Male American Redstart
I went birding up on Route 610 and the Blue Ridge Parkway yesterday and today, and will post a more complete report later in the week. But I wanted to share a special birding day now. I've been monitoring an American Redstart nest up on the Blue Ridge Parkway since May 31st. Each day, including yesterday, I've seen either the male guarding the nest, or the female on the the nest. When I got there this morning, papa was perched next to the nest.
Male American Redstart
But a few minutes later, both the male and the female were foraging near the nest, but neither of them were at the nest. I wondered if perhaps the eggs had hatched. It only took a couple of minutes to get my answer.
American Redstart chicks (eyes still closed)
American Redstart chicks (eyes still closed)
American Redstart chicks (eyes still closed)
There were three chicks in the nest.
American Redstart mama and chicks
American Redstart mama and chicks
American Redstart mama and chicks
American Redstart mama and chicks
American Redstart mama and chicks
American Redstart mama and chicks
American Redstart mama and chicks
American Redstart mama and chicks
American Redstart mama and chicks
American Redstart mama and chicks
American Redstart mama and chicks
American Redstart mama and chicks
American Redstart mama and chicks
And to make these chicks' birthday even more special for me, today is also my birthday!