"Itty Bit's" Chicks Leave the Nest
In the early hours of Tuesday, May 23, 2023, “Itty Bit” raised a series of alarm calls. I thought her nemesis, the Pearly-eyed Thrasher, was causing problems again. When I went down to check on the situation, the excitement was about her first chick fledging from the nest.
It took me a few minutes to locate her just a few feet from the nest. She was taking cover on a small branch of a nearby Hibiscus plant. As it happens, this plant is one of “Itty Bit’s” favorite plants for nectar. The chick was female based on her light-colored neck and chest feathers.
Suddenly she flew off to a plant a few feet away and was instantly attacked by a male Green-throated Carib Hummingbird. This knocked her off balance and left her precariously holding on to a small branch. Thankfully, Mom quickly came to her rescue.
If I allowed a moment of anthropomorphization, I would imagine “Itty Bit” telling her daughter - “You can do this. Momma’s got your back!.” Within a few seconds, she had righted herself on that branch and was ready for her next feeding. Tragedy averted!
Meanwhile, the younger male chick remained in the nest while periodically testing its wings. After being wedged in with the larger female, the chick undoubtedly enjoyed being alone.
“Itty Bit” was flying back and forth between the fledged chick and the nest to ensure both were fed. She would often get behind the little guy in the nest to show him how to flutter his wings. He wasn’t convinced it was a good idea and settled back into his comfort zone.
Finally, at 3:30, it was liftoff time. He seemed astonished to find himself outside the nest cup hanging on to a branch. With a leap of faith, his wings carried him to a hanging basket and eventually into the garden. Like his sister before him, he had left behind the security of the nest for the last time.
I was surprised at the continued attacks by the Green-throated Carib on the male chick. I never witnessed this behavior before. It will be something I will research. There are more Caribs than Cresteds in the yard. The attacks were much more frequent on the male. Perhaps it was about establishing territory.
The chicks remained relatively close to the nest site on the 24th and 25th. With each day, they moved deeper into the canopy. By the 27th, they were not seen in the usual locations. On the morning of the 29th, “Itty Bit” was seen defending them from an American Kestrel intent on catching a lizard.
For the next four weeks, “Itty Bit” will continue to feed the chicks and help them find their independence. They have already begun eating bugs on leaves, but she will provide most of their nutrition.
If all goes to plan, they will move on and build their own families, and I hope they will choose my yard to do it.
“Itty Bit” you are a star!
On a personal note, I would like to thank all of you for joining me on this journey. Your questions and participation have made the experience even more fun.
My descriptions will never be as good as actually witnessing it. I hope you enjoy this companion reel of their last day in the nest!
Utterly gorgeous! You’re a star!
What a great story...