Chicklets!

For those of you who are unaware, there are two chicks in our study area that hatched several weeks after everyone else. We named them Bruce and Dee Dee. For a while there we were concerned about Bruce's chances of survival - he's several days younger than Dee Dee, and was absolutely tiny when we first measured him (approximately 70 grams). We're happy to report that, despite our concerns, he is developing nicely. In fact both Bruce and Dee Dee are very attractive chicks. Many birds go through an ugly stage when their feathers are first coming in, but these two are still adorable.


Meanwhile, our other chicks are all on the verge of fledging. Just 2-3 weeks ago, these guys looked a lot like Bruce and Dee Dee (although less handsome), but now they're looking quite sleek in their new plumage. The eye makeup is particularly striking.