Little Downy Fledgling

Our Downy Woopeckers fledged last week. I watched them for several days, trying to get a good photograph. Finally I decided to show you what I was able to get. Not great pictures, but a wonderful process. This pair of Downys had two fledglings, but now only one remains. They seem especially devoted to the remaining one.


The little Downy perches on a nearby tree while his daddy goes to the suet.

He seems to be a bit impatient as Daddy feeds himself first. Still the little one sits and watches.

Finally! Daddy comes back to the tree with some food.

The move around the tree a bit.

And finally, the little one is fed.

No matter how often we see this process repeated, we gaze in awe at the care of all the fledglings. Soon we will be treated to the antics of the fledgling trying to get to the suet independently. We have already seen a Red-bellied Woodpecker fledgling, but he is fed so deep into the woods I haven't gotten more than a glance. Before long, our Pileateds will bring their huge fledglings to the feeders. What a wonderful time of year.

NOTE TO THE CEO OF BRITISH PETROLEUM:

Fire your entire PR staff, or at least the ones who thought your warm fuzzy (expensive) commercials would make me feel better. Quite the opposite. The message of your "concern" makes me as angry as the sight of an oil-soaked bird or animal. I'm thoroughly disgusted and can't stand the sight of you.