LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Bird and Baby

We do so enjoy the birds, especially the ones who bring their fledglings nearby to feed them.  Fathers of most of the woodpeckers play an active role in the nesting and feeding.


The little Red-bellied Woodpecker waits for some food.  Notice the faint red on top of his head.




We call this tree the "launching tree" because almost all of our woodpeckers bring their fledglings here.
Initially, they feed them deeper in the woods and then bring them closer and closer.
This is the last step before the fledglings must find their own way to the suet.




The adult brings food to his little one.




Notice the "little one" is almost the size of the parent.


The quality of the photographs is not great, but the sentiment is there for you to see.  Call it instinct or call it nurturing.  No matter what you call it, it is amazing sight every single time.

15 comments:

Carolina Linthead said...

I love them so...the red-bellies seem to be wonderful parents, and their little ones are so cute, in a big, clumsy way...I can relate :-)

Cheryl said...

I could not agree more.
It is wonderful to see the juvenile birds each year, and I personally never tire of it.

New life always brings hope with it.......

My Mind's Eye said...

Ahhhhhhhhh how sweet. I love this time of year when the young are spreading their wings. We are having such a large variety this year for a back yard feeder in the 'burbs.

PS there is a Friskies app for cats.
Ms. Diva doesn't like it..or hasn't figured out how to get the pieces to move. Or she has me trained to do all the work on WWF and she can just watch like with tennis. Her crazy head goes back and forth.
Hugs Madi and Mom

Anonymous said...

Wonderful photos! We haven't seen any fledglings yet, but when I see these pics, I know it won't be long!

Dawn Fine said...

Great fun! Love seeing the little ones!

Ms. A said...

I would love to be able to see this in person. I hardly ever see woodpeckers around here. Once in a blue moon, I'll see one. Never one feeding it's young.

Arkansas Patti said...

Great shot. Always great to see fledglings with their parents. They still have their mouths open like they are still on the nest.

George said...

These are great pictures of the parent taking care of the baby.

Anonymous said...

I love watching the 'peckers!

What kind of tree is the Launching Tree? I rarely see them on our trees, but they certainly love the suet feeder.

animal lover, quilt lover said...

I blogged the other day about not going to come and comment on your blogs any more b/c of my failing eyesight b/c I am straining my only eye I can see a little out of. My good eye is going bad!!! I need to care for it and try not to lose any more sight!! I don't want to lose your friendship!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am replying to your comment on my blog or email if I have yours. I am so sorry!!!

Janet, The Queen of Seaford said...

Fabulous nature show! Love watching the woodpeckers.

carolina nana said...

I have spent a lot of time this year watching parent birds feed their babies around our feeders. Seems there is an abundance of all kinds of baby birds at our place this year.
Blessings
Marilyn

Lise said...

Wow, beautiful photos, and how fortunate for you that they have created your launching tree:) Really awesome!

Busy Bee Suz said...

I agree...it is amazing to witness this beauty in nature!
I never tire of it....thanks for sharing.
xo

NCmountainwoman said...

Thanks for your comments everyone.

Dawn - For some reason my computer won't let me leave a comment on your blog. But I do read it and enjoy it very much.

marylee - the launching tree is a Maple

Fern - Don't strain your eyes. I know you read the responses and you owe no apologies.

Marilyn - I think we have more than the usual number of baby birds here as well. Perhaps the early warm weather?

Lise - Thanks for dropping by from your side of the mountain.