Focus on nature[TM].

The chicks sure are growing fast thinks the LEAST BELL'S VIREO (Vireo bellii pusillus). Instead of raising 3 small, delicate chicks she is caring for 3 giant, voracious chicks. Its happened again. These chicks are brown-headed cowbirds. The cowbird parents tricked the vireo into raising their young. This is a problem for the endangered vireo's survival but a brilliant strategy for the prolific cowbird. The nearly-exhausted female leaves her nest in search of yet another meal. She flits around in the dense, riparian foliage growing along the Amargosa River here in Inyo County, California. A wiggling larva on a leaf of a willow tree catches her eye and is quickly consumed. When maternal responsibilities are over and the signals of changing seasons approach, the least Bell's vireos will fly to warmer climes south of the border to relax. Artwork and text by Rochelle Mason. Copyright 1998-2003 www.rmasonfinearts.com [phone]