Mainely Phenology 7/21/18

Producers/Hosts: Hazel Stark and Joe Horn

Birds Fledging

Photos, a full transcript, references, contact information, and more available at mainelyphenology.wordpress.com

Fledgling birds are decidedly weird-looking. Having just started to explore the world on their own for the first time, their feathers may be a bit unkempt, their colors may seem muted compared to the adults of the species, and their actions are not accomplished confidently. Observing these young birds, I often wonder how they do not all get eaten up by the plethora of predators that are constantly on the hunt for such an easy meal, but this strategy of fledging before they are full-grown adults is actually much safer than staying in the nest long-term.

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