Baby Great Blue Herons

Fledglings, that's the proper term. Birds who have just learned to fly. They're cute and perhaps a little dumb at this stage...

I took these photos today. The final batch of blue herons are down from their treetop nests and they're flying around... and standing around, and allowing me to get way too close frankly. I don't think they've figured out what humans are at this stage.

Trying not to put any pressure on the birds, I stand back a few yards. Eventually, this bird has had enough of the camera and flies over to a small island in the pond.

I wait a long time while the bird practices fishing. It's a branch or a bubble every time. No fish.

There are fish in this pond and I've watched adult birds catch them many times. Not this little fledgling though. Seems happy enough however, wouldn't you say?

I believe these last two shots are also babies. When the adults fly they always seem to be on a mission. They fly away in a straight line and disappear. Later, they will return with a fish, or a branch for the nest. There seems to be some purpose behind what they do.

Not these guys however. They were just flying around in lazy circles, going nowhere. Just having fun!

FeatheredFriday is hosted by @melinda010100

All photos were taken by me, @keithboone. Please click for a larger view.