I was filming a Greenfinch and a Chaffinch at the seed feeder. On the cables above the feeder was a juvenile Greenfinch. The adult flew up to the juvenile and started to feed it. Fascinating the amount of wing flapping the juvenile does which must be to encourage the adult to pass over the seeds. Before and after this action it was perfectly steady and could fly easily.
There might have been more to see if a gang of Starlings hadn't barged in at the wrong moment!
Starlings used to be a nuisance but non at home now. The last, a couple of years ago entertained by imitating mobile phone ring tones. We have a couple of Kestrels so they drive off or dine on the small birds.
ReplyDeleteGreat video again John.
ReplyDeleteA lot of wing flapping indeed by the little one.
Lovely footage of the greenfinch juv, John. I've seen this wonderful flapping with the house sparrows too but seeing the goldfinches do this was a real treat :-D
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your footage of the chaffinches yesterday too. Fascinating the heads bobbing about wasn't it? Have they been watching Springwatch and decided to copy other birds perhaps ;-)
Lovely video again, a very demanding and hungry little bird! Shame the Starlings came and frightened them off, typical!
ReplyDeleteThe energy expended with all that wing flapping must negate the benefit of the food consumed - but obviously not! :D
ReplyDeleteHi Adrian. Thanks for visiting. Too many Starlings certainly can be a nuisance. No Kestrels round here but do get the occasional visit from a Sparrow Hawk.
ReplyDeleteThanks Keith. All that flapping must use up energy.
ReplyDeletePleased you enjoyed the videos Shirl. I have noticed that baby House Sparrows flutter their wings when being fed. Watching the Chaffinch feeding made me wonder how they ever manage to get anything to eat with all that head wagging.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jan. I was annoyed with the Starlings arriving at just the wrong moment as I wanted to see more. Typical of them though to barge in like that.
ReplyDeleteYou would have though so, Tricia. Watching the Greenfinches feed on Springwatch the parent seems to carry a large amount of seed - now we know why :)
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