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Birding/juvenile great tailed grackle left behind
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Question
My husband and I have seen a juvenile great tailed grackle several times in the last couple of weeks. We have a large gathering every summer and they leave about the first week of August. We are in Albuquerque, NM where the winters can be cold with overnight temperatures occasionaly in the upper teens. We usually have a small amount of snow here in the city. What will happen to this bird? He seems fine now-- is noisy and flying around-- but he has not seemed to master the adults varying songs. Do you have advice for how we can help? Will this young bird die when winter comes?
Birds of the same species leave a different times on migration. Juvenile birds are obviously inexperienced and tend to leave later than the adults. Many also get lost and die - migration is hazardous. This bird will most likely leave soon as migratory tendencies are genetic, so they will go when their genes tell them. There is nothing you can or should do except let nature take its course. Thanks for your concern.
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| Comment | Thank you so much-- fascinating. I get so confused when observing the birds in our neighborhood! When I can't find the answer on my own I know I can always ask you. Thanks for what you do! Lisa | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Roger Lederer
Expertise
Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.
Experience
Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.
Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico
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