Weekend Birding: Robin Fledglings
One of the birding activities I’m involved in is Project Nestwatch, a citizen science program. It is a nationwide monitoring project designed to track status and trends of nesting birds. I try to find nests that are easy to observe and not disturb the birds. Usually that is in my own backyard.
Robins are fairly reliable residents. I have a pair in my yard every year, sometimes two, with one in the front yard and one in back. Problem is, they are very good at hiding their nests. I knew there was a robin’s nest in my maple tree because building material was being carried in, then food was being delivered, but I never found the nest. Until one morning when I went out to fill the feeders and saw this little guy perched on my barrel of lettuce . . .
Fledgling Robin
From the length of his tail, the tuft of feathers on his head, and the fact that he was in awe of his surroundings and not moving, I knew this bird had just left the elusive nest.
I could hear one of the parents calling. A few feet away I saw one of them, probably dad, with a beak full of insects. There is even a little green worm on head.
Parent Robin with Food
Both parents will feed the youngsters for a while until they learn to find food for themselves, but the primary caregiver is the male. The female is busy looking for a secure place to build her second nest of the season. Robins don’t reuse their nests so the process starts over from the beginning.
I filled the feeders and left so the parents could get on with their job of teaching this little one how to survive.
Saturday Snapshot is hosted by Melinda of West Metro Mommy. Visit her blog to see more great photos.
© 2016 Under My Apple Tree. All rights reserved.
Advertisements appearing on this site are placed by WordPress and are not endorsed or approved by me.
Under My Apple Tree 
Lovely. Always nice to see how the young grow. Glad we have some common birds.
LikeLike
I loved the pictures and education about robins.
LikeLike
It’s great to know that birds and nesting and breeding in our yards isn’t it? I often have superb fairy wrens nesting in mine and it fills me with joy. The blackbirds not so much…. I love your photo of daddy with food and the worm on his head.
LikeLike
Oh, what lovely pictures – especially the one of the dad!
LikeLike
Beautiful photos, Leslie! Project Nestwatch sounds like a wonderful program.
LikeLike
I love that you captured the baby bird looking around, full of wonder at his new surroundings. Kinda got me a little emotional. The photo of the dad is adorable. I love that he has a little worm on his head!
LikeLike
What great captures! It’s great that dad was nearby.
LikeLike
Great shots! I’ve been watching parents feed young ones from our feeders. It’s fun.
LikeLike