I use the term "real" in reference to my first experience with watching papa cardinal feed a juvenile. The fledgling turned out to be not a cardinal at all, but a hungry
cowbird juvenile.
Northern cardinals are one of 44 species in our area that are known to be predated by cowbirds. In the cardinal's case, a conservative estimate is 10 percent of the time. This frequency is increasing as habitat is more and more broken by development. All the more reason why I was happy to notice this for real cardinal juvenile being fed by papa on a limb near the feeder.
After observing the
titmouse family, I'm finding the cardinals so much more cautious and timid, though they enjoy suet and seeds no less. On this particular day, the juvenile accompanied his Dad and eagerly but silently, waited to be fed.
And speaking of titmice, the juvenile cardinal landed on a limb in the hemlock that is frequented by the foraging titmice family. When he did, three of the titmice juveniles surrounded him, making their squealing juvenile calls. Looking a bit overwhelmed, the cardinal ruffled his feathers, made himself look bigger, and gave a big leap. The titmous juveniles scattered.
Now, don't we look innocent.
Now, don't we look innocent.
Fabulous photos, Vickie---and painting. You are just so talented. I enjoy following your blog.
ReplyDeleteRight now the birds are keeping me busy. We have a nest in the front yard --of Brown Thrashers. I cannot get close since Mom and Dad hiss and snort at me!!!!
AND--in the backyard, the bluebirds are sitting on four little eggs. This is their 2nd brood.
You'll have to check out my blog--and look at some of the photos under the label BIRDS and/or BLUEBIRDS on the sidebar.
Have a great 4th.
Hugs,
Betsy
I like your description and photos of the juvenile cardinal meeting the juvenile titmice.
ReplyDeleteYou know I love your paintings Vickie so I have left a little something on my blog for you. Hope you like it.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous painting. You've totally inspired me. Then moving on to the photos and text...wonderful and interesting. You are so talented.
ReplyDeleteWow, a quiet baby Cardinal. I don't know what that sounds like! Ours are as loud as the baby Titmice! I'm glad your little Cardinal stood up to those 3! Titmice. Did you hear the theme from West Side Story playing when he puffed himself up?
ReplyDeleteSo, you have a bird nursery in your yard! So many fledlings around. Cardinals are much more timid, but I have seen quite a few feeding babies when I was in CT. what fun!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos Vickie...The colors on the Juvie..look very orange compared to the red adult. Nice to see these photos to compare..
ReplyDeleteand as always..lovely painting!
I really like your description of your back yard birds--very nice!
ReplyDeleteI worked in OR for one year and enjoyed the vast number of Northern Cardinals.
ReplyDelete