Hello all, it's been awhile since I've posted here, but I thought you might enjoy some photos from the other day.

We have had a spectacular year for Baltimore Orioles. I love these birds, and watching them has been particularly entertaining this year. Two weeks ago we had some fledglings learning to fly and learning to feed themselves. It was great fun to see them watching their parents and trying to eat from the feeders. They were sampling both suet and the grapes I put out for them. The youngsters were terribly uncoordinated and goofy.

Here two babies are watching Dad eat grapes and getting up their courage to go join him.

One is a bit braver than the other and tries first

Watching carefully to see what Dad does

Oops, careful! Don't lose your balance!

Both siblings are there now

This one finally gave it a try but unfortunately she fell off the perch and tumbled almost to the ground!

She then grabbed onto another post and stayed there for a bit to recuperate

Just two days later the youngsters were so much more confident and capable

The parents were still feeding the fledglings as well

The fledgling Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were also working on eating grapes, and were just as clumsy and goofy as the orioles.

Getting his courage up

Yikes! Where's the brakes?

Hmmm, how do I land?

Ah success!

Grosbeaks and Orioles both enjoy the suet

The platform feeder is easiest

An adult male RB grosbeak is concerned about the Hairy Woodpecker eating his kids' suet

The house finches watch all the activity (female)

(male)

A black-capped chickadee poses

Chipping sparrow

American Goldfinch (male)

Female Northern Cardinal (a rarity for us)

And this guy is wondering if there will be any food left for him!

Thanks for looking and hope you are enjoying your summer!