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Borrego Springs, CA

Monday, August 30, 2010

It isn't easy being a mom (the tale of a yellow-headed blackbird)

When I take the auto tour routes on the various refuges that I’ve visited, I’ve found that using the car as a blind is one of the easiest ways of getting a peek into the lives of the creatures around me.  Such was the case yesterday.  I had been hearing the piping of many Soras (a type of rail) as I drove along the marsh.  Rails can be very elusive for a person to see, let alone photograph.  So, I pulled the car over, shut off the engine, and rolled down the windows.  I was prepared to wait a while and see if a sora came to the edge of the marsh.  As I waited, a different story unfolded before me.
_MG_4242There was such a raucous cacophony going on across from my window that I searched the reeds and found this female yellow-headed blackbird peeking out.
_MG_4233And right behind her, a youngster screaming bloody murder!  Isn’t it amazing how much bigger the baby looks than it’s mother?  It doesn’t look like it’s starving to me!  So, off she went to shop for some food.  :)  (the marsh is a veritable grocery store of insects)
_MG_4271Soon she was back with a bite for the screamer, but what’s this above her in the corner?
_MG_4272Another youngster appeared and sounded just as insistent as the first one!  What’s a mother to do?
_MG_4268 _MG_4273
She made numerous trips back and forth while the youngsters impatiently waited.  What a racket ensued whenever she got close!
_MG_4248At one point, I thought she was pursuing an insect down one of the reeds, but it turned out…
_MG_4256she was just looking for the perfect spot to take a little refreshing bath!  A lady deserves a nice soak after a morning of taking care of the kids.  :)  (I guess dad was off playing golf on a Sunday morning :))

With all that noise, no soras came poking out of the marsh, so I moved on down the road a ways.  It almost always pays off when I stop and take the time to look and listen.

Today was another drizzly, overcast day, so I hung around at home and did the laundry.  With temps only reaching the 50’s today, my hummingbird feeder has been seeing some action.  It’s giving those little birds a little boost for their high metabolisms.  Skies are supposed to clear tomorrow, so I think I’ll go investigate the town of Burn, Oregon.

Thanks for stopping by….talk to you later,  Judy    

13 comments:

  1. The young birds have to be teen-aged males. I didn't think I could ever fill up my sons when they reached 14 or so. ALWAYS hungry!

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  2. Very interesting. I would never have seen that little life story play out.

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  3. Something about birds...they hang onto their young until they get their driver's license!!! Great photos..as usual...

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  4. This is going to sound like a major 'bum kiss,' but here goes. lol

    Judy, you ought to do a children's book. Your numerous photos have a story-telling way about them, and your own narratives have a charismatic, sing-song quality about them that parents love for their kids.

    I would be surprised indeed if I were the first person to tell you that! Anyway, loved this post. You were lucky to have experienced this firsthand.

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  5. Another outstanding post today, Judy. Sarah is correct....you are a very gifted storyteller and photographer. Good combination most of us lack.

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  6. Judy, you are definitely the "Bird Lady of Blogland" - great photos!

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  7. A rare treat indeed to have seen that little feeding session. Great photos & always nice to see some creatively humorus narrative in people's blogs. Patience sure is the name of the game when it comes to wild life alright.

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  8. After four boys I have to agree with Gypsy, our 4 were botomless pits,I still have to remind my youngest who is 28 to stop staring into the refrigerator with the door open and pick something. That Mom had her hanfs full with those hungry kids.Be safe out there. Sam & Donna.

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  9. Your blog post is always so much fun to read!!!

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  10. Fantastic post today!! Cute story and superb pictures!!

    Mike & Gerri (happytrails)

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  11. Great story about the Yellow headed blackbirds. Loved the Mommy taking her bath.

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  12. Great post! Your pictures are perfect.

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  13. Terrific photo's and a great story. Thanks so much for sharing. I'll have to try the car bird blind.

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