A Morning with American Robin Fledglings in My Backyard

There’s something truly special about stepping out onto your deck each morning, greeted by the symphony of birdsong. You never quite know what feathered wonder you might encounter. While I often venture out on photography trips to capture wildlife, lately, my backyard has become my own personal wildlife haven.

This spring, my yard has been buzzing with activity. Several birds chose my haven for nesting, and now, the fledglings are everywhere! You might recall my recent posts featuring the adorable Eastern Bluebird and Blue Jay youngsters.

On May 7th, 2024, as I settled into my morning photography session, a precious American Robin fledgling perched right on my deck railing. Taking a few quick photos, I then sat back to observe the feathered visitors at my feeder. This little robin seemed just as interested in the activity. What a delightful way to start the day!

After a while, the fledgling hopped down to the ground, tailing its mom (or possibly dad) around the yard as it patiently fed it. Interestingly, I only observed one parent feeding both fledglings I spotted. While my birding experience might have been limited to this single encounter, research suggests otherwise. Typically, both American Robin parents are responsible for feeding the fledglings after they leave the nest. The parents will continue to bring food to the fledglings for a crucial 2-3 weeks until the young robins can manage short flights and feed themselves. Even after gaining some flight skills, they may continue to follow their parents and beg for food until fully weaned.

The fledgling eventually returned to my deck, perching on the same spot on the railing. It seemed we were both content to enjoy the morning symphony together. I even noticed the little one dozing off a few times, seemingly unfazed by my presence. Mom robin never showed any signs of distress with her youngster perched so close to me.

Later, the fledgling ventured off my deck, but not before leaving a small (and slightly unwelcome) parting gift on the railing – a reminder of the realities of nature!

These fledglings face a gauntlet of predators – cats, snakes, squirrels, and even other birds like crows, jays, hawks, and owls. Studies show that the average lifespan of a robin reaching adulthood is only two years, although there have been exceptional cases, like a one-legged male robin in Hot Springs that thrived for nearly two years, a testament to their remarkable resilience.

Despite the odds stacked against them, robins are highly adaptable birds. Here in Arkansas, they are a year-round resident, their bright orange breasts making them a familiar sight in backyards across the state. My backyard encounter with these fledglings was a beautiful reminder of the wonders that unfold right outside our doorsteps. Keep an eye out for these feathered youngsters in your own yards, and who knows, you might just witness a heartwarming story of survival and growth unfold before your very eyes.