Canada Goose goslings are guarded by their parents.

In the avian world, spring and summer months are filled with newborn birds. Male birds wear their breeding plumage to attract the females during courtship. Once a pair bonds and nest building is complete, mating, egg laying, and incubation follow.

An adult American coot interacts with offsprings.

Nestlings emerge and grow rapidly. Then they fledge and become independent from the parents before cold weather returns.

Ducklings, goslings, and coot chicks are precocial­—birds that hatch fully able to move independently and feed themselves.

A fledgling mountain bluebird waits to be fed.

Songbirds like mountain bluebirds and lark sparrows are altricia—birds that hatch helpless, naked, and with their eyes closed. They are totally dependent on their parents for an extended period.

Bird Walks August 2 & September 6, 7:30am & 8am. Walks are free but you must RSVP at www.blufflake.org/birdwatching. All are welcome. Bring your own binoculars, or borrow a pair from your guide. 11255 MLK Jr. Blvd. Search www.FrontPorchNE.com for “Bird Sightings” to see all the past bird stories and photos