The woodpeckers raised two healthy males this season. Early last month, they came with a parent, which would give them food, while teaching them to learn to feed. It was endearing to watch, but over the last few days, I noticed a change.
Since the young birds were now independent, and will feed without help, the parents are establishing their territory. They'll chase the young birds away from the oranges, or feed. The young birds still sneak in for a morsel, but are chased away, when caught at the task.
It's time for the young birds to move on. They'll be around, but the constant attacks by the parents will eventually extend their range, and they'll be more comfortable where they're not harassed by those that brought them to this earth. They'll establish their own territory, and eventually find their own mate.
It's been interesting to watch. Last year there was only one fledgling, and it was gone quickly, which made me wonder if it was the victim of a cat, or hawk. This year brought a larger family, and more opportunities to observe the habits of the red belly woodpecker. Their tenacity is amazing, and their fierce nature while feeding leaves most birds, even blue jays, wary of approaching, and unable to budge them from their feed.
We have what seems to be a family, or maybe just a bunch of birds that hang out together, of cardinals. Red red red swooping all around. Drives the cat crazy.
ReplyDeleteWe have a male, female and one fledgling cardinal beside the crackles, with their young, a family of robins, at least nine blue jays, somewhere around forty doves and sparrows that can be as few as two, or as many as twenty.
DeleteNext door, the neighbor feeds the dog early, and the birds line the fence to steal the kibbles. It's interesting to watch; like fish, except there are no filters to clean, or water to change.