Hi all, looking for information about normal fledgling behavior for a downy. We've a little male who has just been hopping around on our driveway and under the bushes near our feeders. Seems to be able to flap a little, but we haven't seen him try to climb a tree or bush. He just hops looking for food on the ground, and isn't really afraid of us at all. We've had to chase him out from under the car a couple of times. He doesn't seem to be injured. There is definitely at least one female fledgling that the parents are feeding from the feeder. I haven't seen a parent near this guy, although maybe we just haven't been looking when they visit. Is this normal behavior for a downy? Any info appreciated.
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Downy fledgling staying on the ground (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter hmw
- Start date
Tired
Well-known member
That's pretty much normal behavior for fledgelings. They're often rather stupid, having not yet learned what to be afraid of. If he ever doesn't move from somewhere dangerous, it's OK to pick him up and move him a short distance- his parents won't abandon him, and it's better than him doing something like sitting in the road. Though, do watch your fingers, woodpeckers can aim their famous beaks at your hands if captured.
