Juveniles Are Doing Nicely

The spring breeding season has seemingly gone very well indeed here at Cary BirdCam. I have been noticing one new juvenile after another for several weeks, and most appear to have made the transition to fending for themselves. Lately I've been watching a young Northern Cardinal who has had no problems finding sunflower and safflower seed (mostly the former) and a scruffy looking Red Bellied Woodpecker youngster who has gotten the swing (quite literally) of our suet baskets. I'm also satisfied that our young Gray Catbird has been read the riot act by its parents. Yesterday I watched in some amusement as this character periodically begged for a handout. It was entirely ignored by the adults. And sure enough, this juvenile managed to find a meal at my feeder cafe. All of the juveniles I have observed (so far seven species) appear healthy and vigorous. We are well on our way to a good year for the birds.