Wanting to keep it light mid-week but still be about the big trip South... I present to you today, the Collared Doves. When I arrived at Aitch's, she was quick to point out to me her satellite dish. At first a little flummoxed, it quickly dawned that I was looking at a nest.
Not just a nest, oh no. Do you see them?! Over the first week, we watched expectantly, much in anticipation of growth and flight. Not just these were around though. There were Blackbirds with a fledgeling, who gave a few smiles. It twice went up to the ornamental bird in Aitch's pottery border, apparently thinking it was going to get fed! (When I first saw this, I mistook it for the 'jenny' due to it's browner colouring, but later realised that the speckly chest indicated youngster.)
There was a goldfinch nest up the back tree and in hedgerows around were many tits and sparrows. One trio of 'teenagers' (as Aitch christened them) entertained us no end with their capering over the crumbs thrown on the grass and even an out-and-out 'blokes brawl' at one stage. No camera to hand for that one.
Back to the doves. Pinky and Perky. First the fledging feathers. Then a teeter on the edge - yes 'look at me!'... and finally, out and about.
Aitch has called me since to say that the parents are back on the nest. I realised that I was unfamiliar with the breeding habits of these critters. Turns out they are continually at it. Like rabbits. See HERE for more facts.
Not just a nest, oh no. Do you see them?! Over the first week, we watched expectantly, much in anticipation of growth and flight. Not just these were around though. There were Blackbirds with a fledgeling, who gave a few smiles. It twice went up to the ornamental bird in Aitch's pottery border, apparently thinking it was going to get fed! (When I first saw this, I mistook it for the 'jenny' due to it's browner colouring, but later realised that the speckly chest indicated youngster.)
There was a goldfinch nest up the back tree and in hedgerows around were many tits and sparrows. One trio of 'teenagers' (as Aitch christened them) entertained us no end with their capering over the crumbs thrown on the grass and even an out-and-out 'blokes brawl' at one stage. No camera to hand for that one.
Back to the doves. Pinky and Perky. First the fledging feathers. Then a teeter on the edge - yes 'look at me!'... and finally, out and about.
Aitch has called me since to say that the parents are back on the nest. I realised that I was unfamiliar with the breeding habits of these critters. Turns out they are continually at it. Like rabbits. See HERE for more facts.
Oh my word...how was Aitch's tv reception with her feathered guest. Your Goldfinch are gorgeous. What beautiful colors and displays on the feathers. LOL Original Angry Bird. Our goldfinch males are just GOLD with black tipped wings.
ReplyDeleteHugs HiC
Hari OM
Deleteyes, the American Goldfinch is properly named; ours can be mistaken for Chaffinch's at a distance and if one doesn't note the gold flashes under the wings... Yxx
those fleglings are AMAZING!!! I want to hold one they are so cute. I know I can't but I would if I could... excellent shots of them and the angry bird made me laugh
ReplyDeleteGosh it must be so exciting, learning to fly. Oh I would so love to have wings... I think it would be even better than opposable thumbs.
ReplyDeleteToodle pip!
Bertie.
Hari OM
DeleteBertie lad, we are of like mind! Yxx
Those birds are amazing. We are trying to feed more birds at our house, but EL scares them away. Accept the Ginnies and they scare him away. mags and gusser
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm amazed that the doves can multitask like that - sitting on a new nest while still caring for their recently fledged youngsters.
ReplyDeleteEvery year, we have a pair of Cordillaren Flycatchers nesting under our deck. It's a month-long project... 14 days of incubating and then 14 days until the youngsters fledge. I missed the first flight this year but I can hear the family in the forest near the house. It's only one brood per year for this species!
Can you imagine how scary it is to trust your wings for that first flight??
Hari Om
DeleteI know, right? Then again, I suppose that is to a bird what learning to walk is to a human! I was just sorry that I didn't witness the actual departure. It happened in the space of an hour... Yxx
We have swallows! They use spit to make mud! I marvelous LOVE to watch them!
ReplyDeletePurrs
Marv
Mom loves to watch the whole process of baby birds from the laying of the eggs to the flight from the nest. She once had canaries that had babies - so much fun for the kids to watch and learn.
ReplyDeleteThose goldfinches are really beautiful.
Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber
We enjoy our baby robins. We used to have killdeer lay eggs every year, they lay their eggs on the ground. To see the little ones scurrying all around was so exciting
ReplyDeletehugs
Hazel & Mabel
how cute they are... and the mama sent a special look to us while reading... think we have to cancel berds from our hunting list...and the mama hopes we will keep our promise...
ReplyDeleteYummm . . . . dinner!
ReplyDeleteSorry, couldn't resist!
Aw. Cycle of life! I love the red. We've had about 30 mm rain today. Happy dance!
ReplyDeleteWe have been entertained by fledglings, too. Mockingbird, dove and swallows.
ReplyDeleteIt took me a few seconds to spot the next in the first picture! I haven't seen many nesting birds here, but used to love watching the cardinals weaning their young when we lived in Texas!
ReplyDeleteJust been reading through your travels and the pictures are so great. I love seeing these wonderful things from a different country, and from a different age. :)
ReplyDeleteHello, it seems like the birds build their nest in the weirdest places. The doves are adorable, love the Blackbird and the Goldfinch. Happy Thursday, enjoy your day!
ReplyDelete