Birds Nesting & Activities in The Garden 2011 vol. #5

Herons as well as egrets will eat baby ducks!

I am sorry but I don't believe the babies you saw were the ones that just hatched. They probably have not been in the water a bunch...especially without Mom. Their fuzz is not covered with oil and they will get very wet (and too cold...even if 100 degrees) and sink! So, it will be a little while before they are in water for a extended amount of time.

years ago when I was living in Winter Park FL, we (son and I) fed the local ducks and I couldn't believe how the males would attack and kill the babies... made me so made I wouldn't feed the males anymore....LOL like that made any difference.

So Heron's and Egret's eat baby ducks,and fish from ponds that folks try to have, what good are those two breeds of birds???? They are interesting to look at but if they do this I don't think I like them.

Jan

Okay, okay, I need to get over it already! LOL Thanks Kim. Jan, with nature, we just hope and pray for the best outcome. Come to think of it, we don't have much control over many things.

I'm not saying get over them, as I would be the same, longing to see them again, just to see how they are doing. Especially since you watched over them.

We aren't suppose to have control, just take it all in and enjoy, I believe that is what God had in mind for us.

Jan

Amen to what you've just mentioned, Jan. I do miss them little ones. I suppose I will get through it, but not over it? I do, however, appreciate Kim's contribution/information. I've learned so much from Kim (duckmother). Thanks Kim, and Jan I'm glad you're enjoying those babies as I do.

The Carolina Wrens continue to bring in food to the nest. The nest is tucked up high on near the ceiling, I don't have easy access to them.

Outside today, juvenile Housefinch was noisily begging to be fed. They're just so so sweet.

I'm such a nature lover as well. Duckmother you really know your stuff....

Jan

Thanks, Jan...now ya know how I got my name. lol Actually, I have been rehabbing ducks for years!

you will be rewarded, I hope you know that.

Jan

I think the Wrens are about to fledge. Moma or was that Papa was raising canes when I was out by the nest (inside the garage) just now. I also saw another once clumpsily flying back and forth within the area. First the Mama-- I think flying back to the nest ....

One of the parents was flying about, coaching the little guy/gal to fly. The other parent were nearby singing in tandom with the other, what's a pleasant thing to watch in a beautiful morning!

CUTE

The other mentioned parent was perching above, and singing away to encourage the baby to fly.

Please pardon the shed, but here is the little one, I can tell for it has a very short little tail, it was practicing spreading its wings.

awww!

too cute and how cool to be in on that experience for you as well as the wee one.

Jan

So sweet.

There were two babies, that I can tell. One promptly departed, I'm all so bumped out. I just wanted to cry. The one baby got ran over by my car I supposed ... Needless to say, I didn't see or hear their song for the rest of the evening.

One of the two parents busy coaching the babies out of the nest. They (the parents) were devoted to their babies. I do miss my wee ones in the garden.

aww, so sorry kim.

It's a sad note to the end of the nesting season, Marna. It's so unusual, but I don't see either Cardinals nor Carolina Wrens hanging around this part of the garden today. Perhaps, they've moved on to a 'higher ground' for safety. I'm going to see about doing something in the garden today to make the environment safer for the birds next year.

It has been over a week since the accident took place. I have seen one Carolina wren occassionally came to the backyard's suet feeder. It was very quick on coming and going, so there was no photo op. Cardinals continued on doing what Cardinals (usually do); chasing one another around the garden. I saw many cardinals juvies off and on. A number of WhiteBreased Nuthatches also returned to the feeders on a regular basis. Tufted Titmice too, and also Carolina Chickadees.

I wanted to think that these are indeed the little ducklings that fledged on a day after July 4th? But it seems unlikely. lol This was a pleasant sight for me to find, 1st thing this morning.

they came to give comfort. I know how you are feeling, but take care as we all know that life moves on, sometimes too fast and sometimes too slow, but it does move.

Jan

Mom and Dad tag teaming with the feeding

Poop Patrol.

these kids eat too much.

dad (?) on guard.

outta here!

Nice ones Mrs Ed!

Thanks. I think that's Mom though, LL. They take turns going in and out. The babies are probably only a few days old. They will have that sort of yellow on the beak.

Oh, thanks for the correction. I thought it was a baby.

I've seen just this one Carolina Wren hanging around the backyard feeder.

Won't be long now.

Getting anxious!

Oh wow, last brood for the season? Marna has it been hot there as it has been here? Can't blame the babies for wanting to spread their wings. :))

Yes, pretty miserable here. not as hot as down south, but definitely heat and humidity. Yes, I assume this is the last brood since they are usually on their way in september.

Okay, here is the big fledge. I was gone today, but the bird cam seemed to catch this as the only picture. It's all quiet in the back yard now!

Congrats, all as well. We're now suffering 'empty nest syndrome'. But knowing the little ones fledged. I'm happier than I was before. We watched this WBNH checking out the nest box. But, not sure if it's only scouting it out for roosting purpose?

Well I tell you, I'm relieved for sure. Every time I went out to the yard, they sure let me "have it." And holy smokes when I went to get the SD card out of the camera I REALLY was giving what for. So, glad not to be stressing them and to have finally had successful nestings. phew.

Now the show is the migratory hummingbirds.