparse feathers, eyes closed, completely dependent on parental care. 3: The chicks are growing in ther fluffy, pin feathers. These are shafts that will eventually fan out to full feathers. 4: Chicks are continuing to develop their plumage. Their coloration is typically dull to serve as camouflage to protect them from predators. 5: The fledglings have begun their first molt: Young birds have down feathers or subadult plumages that must be shed as the birds reach maturity and develop their adult coloration. In this case, they begin to grow in their rich, blue feathers. 6: One egg that has remained in the nest unfortunately never hatched. All fledglings have left the nest. This is the time when many birders mistakenly believe young birds to be "abandoned" by their parents. In reality, however, parent birds are well aware of their offsprings' whereabouts and continue to provide food and guidance.