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Northern Parula |
Now at the end of May, migration is winding down here in Florida. The last time I visited Mead Gardens by my home, I found only 26 species. But even with these low numbers (compared to a month ago), I had one of my favorite mornings at the gardens. I found a Northern Parula fledgling sitting perched in a tree. It could fly, but was still dependent on a parent for food. Then I found a pair of Downy Woodpeckers flying from tree to tree, and the fledgling was being fed by the adult.
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Downy Woodpeckers |
On the same day, I dropped by nearby Lake Lotus Park, and a Red-shouldered Hawk fledgling was out branching in a tree
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Red-shouldered Hawk |
Generally speaking, a fledgling is a young bird that has acquired the muscle development and flight feathers required for flight. However, in some cases, young birds can be considered fledglings when they leave the nest, even if they are not yet able to fly. There was a pair of Sandhill Cranes in a park near my home with to chicks. As they were growing, I visited the park from time to time to see how they were doing.
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Sandhill Cranes |
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Sandhill Cranes |
By my office there's a little pond, and it's been so dry lately that the water levels are way down, leaving a nice, brown, mucky mess. So about a week ago I found a Killdeer with two little fledglings
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Killdeer |
And every year during the spring I go to Merritt Island's Blackpoint Drive and find Green Heron fledglings. They are always a big attraction to visitors, both birders and non-birders alike.
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Green Heron |
But my all-time favorite moment was seeing a Least Bittern who came out close to the open in search of food.
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Least Bittern |
When keeping a safe distance, seeing fledglings is one of the experiences that makes birding so fun.
Scott Simmons
Learn Outdoor Photography
Scott, all the fledglings in your images are adorable but my favorite has to be the Least Bittern. What a cutie!
ReplyDeleteHi....I just started a blog of my bird photos, and was searching through the 'net to see what other birder enthusiasts have shared; coming upon your blog!! I've enjoyed viewing your photos to a high degree....such wonderful, fabulous images.
ReplyDeleteSince my new blog is just three posts long [but with several framed photos], I dare not take the ebird a day challenge you have for your visitors, but your list, I will come back to view their posts also when time allows.
Thanks for the pleasure of joining you with your marvelous bird experiences!!! And if you have time...I'd love for you to visit with me at my blog " I'd Rather B Birdin' "
Preciosas fotos,gracias por compartirlas con nosotros.Saludos
ReplyDeleteLove the fledgeling photos! This post made me smile. :-) Have to agree with Mia that the Least Bittern photo is adorable!! <3
ReplyDeleteExcellent post Scott! You've captured such great interaction and adorable chicks!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photo's especially number 4 and 5.
ReplyDeleteGreets Irma
Oh joy! This wonderful post makes my hear sing. Precious fledglings! All of your photographs of the youngsters are fabulous! Sweet in every way.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos of these adorable fledglings, and sandhill cranes! Awesome!
ReplyDeleteMagnificent!
ReplyDeleteWOW! What an incredible series!
My favorite is definitively mom crane feeding her chick the worm! That one alone is worth a prize!!
But all the chicks are cute and it is wonderful to witness their progress!
The Green and Least Herons are incredible!
Cheers!