Sunday, June 21, 2015

Fathers' Day - Avian Dads

HAPPY FATHERS' DAY !!!
It being Fathers' Day I thought I'd show off some busy Dads including mine back in 1962! And here are some Avian Dads... 

We have four more houses occupied by Violet-Green Swallows.
This house is feeding babies.

This poor father was taken aback by the feather hanging from the house entrance.  He waited until the wind blew the feather off before entering the house.

This house is a bit further behind. No sounds of cheeping yet - so this is a Father-to-be.

I am so pleased that this house under a Big Leaf Maple has tenants. The blur to the upper right is a Black-capped Chickadee.

While the Swallows are still feeding and raising babies, the House Finch youngsters have fledged. This young one perched nearby to keep a close eye on...

...Dad and Mom

I was charmed watching this House Finch father school is three chattering children.

"We're waiting for Dad! Where is he?"  

"Dad!  You are here!" (Youngster wiggles tail feathers in delight!) 

More wiggling and twittering while Dad says, "Hey everyone settle down!  I'm just one bird don't you know!"

"Kids!," says Dad House Finch, "Even when they've flown the nest, they're still your kids!"

Can you imagine being the father of 8, 10, or 15 babies? 

The California Quail Dads have their work cut out for them.

They are extremely good, protective Dads.

Here is a newly fledged male Red-Shafted Flicker.  Note how pale and smudged the red line is beneath his bill. 

In comparison, Daddy Flicker has a bright red strong line beneath his bill.

The father and son were hanging out together.

Son begged and begged, and Dad , as Dads often do, gave in!

"Kids!"

4 comments:

Margaret said...

What a fun post! Loved seeing all the babies and the dads too. I have the feeling we're about the same age from your pic of your dad. Great pic!

Vickie said...

Loved your picture! And a DOG! ;)
What cute avian dad pictures.

Barb said...

What a fun post. That's a great photo of your dad and such good little bird dads!

Maggee said...

What fun pictures! I have loads of House Finches... and you can tell the newly fledged ones... Sometimes I get 7 or more at a time on the two feeders! Once in a while a male feeds a female, but whether it is Dad feeding a kid or his wife... not there long enough to determine that!