by: Tamar Boorstin
Owner, Wild Birds Unlimited of Palm Coast
Across the country, millions of adult wild birds are introducing their young fledglings to a whole new world of experiences.
Fledgling Facts
- Fledglings are about the same size as adults, but often their plumage color is muted and similar to adult females.
- In our area right now, you should be noticing numerous juvenile Northern Cardinals almost everywhere. Their numbers will start to dwindle in a few weeks as they move on to find their own new territories.
- You can recognize Downy and other woodpecker fledglings by their fresh and dapper plumage, whereas that of the adults is worn and dusky from their repeated trips in and out of the nest hole.
- Many fledglings follow their parents to the bird feeder and perch nearby as the parents go to get food. They either wait, looking like they are waiting to be served, or they call incessantly "teeship teeship" and flutter their wings until fed.
- After one to three weeks, many parents stop feeding their young and may even peck at them if they persist in begging for food to get them to feed themselves.
Listen to the Wild Birds Unliminated podcast, "Nature Centered," to learn more about feeding the birds and enjoying nature in your backyard. Episodes can be found here, https://www.wbu.com/podcast. Visit our website and shop online at www.wbu.com/palmcoast.
