Juncos May 2009
Some Bird books report that Juncos, which in Georgia breed only in a small range in the northernmost mountains, make their nests on the ground in a well concealed area. In 2008, we had at least two nests in ferns handing from our deck. The following nest of eggs was first seen and photographed the weekend of May 9-10 in a decorative container of dried evergreen immediately next to the cabin's kitchen door (our only ground-level entrance).
Mama Junco incubates the eggs, and she eventually learned that it was not necessary to fly away each time someone entered or exited. Mama and Papa Junco raise the chicks which means feeding and, especially before they get many feathers, covering them to keep them warm. After hatching, one parent would fly each time someone entered or exited but the other (presumably the experienced Mama) did not. The next picture was taken May 19.
The following photo was taken May 23, As may be seen, they have many feathers now and can huddle for long periods alone and stay warm. Neither Mama or Papa has been seen sitting on the nest for the past three or four days, although both can be seen to come and go with food.
Morning of May 25, I had the good fortune to see the fledglings fly from the nest at the beckoning "Chip" of Mama or Papa. Within 5 minutes, all four had flown.
Number 1 gets ready to fly.
Number 2 gets ready.
Number 3.
Number 4 not sure what this man looking at him is doing, but he soon turned and flew away.
