Day 8: A bird in the bush.....

AnniePie's taking a sick day at home with the flu or something like it, which allowed me to get out on the trail for Day Eight a good hour earlier than normal for a week day. With this heat continuing like it is and no change for the cooler in sight, this old rider needs all the early I can get!

Discovered the little guy pictured above upon returning to The Cave. He was on the ground, begging sunflower seed kernels from mom. With my arrival, mom and the other birds took to the trees. This guy did the fledgling ground shuffle some six feet to the woodpile I keep at the very back of the yard, and within mere moments was all but invisible.

A word of caution here, dear readers. 'Tis the season for fledglings to be leaving the nest, so it is not uncommon for young birds who have not yet learned their wings to be grounded. Trust me, it is part of the natural order of things, and a parent bird undoubtedly is within pecking distance, keeping an eye on the trainees. As soon as junior here was safely in the woodpile, Mama Jay immediately lit on the old lamp post beside me and proceeded to explain why my presence was neither required nor appreciated.

Of course, no way I was leaving without pictures!

So if you should happen upon a young bird on the ground and looking sadly in need of a feather makeover, please leave him be unless the bird is obviously injured or otherwise exhibiting signs of physical injury. Nine times out of ten the little guy is fine and going through that adolescent awkward phase. If something about the bird does strike you as wrong, however, leave him alone and call Wild Bird Rescue at 940-691-0828. You and the bird will be glad you did.