This is the time of our year, as the sun’s apparent orbit (really the tilt of our spinning earth) continues to wane towards first sunset next week, that the young birds have begun to fledge. It is first noticeable with the sudden appearance of Snow Bunting fledglings. About a week and a half ago, four of them began frequenting our decks, delighting us and the clients. Mom and pop Snow Bunting make regular forays with food for them, and they come and go as they please. It has been entertaining watching them gain skills and co-ordination.
A couple of days ago we took a drive out to the water lake. A bit of orange caught my eye (dried leaves) and when I trained my binoculars on them I noticed a movement near by. Turns out a fledgling Lapland Longspur was heading over to the truck to check us out. Still a little downy but it could fly. The male was nearby, heading into eclipse plumage, but the chestnut was still bright.
And this morning a family of Ravens fledglings was creating a deliciously raucous cacophony, begging for food from their parents near the House. The cycle of life spins on.