I was on the border of Maryland and Pennsylvania collecting data for the Maryland-DC Breeding Bird Atlas when I discovered this family of Willow Flycatchers. (Too bad I was in Pennsylvania and not Maryland!) I first discovered the parents communicating with each other and bringing food into a tree. I stood under the tree peering through the thick leaves and was delighted to find these three fledglings patiently waiting for lunch to arrive
The Cardinal Family
Mother Cardinal and her baby
Mourning Dove nest in our neighbor’s backyard. The parents took turns feeding the young.
Male house sparrow feeding young male. One reason to keep your feeders up in summer is so that the parent birds can feed the babies! Suet is one of the first things many birds feed their babies so it’s very important to leave it up all year.
Mother Grackle feeding baby grackle, Sorry for the bad photo! Here is another time we saw Great-tailed Grackles and took pictures ~ https://ebird.org/checklist/S113698000
These 2 fledged 3 weeks ago. Momma’s fate is unknown as she vanished after laying 2 eggs of a 3rd brood, the nest box found open. I suspect a predator got her. This makes watching these parenting moments all the more touching. I’m thankful for the 2 successful broods this year.
The female robin I’ve been monitoring, nicknamed Serene, now has a full brood, and, boy, are they HUNGRY! I am delighted to present such a lovely series of photographs which, without the trusting presence of the birds, and a nice zoom lens, would not otherwise enable me to show off this growing family.
The little ones are quickly growing their feathers. Today is the first day I’ve dared to peek at them since I noticed they hatched. To see that one of them has a tiny foot with the beginnings of “fingernails” (talons, heh!) made my day. Before I know it, they will fly away. I am anxious to report someday that this nesting attempt will be successful.
My whole neighborhood is excited about these birds!
A pair of Owls nests in this area each spring. It is a treasure hunt to find the new nest and follow the young until they fledge. Seeing Mom come in with a snake was a special treat.