So a few weeks ago I found a low red-eyed vireo nest at the Mullholland Wildflower Preserve, and have been monitoring it off and on. Last week I saw the parents feeding at least two sizeable chicks - and collecting fecal sacs - and yesterday morning the nest was empty, but I did find a fledgling on a branch being fed (and heard a second one nearby unseen), and got some nice photos.
On my various visits the parents seemed a little curious at my proximity but did not seem to mind in the end (by going back about their business at the nest, which I assume they wouldn't do so readily if I'd been a bother). On yesterday's visit, I was greeted by some angry-sounding yelps from nearby robins, and when I set myself up to photograph the fledgling, I was pelted by a spray of masticated mulberry. I didn't look up in time to be certain, but I'm pretty sure it was one of the robins, and I'm pretty sure it was a deliberate sign of displeasure at my presence. But why? Was it looking out for the vireo fledgling, or was there coincidentally a robin nest or fledgling nearby I hadn't noticed? This is all speculation, but I think it might be the former -- especially given Marie's observation that the fledgling was no vireo, but a cowbird! Could the cowbird's begging be reminding the robin of a child it'd raised in the past? Or do birds engage in inter-species communal care, which past episodes have suggested might be happening? Anyhow, here are some photos: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10207178837127247&set=pcb.10207178856287726 Suan -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
