Sunday, July 26, 2009

Baby Red-Eyed Vireo

I had this on Twitter but no one commented so I put it up here. Last week, I was up on our back pasture collecting old hay for mulch. I was driving our UTV (like an ATV but with cargo load). I heard a bird calling frantically. I stopped the vehicle and walked back, thinking I might see a snake or other predator. But, a Red-Eyed Vireo was trying to get me away from a nest I thought but I searched in nearby trees to no avail.



Finally I spotted this baby Vireo on the ground. As I edged closer, he looked at me but didn't seem too frightened. Hopefully, he was able to fly toward his mother who was in a nearby tree.

I don't know what it is about the Red-Eyed Vireos but I have seen many of them this year. When the field guide says they are common in wooded areas, they mean it.

Yesterday, I saw a baby Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher in a crevice of a landscape log (also popular with my cats for scratching). I watched the father frantically calling to the fledgling to fly to him. After awhile, the young bird did fly up into a dogwood tree. Then they both flew away to the safety of the woods, far from the cats.

At the feeders, I saw male purple finches feeding their young too. I see this pretty often as the fledglings make a lot of noise and so I check the feeder.

P.S. I took the advice from the previous comments on how to post this photo. it's still not as clear as the original photo.

11 comments:

  1. Oh, how sweet! Or goofy, I'm not sure. :o) I hope he and mom were reunited.

    (The resolution is pretty good with a double-click.)

    ~Jain

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  2. I did not see this on twitter! This little guy is sooooo cute! And Jain is right, if you double click on the pic the resolution is great!

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  3. Oh, what a face on that little vireo! It looks as though it has quite an attitude!

    Carolyn H.

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  4. What a sweet little baby! Glad you posted here because I refuse to follow anyone on Twitter.

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  5. Jain--I am sure mom scolded him after I left!

    Kerri--he was very cute and not at all afraid of me.

    NCmountainwoman--don't get on Twitter much but am still trying to decide if it is good use.

    lisachasos--thanks for visiting!

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  6. Carolyn H.--he does seem to have an attitude. Thanks for visiting.

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  7. Oh what luck to get such a cute photo of the precious little babe.
    Rita

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  8. He's adorable, and I thought your photo was great. I too don't follow twitter so I'm glad you posted the fellow here.

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  9. Hope the young vireo found its way! I guess this time of year some make it and some dont.
    I just noticed you are on twitter also.so I am following u now!
    see u there!

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