Babies, Babies, Babies

Spring migration is over and your birds are settling in to raise their families.

Over the next few months, watch for baby birds at your feeder. You'll have to watch real close as some of these fledglings are already the same size as their parents. How can you tell they are a fledgling? Their coloring will not be the same as the adults and most importantly, by their behavior. They will often beg their parents for food by flapping their wings frantically and sqawking with beaks wide open. I witnessed a young very impatient Downy Woodpecker clinging on to the suet feeder waiting for mom or dad to give it a free meal.

The American Goldfinch is the last to nest - they usually won't start the process until July or August so the fun isn't nearly over yet!! It's never too late to put out a nestbox as numerous species nest more than once. Eastern Bluebirds, for example, generally have at least two broods and sometimes even three!
Happy birding!