American Robin fledgling - Photo: Bob Boekelheide

June is the peak of the nesting season, when many young birds leave their protective nests and parental feedings.

The growth rates of chicks in the nest are phenomenal. Each nestling robin receives over 30 feedings each day. A baby robin goes from about 6 grams at hatching to about 70 grams at fledging, increasing more than 10 times in mass in only two weeks.

Fledging is the most dangerous time in a bird’s life — many die in their first month of independence, as they learn to feed themselves and avoid predators.

It is particularly important to keep cats indoors this time of year.