Fledgling climbing expedition

Less than a week ago, this tiny Red-winged Blackbird was still a newly hatched chick, mouth agape, begging for food. This week he’s fledged from the nest and is learning to climb up the marsh reeds on his own.

It’s remarkable that these little fellows can be out and about so soon after hatching (Audubon). “Chicks fledge (are able to fly) in 10 to 14 days and are independent in 2 to 3 weeks. Juveniles usually reach adulthood in 2 to 3 years.” (BioKids, Univ of Michigan)

Ever-watchful Mom and Dad RWBB were standing by, watching their offspring flutter up the reed – suspended over the pond! – only to slide back down and climb valiantly back up again!

What a joy it is to witness this miracle right before our eyes!

24 thoughts on “Fledgling climbing expedition

  1. 🐦🌱🏞️👀🐣🦜💫🌈🎉

    A Fledgling’s Tale: 🧗‍♂️🕊️

    In nature’s realm, where birds take flight, 🌍 A tale unfolds, a wondrous sight. 📖✨

    Behold, dear readers, this charming scene, 😍 Where Red-winged Blackbird’s feathers preen. 🖤🦜

    Once nestled in a cozy nest, 🏡 A hatchling yearned to leave, to quest. 🐥🌿

    With beaks agape, their hunger cries, 🍼 For food, they begged with pleading eyes. 🥺🍽️

    But now, a week has swiftly passed, ⏰ The chick has grown, its strength amassed. 💪🏽🐤

    No longer bound to nest’s embrace, 🏞️ It braves the marsh’s daunting space. 🌾🐣

    Oh, how remarkable they are, 🌟 These fledglings, guided by a star. ✨🌠

    They fledge with grace, defy the odds, 🕊️ Spread wings to soar, like demigods. 🦅🌬️

    Audubon claims their wings take flight, 🗺️ In just a fortnight’s span, delight! 🌤️

    BioKids, from Michigan’s domain, 📚 Reveals their journey, not in vain. 🌱🎓

    Within two to three weeks, they roam, 🚶‍♂️ Independent, they find their home. 🏠🐦

    But youth prevails for several years, 🌅 Before adulthood truly appears. 🌄

    As Mom and Dad, with watchful eyes, 👀 Observe their offspring reach the skies. 🕊️🌈

    They stand close by, their love so deep, 💞 As fledgling takes a cautious leap. 🦢

    Up the reeds, it dares to climb, 🍃 Over the pond, where ripples chime. 🏞️💦

    With each attempt, a thrilling slide, 😄 Yet valiantly, it won’t subside. 🙌🏼🧗‍♂️

    Oh, what a joy to witness this, 😊 Nature’s miracle, pure bliss! 🌿🎉

    Embrace the beauty, bird’s debut, 🌼 A spectacle, both rare and true. 🌟👏🕊️

    So let us cherish nature’s grace, 🌺 And marvel at its timeless pace. ⏳🍃

    In feathered tales, we find delight, 📖 Where birds take flight, day or night. 🌌🐦

    🌱🏞️👀🐣🦜💫🌈🎉

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  2. How lovely BJ that you get to see the fledgling do its climb. They are so delicate, like new born babes, learning the ropes of the big world outside the nest, full of its challenges, which it is rising to meet on this reed. Great captures my friend !

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  3. I found the post to be quite entertaining and educational to say the least but I was truly inspired and astounded by the incredible poetic song that one of your viewers posted. Amazing.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. This is the reason we visit nature’s places. The renewal of life each season is so rewarding to observe.

    Obtaining such cool photographs of this little one would make me smile on the inside for days.

    Thank you for sharing something special.

    Liked by 1 person

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