Birds

Chalk-browed Mockingbirds; Feeding time.

December 8, 2012 by Redgannet 6 Comments

It is spring in Argentina. This brood of three Chalk-browed Mockingbirds were waiting for a parent to return with food in the Costanera Sur Reserve by the Rio Plata in Buenos Aires.

I concentrated my camera on the chick on the right which was best placed, but not best pleased when an adult delivered a food parcel to one of the other siblings.

All three of them competed as loudly for their parents’ attention, but my chick had to wait for a few passes before it got its share.

It became more and more hysterical as the adults favoured the others, but was eventually rewarded with two juicy bugs.

Was it satisfied? Of course not.

It continued to cry as the adult rested for a moment, possibly wondering, (as so many of us watchers have done in our own family lives) “What do I have to do…..?”

The Chalk-browed Mockingbird has been blocked from the west coast of South America by the Andes mountain range, but they are common across the central and eastern side of the continent. They like gardens and city parks and are often one of the first birds seen by visitors.

If you liked this post and want to see more great images of birds make sure to check out 10,000 Clicks, our big (and growing) page of galleries here at 10,000 Birds.

Written by Redgannet
Redgannet worked for more than 35 years as a flight attendant for an international airline. He came to birding late in his career but, considering the distractions, doesn't regret the missed opportunities. He was paid to visit six continents and took full advantage of the chance to bird the world. He adopted the nom de blog, Redgannet, to avoid remonstrations from his overbearing employer, but secretly hoped that the air of mystery would make him more attractive to women. Now grounded, he is looking forward to seeing the seasons turn from a fixed point.