Family
While I’m shooting photographs of birds in my backyard I’m at the same time observing the action happening of the scene through the zoom lens_ I want to know what is going on. I don’t limit myself to just get some shots and find out later what was happening there.
When you see a couple of House Finch flying in company their three fledglings and land near the bird feeders. It’s the beginning of a sweet and tender scene that you won’t forget. The three little birds wait for their parents to take turns and transfer food into their bills. They are doing motions typical of immature birds, such as rapidly trembling and shaking their wings, opening their bills, all indications of hunger and impatiently demanding for food.
Each of the parents proceeded to give more food to their chicks and tried to satisfy their appetite.
Later on, I observed another amazing action. One of the parents is feeding itself with seeds while one of the fledglings is watching and asking for more food. The parent refused to give it more! After a few minutes of the same, the little bird walks to the seed saucer on the deck and imitates the parent. The little bird just learned how to feed itself!
I find this natural behavior or instinct very interesting!
“One thing is to read about it in a book but to witness it in real life is …priceless!”
I’m posting a series of pictures today that might give you an idea of what I’ve just mentioned above. I hope that you will enjoy them!
Text and photographs © HJ Ruiz – Avian101
H.J. Ruiz - Avian101 
So very endearing. It is so much fun to watch the fledglings. Sometimes I find myself sympathizing with the exhausted parents, but I liked this one who drew the line. 🙂
That’s right Jet! “The excess of anything will always be too much!” 🙂
Thank you dear!
Your photos amaze me; you get the best shots of birds. I watch my feeder however, can never seem to get a worthy photo…
That’s ok Nanette happens to me too…with my writing! 🙂 Thank you!
Had a house finch made a nest in the front porch. It was a great experience watching the progress,
and now I feel a certain bond with this bird. Thanks for sharing these lovely photos, HJ. 🙂
Thank you Sharifah for sharing your experience too! 🙂
Really beautiful HJ… It is a pleasure to read your posts and see your Great photos,
Best wishes, Aquileana 😀
Thank you dear! 🙂 Same to you!
Yes I enjoy them very much. My prefered is the last but one. It is absolutely beautiful.“One thing is to read about it in a book but to witness it in real life is …priceless!” – yes, very wise words!!! Thanks for sharing. Amitiés!
Thank you very much Frederic! I appreciate it! 🙂
Great post, HJ. Yeah, I love to see the “aha” moment happen for fledglings. It’s like the freedom that goes along with being able to feed yourself outweighs the protection your parents provided. 🙂
Thank you Lisa for sharing, you’re right about that too! 🙂
Endearing story, H.J, and wonderful photos to accompany it!
Thanks Amy! I appreciate it! 🙂
HJ Ruiz ! – how could anyone in the WORLD not enjoy them ?! – and your observations, as well ! A bloke with a heart is always going to take better shots than someone who doesn’t care about what’s going on …
Thank you for your kindness M-R! 🙂
Very interesting discoveries.
Yes! Thank you Cynthia! 🙂
BEAUTIFIL BIRDS…….SINCERELY ANDREA:))
Thanks Andrea! 🙂
While we were in Cherokee Steve and I watched in fascination the endearing scenario you just described.
It’s a precious moment to remember. Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂
Thank-you for the lovely photos HJ. We have been watching the fledglings in our garden learning to feed – really interesting to see how quickly they figure out what to do.
Thank you very much Clare for sharing! 🙂