2017 was another great summer for nesting birds at Douglas Park! More than 20 kinds of birds raised their babies in the park. A half dozen other bird species captured food in the park and took it to their babies in far-off nests. Now those mostly-grown babies (like herons and gulls) have come to Douglas Park to find their own food
The photos below show baby birds in their nests (nestlings), birds that have just left their nests (fledglings), and birds that have their own special baby names (ducklings and goslings). There are also photos of parent birds singing near their nests, feeding their babies, and protecting their young.
Mother Cooper’s Hawk at her nest, bit of a fuzzy white nestling visible
Parent Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (in front) just fed its fledgling
Fledgling Gray Catbird in the sanctuary
Young Cooper’s Hawk almost ready to leave the nest.
Mother Cooper’s Hawk protecting her fledglings
Father American Robin has food for his babies.
Young Black-crowned Night-Heron in Douglas Park, left its nest at Lincoln Park Zoo
Mother Baltimore Oriole, just fed her nestlings
Fledgling American Robin waiting for a parent to bring a meal
Young Downy Woodpecker looking for food on tree trunks
Young Brown-headed Cowbird finding its own food on the lawn
Young Common Grackle finding its own food on the lawn
Fledgling Barn Swallow watching its parents catch flying insects for it to eat
Young Great Blue Heron on the sanctuary lagoon
Mother Pied-billed Grebe caught a fish for her baby
Mallard ducklings
Canada Goose gosling
Parent Eastern Phoebe with beak full of bugs for its babies
Mother Pied-billed Grebe leads her eight babies
Young European Starling taking a rest break
Fledgling Eastern Kingbirds waiting for a parent to bring a meal
Young Ring-billed Gull looking for snacks on the soccer field
Father Indigo Bunting singing
Nature in Douglass Park 