The Good Dad!

I spend a good bit of time watching the critters about the hillside.  Occasionally, I am astounded by the actions of some of these animals especially in the care of their offspring.  In the Avian World, especially, I have noticed that the dads play quite a large role in the lives of the little ones.  Sure, a few of the male birds leave the entire child-rearing job up to the females but there are many that can be considered to be the "perfect dads".   

This morning, I watched as the House Finches took their turn at the feeders.  I could hear the telltale, high-pitched chirps of fledglings mixed in among the steadier chirps of the adult birds.  This could be interesting!  The interaction between Daddy Finch and the little ones proved to be heartwarming.  At first, the little ones sat high on the cross bar of the feeding station.  They fluttered their wings and called for food.  Dad and Mom spent their time feeding seemingly oblivious to the demands to the younger generation.  Each took their dear, sweet time shelling out numerous sunflower seeds.   I though perhaps they were trying to wean their little ones from the free-feeding habits.  I was wrong.

After what must have seemed like eons to the little tykes, Daddy Finch finally flew up to the roost where one lucky youngster received breakfast!  All of the seeds that Daddy Finch had shelled were..umm.."shared" with his offspring.  He actually regurgitates the partially digested seeds into the mouth of the fledgling.  As nasty as that sounds, since House Finches only feed on plant matter, this is a must for survival.  

Also, part of the survival of this particular bird depends upon Daddy Finch taking care of the fledgling birds. Once the little ones leave the nest, Mama bird immediately starts the process over again.  She does not have time to teach the youngsters the fine art of finding food.  Her job is to build a nest, lay eggs and incubate those eggs.  She will help feed the little ones until they fly.  Once that happens, Daddy Finch takes over and continues to raise the little ones until they can be on their own.  His job does not end there.  He also feeds the mother as she incubates the eggs.  I am thinking this dad should receive the "Dad of the Year" award for the care he takes of his wife and children!  He is one amazing father!