Thrush chick... With no parent in site or sound for me this was a difficult one to walk away from...... ): The chicks are ready to fledge at 13-14 days, but if the nest is disturbed, they can leave as early as nine days old. They creep and flutter from the nest, and remain in nearby cover for a few days. They are more or less flightless at first, but within a week can fly well. They continue to be fed by the parents while they are learning to find and handle food themselves. The young birds will be independent about three weeks after leaving the nest. Fledged young are often left in the care of the male, while the female prepares for the next nesting effort. Nestlings from later broods can be found until August. There are considerable losses at egg and chick stage, with only a third of nests producing fledged adults. Captured within a country park nr Bigglesawade Beds England.