Riding the Rapids ...

Riding the rapids ... and more from the bird nursery.

Shortly after 7pm last evening, when the sun was below the hills and the light beginning to fade, we received our hoped-for summer treat when Mrs. Common Merganser led ten chicks down the river behind our home. I had to run for my camera, and missed them as they went over the "big" falls. But then they gathered to ride the rapids ...

Common Merganser mothers gathers ten chicks in preparation for riding the rapids

Let's go gang ...

In addition to the treat of seeing the mergansers, there is also the reassurance that the river and its environs is rapidly recovering from the violent scouring it received last year from Hurricane Irene. Additional evidence is seen in this Belted Kingfisher which emerged from a dive with a fish in its mouth. He has been foraging up and down the river, and in the last few days has been pursued by a youngster noisily demanding food ...

Belted Kingfisher (male) pauses across the river with food for young

 The backyard nursery continues in full swing. The jays and grackles are raucous and demanding. By far, the quietest, and I could say most polite, are the Rose-breasted Grosbeak fledglings. They flutter their wings inconspicuously while softly peeping for food ...

Fledgling Rose-breasted Grosbeak calling for food

All of the young are beginning to get the idea that mom and dad only feed them for a short while. Then they have to figure things out for themselves. This young Evening Grosbeak has definitely gotten the idea ...

Juvenile Evening Grosbeak deftly cracks sunflower seeds

Good birding!