I apologize for the poor quality of the photograph, shot through the window and screen. I decided to post it anyway, because it illustrates one of the most endearing qualities of fledglings. They have no idea what to do when the parents stop feeding them. This little cardinal doesn't seem to understand that his beak is not going to work at the niger feeder. And he clearly doesn't understand why he can't get any food. (
NOTE: An observant reader pointed out how red the beak is and how much color the bird has. This make it more likely it is not a fledgling but an errant visitor. I agree, especially since I never saw him before or since.)
Hey, I saw the Goldfinches eating here.
I especially love to watch the fledgling chickadees. They will sit on the feeder tray, screaming while Mom and Dad eat for themselves. Finally, the little ones get the message that the delivered food is over and they must figure this eating thing out for themselves.
We can all learn a great deal by watching the birds, can't we?
Hey, I saw the Goldfinches eating here.
5 comments:
My what a big beak it has!
Yes, there is a great lesson to be learned here!
I have a sister-in-law that can't let go of her son (one and only child) ... I wonder how it will all turn out?
Oh yeah--no more delivered food.
I have a squirrel right now who hasn't gotten that message. And the trouble is, I am the one who delivered food.
I've stopped putting seed out for a bit (and peanuts for the squirrels). One squirrel still comes by every day--looks in our sun porch directly at me as if to say--well?
LOL... indeed!
Carolyn - I think maybe it is just a visitor rathr than a youngster - he has a lot of color and his bill is really red; the juveniles are pale and have dark beaks. He does look perplexed, doesn't he?
Cicero Sings - It does seem larger than normal, doesn't it? Parents who can't let go are not doing any favor for the children, are they?
Donna - It's amazing to me how loudly the little chickadees scream. They just don't want to take "no" for an answer. Like some kids I know.
Thanks, Jayne.
Helen - Thank you for pointing this out to me, and of course, I agree with you. But he is one weird looking dude, isn't he?
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