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Mockingbird Family Feeding Teaching Learning

noemail@noemail.org (Jennifer Darden) — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 22:59:10 -0400

Have you ever wondered how do parent birds communicate, "stay in the bush out of sight while I go find food for you?" These innocent babies venture out into the world and then scoot back into the security of my gardenia bush. So adorable:)

Rare to see this much of a mockingbird family for this long but it's so worth the lengthy video. This is why we need to fight for the preservation of forests and other natural wildlife habitats, even the greenery in your own backyards!

Even the fiercest feathered warrior is a tender patient parent. Mockingbirds will courageously charge at crows, cats, squirrels, even predators as large as humans to defend their nests and babies. Here you see the softer side of the bold brave mockingbird.

I was so fortunate to be in the position to capture this precious moment of young mockingbirds being fed and learning to hunt on their own. They have to grow up and become self sufficient so fast. I consider myself a foster mom and have a hard time letting go. Witnessing the parents giving them the nudge to independence can be difficult. I always think, they're not big enough...they're not ready! I picture them bedding down at night on a limb all alone...I know crazy, but they're my babies and I'm very invested in their survival.

In the summer, as you're driving past tree-lined roadways, especially in or near residential areas drive slow and stay observant because parents are working hard to feed and to teach their youngsters. When babies fledge it's very easy for them to end up on the edge or in the road. Also, mom and dad work hard flying back and forth across the street frenetically capturing food and are not aware of speeding cars.

And I must put out there, please don't chop down trees without checking for birds' nests. I understand that sometimes a tree must be removed but birds are losing habitats faster than we can replace it. You may be aware of these suggestions since you're watching wildlife videos but please pass it on! Our feathered friends need all the help we can give them.

Do you have mockingbirds in your yard? What precious baby bird moments have you captured this season? Please share your experiences and any birding tips are always welcomed!

Robins, Thrasher, And A Mystery Bird Battle Over The Bird Bath

noemail@noemail.org (Jennifer Darden) — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 21:20:44 -0400

How do robins communicate that it's communal bath day?

Does one bird decide, these feathers need washing...let's go to our favorite watering hole.

Does one robin land, begin splashing around, and one by one the rest of the flock follows?

The above splish splash session includes a stand off between Thrasher and Robin and ends with a young bird (I'm not sure what the little cutie is) totally hogging the bowl :) Who knew bathing could be so competitive! And I have three tubs in the yard, then one for my smaller birds and a drinking cup on the deck.

Robins aren't daily visitors but are very territorial of the tubs, chasing other birds away and even squabbling with each other. They run, hop from one bowl to another, and stand glaring at any intruder that interrupts their bath time. It's really funny when they're outside the tub fluttering up and down in the grass while another bird is bathing.

Sometimes adorable moments don't wait for me to get outside and into position. In this case I was in the den catching this through the patio door. If I had tried to open it or go all the way out the side door they'd have been spooked and the flock would have scattered. So always have a camera handy because you never know when your feathered friends are going to strike a pose :)

So what kind of Kodak moments are you capturing with your backyard birds? Babies being fed, turf wars, battles over the chow. Please share in the comments below! I love hearing from other wildlife lovers :)

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Feeding My Gardenia Obsession

noemail@noemail.org (Jennifer Darden) — Tue, 8 Jul 2014 22:46:19 -0400

Every year I long for the lingering sweet aroma of supple gardenia petals.

When the succulent season gets in full swing, flat surfaces in every room of my house are decorated with bunches of stark white bouquets.

Waking up to the intoxicating scent is worth every extra allergic sniffle and sneeze that the short floral season brings.

Each flower surprises you with a unique shape...

Here's a peek at one of the plant's tiny inhabitants...

I love adding a little artistic flair to Mother Nature's delicate creations!

The harsh winter temps fried some of its foliage and has decreased the total harvest, but these beauties are still emerging.

Equally gorgeous as a black and white painting...

This was first thing in the morning after a light rain.

I try to resist the urge to pick them early so that all of their luscious layers have a chance to unfold.

But their perishable petals will wilt in the sweltering humidity of summer. So sometimes I have to pluck them a bit prematurely.

Hopefully you're enjoying the seasons brief bursts of bountiful flowers, herbs, and produce! It's sad to let each one go but at least there's always another treat to look forward to :)

Bird Watching In Virginia Beach: Bluejay Feeding Frenzy At My Bird Feeder

noemail@noemail.org (Jennifer Darden) — Wed, 4 Jun 2014 22:30:11 -0400

A fleeting moment that I may never see again. Six energetic blue jays in a feeding frenzy at one of my bird feeders! I believe it was mom, dad, and four babies or the parents, three babies, and one intruder. Hard to tell as the little ones are the same size as the grown ups. The only way to differentiate is the adorable fluttering of the wings exhibited by the youngsters as they impatiently wait for a mouthful of protein-laden peanuts. With such a distressingly high death rate it's amazing that these dedicated parents were able to raise this many babies and prepare them to be on their own.

As a human voyeur of wildlife you must be prepared with camera in hand at all times to capture the cutest action. Unfortunately, this priceless Kodak moment occurred when I was in my kitchen so the window and screen is between me and my squawking subjects. You can see the frenetic activity but are unable to hear their loud hungry voices.

Enjoy and pass it on to the bird lovers you know....

Bluejay Family In A Feeding Frenzy At My Bird Feeder from Jennifer Darden on Vimeo.

Bird Photos And Poem: When Wild Birds Become Feathered Friends

noemail@noemail.org (Jennifer Darden) — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 12:42:20 -0400

Welcoming birds into your yard is a labor of love and a lesson in humility.

Agile and adaptable, I'm in awe of how they forge through life with amazing ability.

Faced with humans cutting trees down that send nests crashing to the ground,

or the force of Mother Nature blowing their homes down.

Crows gobble up eggs as soon as they are laid.

Mom and dad fight to defend each clutch, but still a high price is paid.

From the mockingbird that choruses all night long,

To the robins who begin their melodies at dawn.

From the thrashers teaching their young to hunt for prey,

To the cardinals deciding it's time to push their babies away.

Birds leave an indelible mark on your heart.

Every time they feed a beak full of food to their babies, who will soon grow up and quickly depart.

When wild birds warm and become feathered friends,

An unusual bond and treasured trust begins.