H.J. Ruiz – Avian101

Today’s a great day for me. Especially when my interest for birds has grown more and more.I’d like to give my sincere thanks to my friend Mrs. Jennifer G. for her tremendous cooperation and unlimited patience. She has been an essential factor in this process.

Getting ready to fledge

I’ve been able to witness the House Finch hatching and growth of the nestling all the way to becoming fledglings.

From the first steps.

I have learned a bit about how the House Finches built the nests: First with dried grass blades they weave them in circular shape on what looks like of an inverted hat .

Then when eggs were laid, some fibers and threads were added as well as down feathers making a warm bed and comfortable (Delicate eggs) .

Day by day the nestlings grew bigger, new steps were taken: the nest had to be expanded and made strong to hold the occupants. The Finches parents proceeded to use their feces to reinforce the edge as if was cement, thus creating a bowl like cavity strong enough to support the nestlings and the weight of the parents.(Amazing) (1)

It's almost time!

Finally the day came, Jennifer came to tell me that the four baby Finches had fledged the nest! At 7:30 am to be exact. I chased one of them across the street and took a couple of shots of it.(2) They all went in different directions. I saw the Finch parents watching from the roof (3). Good luck for all the Finch family!

I guess that this account of events got to an end. A happy ending indeed!

It's a go!

Nest (1)

Across the street (2)

Worried parents watching (3)

Photographs are © HJ Ruiz and Jennifer G.