By Beth Sullivan
With this extra time on our hands, I
sure hope everyone is paying attention to what’s happening outside
the windows, in the yards, in the woods. The season has changed from
spring to summer and this is truly the time of new life. Plants, of
course, burst into view during spring months, but the birds and
mammals have taken a bit longer to get settled and start their
families. Now it seems, everywhere we turn, there are youngsters out
and about testing their wings, or legs, and bringing a smile to all
who witness this wonderful stage of life. The next generation has
arrived.
I seem to spend a lot of time at my
kitchen sink, so I am glad for the distraction of the dogwood tree
and its birdfeeders. We have left our suet up this year, longer than
usual, because of the parade of young birds taking turns trying to
figure it out. The young downy woodpeckers mastered it quickly, but
they have little tolerance for siblings or other uninvited guests.
The catbird parents have been carrying suet back to their nestlings,
and now they too are attempting to get to at it themselves. They are
less graceful than the woodpeckers. These birds are fully feathered
and pretty independent now, but it has taken a while. Most birds
are pretty helpless, and featherless, for a couple of weeks before
they venture out on their own. They sit tight in the nest while
their parents deliver the food. In the case of Purple Martins and
other Swallows, the adult birds can be observed swooping over open
meadows capturing food on the wing. It has been a banner year so far,
for dragonflies. Great for the birds, not so good for the
dragonflies.
Shore birds and waterfowl, on the
other hand, are pretty much ready to run, or swim, the day they
hatch. Most nest on the ground and are very vulnerable to predation
or injury. They will not be able to fly for a while so they rely on
other means of protecting themselves. The most important thing is
their coloration, excellent camouflage in their habitat. The little
shorebirds have legs that are like those of a kid with a growth
spurt: long and gangly with big feet.
The water birds don’t look quite
so awkward and are capable of darting quickly toward water and
swimming to keep up with the rest. If you are lucky enough to be
able to observe one of these species, be patient; watch for a while
and you will be entertained by some truly funny antics as the birds
learn how to search for food and try to preen.
A wide open beak at the door greets the adult tree swallows. Photograph by Rick Newton. |
Day old purple martin hatchlings are totally helpless |
Those long legs really work! Photograph by Rick Newton. |
These ducklings can swim and search for food within a day or two of hatching. |
Young American Oystercatchers blend into their surroundings for protection. Photograph by Rick Newton. |
Young mammals are even more fun
At the same kitchen window I have
watched young squirrels do very awkward things as they try and figure
out the best way into a squirrel-proof feeder. After a few
embarrassing falls, the little ones just pop up from the bushes where
they fell, look around as if to see if anyone witnessed their
mistakes, and then try it again. They seem to be quite agile as soon
as they emerge from the nest. Raccoons are the most inquisitive.
Being able to witness the sibling relationships in a family of young
raccoons makes it easier to see how they can figure out how to get
into a locked, secured, tied-down metal can of birdseed. They plot
together. Some of the most endearing youngsters I have seen are the
young foxes. This year a number of people have reported dens very
close to their homes. How lucky! It is thought that the adults choose
to live closer to humans to protect themselves from the larger
coyotes that would be dangerous to their young. They really are like
a cross between a puppy and a kitten, in their appearance and their
antics. Litters of animals have the benefit of learning by playing
with one another, like kids in school.
Deer usually have a single fawn, or
occasionally twins. Shortly after birth they are able to walk
awkwardly and are very obedient when advised by the doe to stay put
and bed down in the grass while she goes off to feed. It seems that
only when mom is around, and deems it safe, that they will cavort and
run.
A raccoon family can get into a lot of mischief. |
Fox kits offer the best entertainment. Photograph by S. Sorensen |
Summer is a good time to be a child
It is time to
explore, to grow, and to learn. It is time to get legs underneath and
wings strengthened to fly. Human children need their parents longer
and learn life lessons over many years. Take this summer time, with
your child or any child in your circle, and get out to teach them the
wonders that we can experience now. Make this time count. Stretch
their minds and their hearts with love and learning of nature. Take
a lot of photos of the small things they see, so they can remember
the stories and experiences this winter when we may be closed back
in. Gather treasures in a special box to help them remember being
young in the summer. It is good for the adult soul, too.
Take time this summer to explore and teach the young ones in your life. |
Photographs by Beth Sullivan unless
otherwise indicated.
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