Fledglings
Last night our backup dog was chasing after something that was low-flying. Since there are several bird’s nests in the yard I kept her at bay once I realized what was happening. This morning I found these little guys:
There is a significant size different between these two little guys that the pics don’t seem to capture. Both are in good condition. I don’t see any apparent injuries or broken bones. The bottom guy wanted to be fed when I picked him up – or he wanted to bite me – either way he’s in pretty good shape.
Mom & dad are flying around, issuing warning chirps whenever I get close and trying to distract me. Every once in awhile I hear the begging chirps of a fledgling and I know they are being fed. Our backyard isn’t the best place for baby birds; we have two dogs and a feral stray that we feed plus a small pond that the babies can stumble into if they aren’t careful. However the yard is fenced with lots of low laying plants to hide under and trees and bushes of various sizes to leap into and try to fly from.
And best of all, I am a supporter of Tri-state Bird Rescue. I called them this morning to discuss the situation and decided that the best course of action was to let Mom and Dad handle things. They’ve been doing a good job so far keeping their babies alive with a lab mix and chihuahua gunning for them, so they should do okay if I leave them in peace (and yes, that means no more handling/picture taking).
I’ve got the windows open and can hear what’s happening. Just a few “Where are you?” “I’m here!” chirps between parent and fledgling, so things are going okay I suppose.
The biggest problem with animals and children is deciding when to let Nature take its course and when to intervene. I’m learning that it’s much harder to do the former than the latter.
Harper:
Cute!
30 April 2008, 5:36 pm