Fledging Day

The term “fledging” applied loosely refers to the time birds learn to fly.  In the case of Black-capped Chickadees it coincides with when they leave the nest. We think this is what is happening in our back yard today with our Black-capped Chickadees.

 

Jeanette noticed a change in pattern this morning when she observed that the adults were not actually feeding the young ones.  An adult would arrive at the bird house with an insect, enter the box, and then leave again still hold the insect in its bill.  She interpreted this to mean, “follow me if you want to be fed”.  When I got home I started taking photos, and this photo seems to show an adult peering into the entrance hole of the bird house and trying to coax the young ones out.

We had to leave mid-day to run some errands, and we imagined the birds would be gone when we got back, but checking the box they are still here.  No sign of the parents. Not sure if they have given up for the day, or will try again later today, or tomorrow.