2019 Fledglings What’s a fledgling?It’s that awkward stage in a bird’s life between hatching and becoming independent. For two or three weeks after hatching, the young bird’s feathers are scruffy and its wing muscles are developing. Here are some examples… Tufted Titmouse left the nest after about 16 days. Carolina Wren left the nest after about 2 weeks. Often fledglings are covered with spots until their adult plumage develops. Such coloration probably provides camouflage for their own safety. Here are some speckled fledglings… Fledgling Mockingbird Fledgling Robin Fledgling Bluebird Fledgling Mockingbird Fledgling Robin Fledgling Bluebird It’s quite normal for young birds to remain close and follow their parents in search of food. Here’s a fledgling Gray Catbird keeping up with its parent in the Old Burying Ground… Parent with black-cap on the right. Gray Catbird Fledgling Photographs of other young fledglings with their parents… American Robins Brown Thrashers Here’s a House Finch fledgling out on a limb eating berries while its parent keeps an eye on things… By autumn, these youngsters are ready to venture out alone, having learned all they need to survive. A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because her trust is not in the branch but on its own wings. Zen Saying Here are some related bird posts about young birds… Let the Nesting Begin >>2018 Young’uns >>Great-horned Owl Nestlings >>Osprey Nest >> Here are some posts about the Old Burying Ground… Birds Sitting on Gravestones >>The Old Burying Ground >> Please follow and like: Share this:FacebookXLike this:Like Loading... Post navigation Summer FinchesFledglings of Estuary Birds