Spoiled teenager

[Don Kondra]

Greetings,

I've been trying for days to get a good shot of these two but they are not co-operating, this is the best so far



Cheers, Don

[OldClicker]

Great capture. Cowbird? - Terry

[Don Kondra]

Thanks,

The larger bird is a fledgling cowbird and it's being fed by an adult Sparrow.

Apparently the cowbird will lay eggs in another species nest and the "adoptive" parents will raise them.

I forsee the need for some counseling

Cheers, Don

[OldClicker]

A week or so ago, I had a cowbird 'junior' following around 'daddy' cardinal for a couple of days. I just coudn't get close enough for a shot. - Terry

[scott-devon]

Very cool shot, I didn't know that about cowbirds.

[DennisT]

The narrow depth of field serves to emphasize the 'dominance' of the youngster - excellent capture in my view

[Loupey]

Apparently the cowbird will lay eggs in another species nest and the "adoptive" parents will raise them.

It can be a real problem as it forces some dwindling native species to loose offspring and spend resources on rearing the invasive species. Some species can recognize the cowbirds egg and will toss it overboard.