Clary's Forest - ~ 6 pm, 4/16/08.

This is only the second time I've been fortunate enough to be present at the
magic moment. Compared to the 2005 fledge, which took place in June, I
witnessed this one with mixed emotions.

As I recall the prior launch, the birds left the box like paratroopers, in
even intervals with little hesitation. Each was able to fly to my balcony
rail, and then to a nearby tree, where the entire family assembled before
heading for the woods.

This year was quite different. Although the first bird seemed eager, leaning
out of the box and not allowing the mother past when she attempted to feed
the other chicks. The mother finally gave up and the chick launched, but
didn't make it to the balcony rail. I could not see where it landed on its
second flight. I was trying to be inconspicuous and not startle the
remaining chicks.

Each succeeding launch took longer, and each "flight" seemed less controlled
and more like a fall. Landings were dispersed, exposed, and vulnerable. The
last chick - number five - sat in the doorway, reducing all the questions of
life to simply "If I stay here I will certainly die. If I go, I will
probably die." Finally, decision made, the bird flew/fell to the balcony
floor, then over the side and into the relative safety of the bush below.

This morning, both parents eagerly came to my hand to get some dried grubs
and mealworms. Although they've been hand-feeding for quite some time,
especially the female, I've never known them to be that enthusiastic. At
least some of the brood had survived the night and they took the goodies to
them, hidden in the bushes and under the tarp of my neighbor's wood pile.
Later in the day it seemed the family had moved to the other end of the
building. There was a major fracas when three Blue Jays apparently spotted
what they thought would be an easy meal. The Wrens were quickly joined by
what seemed every Titmouse in the county plus a few Cardinals and other
songbirds who successfully drove them off.

My amature hypothesis is that the scarcity of insects so early in the season
would be a factor in the relative unpreparedness of the fledglings. Nest
start ~ 2/24 Eggs ~ March 16 Hatched ~ 4/1	I would guess there are
penalties for being an "early bird."

A few pictures through the screen -
http://www.avialantic.com/nature/bird_photos/balcony/wrenlaunch/

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Fred Pierce (DNRC)- avialantic.com
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