I would not have believed this if I had not seen it with my own eyes and I am glad I was able to photograph it.
The Female Re-winged Blackbird and the Scissortail Flycatcher are both feeding the same young. While the Blackbird was on the nest the Scissortail stood guard nearby, but they both took turns feeding.
Response from Roger Lederer at www.ornithology.com:
Well, this is unique. I have never seen or heard of anything like it and I just don’t have an explanation. This is one for the ornithological literature. If you didn’t have photos I would not have believed it.
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very strange! Never heard the like. Could you see if there were two species of chicks?
Stephen, I was unable to get that close but sure wanted to know. I will keep an eye on them as they get older.
Hey Steve Totally Awesome!!! Have never seen any pics like these, hope you will be able to get more of this unusual happening.
You have a God given talent and He sends you wonderful opportunities to share and bring joy to the world thru your lens. I look forward to see what’s next. Judi
Wow. That is amazing. Great observation!
Thanks Judi and Moe!
There are other records in the literature of different species feeding nestlings. Something about the parental feeding stimuli being triggered to respond to begging young. If the legitimate parent birds don’t mind those are the best fed young in the neighborhood!
example: http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1676/08-085.1?cookieSet=1&journalCode=wils
Thanks Jamie for the Link.
Remarkable!
Truly amazing…
Like others (Steve included), I’d not have believed it if I hadn’t seen the photos.
Who knows, in this wired world, what other unbelievable natural phenomena await discovery and documentation?
I can’t wait to see what the chicks turn out to be.
Many thanks for posting, Steve.
Wow! This interaction is breathtaking to view…. beautifully captured.
This is absolutely fascinating. Superb photography and a rare opportunity make for one incredible shoot. Thanks for sharing!!
Amazing! by the now the young would have been brown up.
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