Let's begin with reference to a recent post (from the 8th, I think) about a mysterious couple of newcomers who spoke like little sleigh-bells. You are invited to
click here and see how they were identified in the comments section. Now we know enough to go on with. Here's the nest on the 11th:
And again on the 15th:
Mrs. Otherspecimen, our longtime friend, had earlier cautioned us these might be Cowbirds, but upon seeing this photo, opined it was a little old man with huge sunglasses --a notion we considered seriously because Norma is married to one.
This theory was lent some credence because the little subject seemed clumsy and disorganized. Then, that afternoon...
...there was another one, which brings us to yesterday...
...and today:
All their eggs have hatched. Here are their full-fledged parents:
I don't know Towhees well enough to determine which is male or female, but they both tend the nest equally and I will use that precedent of parental parity to wish everyone
a
Happy Feathers Day!
happy feathers day to you too........I love watching the birds care for their somewhat demanding young.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Delores. Every day is Feathers Day lately --and all young are demanding. Good thing too!
DeleteThey look so fragile! I'm happy that you have a firm I.D. on these fellows. No doubt the Mister & Missus are keeping an eye on you while you are keeping an eye on them!
ReplyDeleteThey scold me from their trellis by the barn, but have no fear of Norma. Big job ahead of them!
DeleteAnd Happy Feathers Day - and Father's Day - to you, Geo.!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jenny. I got 2 little parcels in the mail today and expect phone-calls tomorrow! Watching the nest is a fine celebration too.
DeleteFeathered enchantment at its very best.
ReplyDeleteA very happy Father's Day to you.
Thank you, EC. I hope to remember to wish dads the same where you are this September. Maybe someday we'll standardize these things.
DeleteThat would be amazing to watch. Please show us how they develop!
ReplyDeleteI think so too, Harry, and hope Norma keeps photoing this little bird family.
DeleteHow cute! New beginnings. Happy Father's Day!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Martha. It's always a new beginning and part of a new history.
DeleteAdorable little bits of fluff.
ReplyDeleteThey are. It's astonishing these naked, disorganized little Towhees turn into clever, capable birds.
DeleteTruly AMAZING photos and a delightfully uplifting post. Our feathered friends can obviously teach us a thing or three about parenting...
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Father's Day, Geo!
("a little old man with huge sunglasses" - - that's funny!)
They are encouraging examples, Jon. I told Norma you liked the photos too --which encourages her. Thanks!
DeleteAbsolutely fantastic! Great photos. And a Happy Feathers day to you.
ReplyDeleteNorma and I thank you, Tom. Trust you had a Happy Feathers day too!
DeleteThe miracle of birth is always such a thrill to witness.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Arleen, a constant source of astonishment.
DeleteWonderful. It's such a joy watching the woods come to life. We heard some owl flirtation earlier in the season but haven't heard owlets yet.
ReplyDeleteWe heard owls too, Squid, but their nests must be farther away.
DeleteI take it as a good sign when the predators are thriving. I assume it means the entire food chain is eating well.
DeleteCardinals nested in the shrubby in front of the house and both parents helped out, as do the osprey who nest on the navigation markers that I pass through when leaving the south of the island.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful and reassuring concert of life, Sage. Thanks.
DeleteWhat fantastic pictures! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Susan.
Delete