American robin (fledgling)

Description:

The nominate subspecies of the American Robin is 23–28 centimeters (10–11 in) long with a wingspan ranging from 31–41 centimeters (12.2–16 in), and averages about 77 grams (2.7 oz) in weight, with a range of 59–94 g (2.1–3.3 oz). The head varies from jet black to gray, with white eye arcs and white supercilia. The throat is white with black streaks, and the belly and undertail coverts are white. The Robin has a brown back and a reddish-orange breast, varying from a rich red maroon to peachy orange. The bill is mainly yellow with a variably dark tip, the dusky area becoming more extensive in winter, and the legs and feet are brown.

Habitat:

Suburban backyard

Notes:

I have been watching this nest in preparation for the kids jumping out. The problem is, it sits in my backyard, where the dogs have access. Sadly, my daughter let the dogs out this afternoon when we got home and two of this bird's siblings had fledged earlier in the day. I discovered them after the dogs had dispatched of them and it pretty much ruined my afternoon. Knowing there was at least one more chick, I made certain that I swept the yard before letting the dogs out in the evening. Good thing because this little guy was down on the lawn. I didn't want to handle the bird but it needed to be placed over the fence and into the front yard where the dogs do not go. Boy, did I get an earful from its parents! :-)