Monday, June 4, 2012

A Parent's Work Is Never Done

This is the time of year where I wring my hands and worry, worry, worry...

























These baby grackles, looking like a pair of toasty slippers, have decided that the step of my deck is the best place to take a much-deserved nap - NOT!


Yes, the hatchlings have jumped the nest!  They hop, flop and stumble around, defenceless, except for their two frantic parents who spend the day stalking and squawking, trying to guide their chicks to safety.




While one parent keeps an eye on them, the other goes off in search of food...

Upon their return, the two chicks jump to action, hounding the parent with a never-ending chorus of "FEED ME!"



10 comments:

  1. I'm with you on this one. Every time I let the dogs out into the backyard I have to go and make sure it's clear of the baby grackles first, lest they get pounced on by my pups. I scooped up four or five of them last year throughout the garden that didn't make it. :(

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  2. I guess it's part of nature's selection process, but it's definitely a worry-filled time for me. Nice of you to give the chicks a chance by checking out your backyard :) before you let your dogs out!

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  3. Awww, those fledglings are precious! I love the photo of the pair following their parent. Hope they remain safe!

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    1. Thanks Tammy, they are hounding their mom for food at this very moment, so I guess all is well in their minds :))

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  4. Gorgeous little birds, how lovely to be able to watch them grow and develop.

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    1. It's a mixed blessing having them in our yard. If I don't see their parent hovering over them, I watch and worry, making sure that nothing awful will happen. My husband reassures me that with all the birds we see each year, they must know what they're doing and he's right, of course :)

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  5. I love little fledglings. A sparrow fledgling watched me as I puttered in the garden tonight and even watched larger birds flying overhead. It looked like a fluffy toddler, eyes wide, taking it all in. It was such a pure moment. So incredible! Yours do look like slippers! Love the comparison. :o)

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    1. I like your description of the fluffy toddler, these two little guys had baby feathers jutting out at odd angles, making them look like toys that were losing their stuffing :) Nice to hear how you stopped to enjoy the moment.

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  6. J'aime passer du temps à admirer les oiseaux et quelle chance vous avez eu de pouvoir photographier ces oisillons et leurs parents.
    merci pour ce partage.
    Gros bisous

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  7. You're right Martine, it is a gift to share this wonderful planet with so many amazing creatures, and birds are a definite favourite of mine :)

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Thank you so much for your kind words :)

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