Two days ago, I noticed that some Northern Mockingbird chicks had fledged during the day. Later that evening, the plot to the east was mowed up to the fence. I was concerned.
Northern Mockingbird chick peeking at me from a fence – Nikon D500, f8, 1/200, ISO 1000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
All three of the newly fledged Northern Mockingbird chicks were hanging out on both sides of the property line, and the tractor cutting the grass and wildflowers ran right up to the fence. The young mockingbirds could take short flights, but very clumsily. They had only fledged a few hours earlier.
As I watched the empty plot of land next door get mowed, I worried that the chicks might be harmed if they couldn’t get away from the mower blades fast enough. The decking for the blades was as wide as a full-sized pickup truck.
Northern Mockingbird fledgling perched on a fence – Nikon D500, f8, 1/200, ISO 1000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yesterday morning, I wondered if I would see all three juvenile Northern Mockingbirds. After sunrise, I saw one perched on the fence, and the adult came in to feed it.
Later in the morning, I saw two on the fence at the same time and breathed a sigh of relief. At least I knew that two had survived.
Then, about half an hour later, I was able to count three of the fledgling mockingbirds at the same time and took a deep breath. They all survived the mowing.
Young Northern Mockingbird in Oklahoma – Nikon D500, f8, 1/160, ISO 1000, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Young birds of all species have to face daunting challenges to survive. They need to learn to find food and water on their own, seek shelter from the elements, and understand what to avoid in a very short period of time to survive.
These young Northern Mockingbirds fledglings stayed safe from the mower, and personally, I’m extremely happy that they did.
I wish I would have had better light and far less wind to photograph these sweet, young mockingbirds. I did the best I could, though, with the light and wind I had.
Life is good. It has challenges though!
Mia
Click here to see more of my Northern Mockingbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
Close call but with a good ending. Good shots. Thanks Mia.
Scary! I am glad they made it.
I too am glad they survived! We have fledgling juncos, robins and nuthatches in our neighborhood right now, and all I can think about are the many free-roaming cats that might catch one. How I wish that everyone thought about birds and how our behaviors/decisions impact them.
I am so very glad to learn they all survived. You heart must have been in your mouth.