The Black-capped Chickadees in one of my nest boxes were probably ready to go, but the estimated fledge day was rainy all day long. The next day was only a little better, but when you gotta fledge, you gotta fledge!
Here's a couple videos of the big day. The first video shows a nestling getting fed by parents, encouraged by parents (listen for the soft "fee-bee" call), but the young one just can quite muster the courage to take that first flight...yet.
After not too long, there's one of the young at the nesthole again.
Here's some things to watch or listen for as you watch:
- At the very beginning, a parent leaves the box after bringing in an insect for the young birds inside.
- One of the nestlings emerges and calls, sitting on the inside lip of the hole.
- At :30, a parent returns to feed but doesn't enter box.
- Listen for the soft "fee bee" call, a parent encouraging the young bird.
- At :50, the young bird moves to the front edge of the hole - it's getting braver!!
- At 1:21, the young chickadee leaves the box on its very first flight! It will never return to the box.
- At 1:22, a parent leaves an insect at the hole for the remaining nestlings.
- Throughout the video, you can see other nestlings through the ventilation slot above the nesthole.
Daniel and Joyce, thanks much! I'm glad you enjoyed it...I sure did!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | July 13, 2015 at 08:17 AM
That was fun to watch!
Posted by: Joyce | July 10, 2015 at 12:25 PM
Fabulous footage!
Posted by: Daniel LaFrance | July 10, 2015 at 08:17 AM