Fledglings!

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.

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

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.

Sandhill Cranes

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

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.

Green Heron

But my all-time favorite moment was seeing a Least Bittern who came out close to the open in search of food.

Least Bittern

When keeping a safe distance, seeing fledglings is one of the experiences that makes birding so fun.

Scott Simmons
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