Birds in hats

Birds in Hats

Last year we told you about a pair of Scrubwrens that continued to build their nest on our hat rack, in Sue's strawhat. They would leave the nest at night as a resident python was always close at hand, this meant we did the “birdsitting” at night time. This year they did the job themselves, as the python was nowhere to be seen.

Other years we have not been lucky enough to watch the leaving of the little ones, but as sometimes happens, you can be in the right place at the right time.
How wonderful it was to watch the little ones try their wings, not too successful at first, crash landed on the verandah floor, but mum and dad close at hand to coach the little ones that next step, up in a bush, a bit of food for the next try, then off again.

This time hopping along, then trying the wings again, they do work after all, one step at a time, another crash landing , one more try, and yes we can make that next branch, may as well try for another one, no go, crash landing again, hop this time along the ground, another encouragement from mum and dad, trying again, and within a few hours, there they are , flying.

Still being fed by the parents, but now out of the most dangerous place of all for a little bird, the nest. It is where all the predators eventually can find them, so the parent birds try to coach the little ones out as soon as possible, they are safer outside.

In springtime wildlife carers often get young birds in, not needing to come into care, but as in this case, they have left the nest before they can fly, the parent birds are usually close at hand, feeding and watching over them.

At this time it is easy to pick them up, but before you do, make sure no parent birds are there, wait a while and watch, you may just find that the bird has been “parked” and told to wait, whilst mum or dad is out finding that next delicious meal..

17 January, 2010