Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Fledged!


When I arrived home from work yesterday afternoon there was plenty of activity in the yard. All the young Chickadees had fledged and the parents were working harder than ever before keeping track of the youngsters. Instead to delivering food to one address, they were feeding birds in the maple tree, the Saskatoon berry bush, under the shrub in the garden and beside the fence.


One little bird sat on the fence for the longest time lacking the courage to join its siblings in a more protected location. I was able to approach it and while it ruffled its feathers, it couldn't get airborne. The parents would bring it food and it just sat there waiting for them to return.


As well as feeding the fledglings, the parents defended the area aggressively against anything that approached. Crows, squirrels, chipmunks, even a young robin who was also looking for a parent were chased away.


It is remarkable how these birds have developed in twelve days. They are very cute, unlike baby Northern Cardinals who take the prize for awkward and ugly. Their beaks are still wide and yellow and baby feather tufts are still sticking out from the sides of their heads.


The young Chickadee's eyes were often closed as if the world was just too bright and stimulating. They are so vulnurable at this stage and in reality I know it is unlikely that all of them will survive. I stayed out most of the evening watching them and making sure prowling cats in the neighbourhood did not come by. This bird finally flew off the fence and was surprisingly graceful in the end.


They have a lot to learn very quickly and I wonder when they will start visiting the feeder. I usually do not put much out for the birds in the summer but may hang the peanut feeder for part of the day. The adult Chickadees have appreciated the small black sunflower feeder in the garden in the past few weeks.

It is a big world out there!

15 comments:

  1. Ruth, they are cute beyond words and you really captured them well. Beautiful! I'd love to see Chickadee babies bouncing all around ;-)

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  2. How precious!! It is a rare opportunity to witness such a big event in the lives of little chickadees. The birdhouse is probably one of your best investments yet. The baby chickadees are the cutest ever. Like some of us we just need a little more time and courage to attack the big world. Great post!

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  3. Ruth, this series of photos and your writing are very sweet and touching.

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  4. What a great Chickadee Day. Such busy and devoted parents. I worry for the little fence sitter.

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  5. Great shots and lovely presentation.

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  6. That was quick; they are cute -- as are your pictures. As cute as chickadees are those cardinals win the beauty contest in the end.

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  7. Isn't Nature wonderful? Lovely photographs of these darling little ones.

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  8. Your chickadee account reminds me of my parents--always trying to take care of their children, who have "left the nest" for university. "Keeping track of the youngsters", indeed. It's beautiful. It's beautiful that God created the chickadees and God created us, and that whether bird or human, the principle of nurture and care is the same. Lovely. :)

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  9. They do seem so very vulnerable, don't they? So sweet that you've been able to watch and enjoy them.

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  10. Oh, I know what you mean about them being vulnerable. We have a cardinal nest, and I am watching it, fearful at every moment.

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  11. Nicely captured and expressed. So neat to see life unfold around us. Thanks.

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  12. These little guys are the cutest.I also like the frame on each picture,it enhances the image.
    Blessings,Ruth

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  13. What a sweet post! I couldn't help but think what a wonderful children's book your writing and pictures would make.

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  14. Thank you for all the comments. I was very fortunate to watch the Chickadees develop and fledge and am happy to share that here.

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  15. Oh Ruth, those pictures are so cute! How fortunate that you're able to watch this little family and share the activity with us.

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