Spreading Their Wings

The baby birds went directly from cute little fuzzy creatures to their dorky stage.  You know, kind of like teenagers.

Sorry.  I couldn't resist.

And besides, you know I'm kidding........sort of.

There are actually five babies in the basket, but the momma bird was freaking out so this was the best angle I could get.

These two were the last ones.  I wasn't home when the others started spreading their wings.
Believe it or not, I actually have to leave our little country paradise and go to my real job.
As I've said before, I would never go to town, if it wasn't for work, toilet paper, beer, and....well, I guess that's it.  Oh, and groceries.

And here's the last little soldier.

He's so cute.

And he's soooo scared.  Everyone has left him, and he's just not sure about this whole flying thing.

I watched him for a long.  Long.  LONG time.

And....nothing.

Then momma finally came back.  I guess she was offering some chirps of encouragement.

He's looking at his mom like, do I have to?

Okay!  Finally!

Houston, we have lift off!

Well....not so fast.

He got up on the edge and did this like 247 times.

Of course, patience is not my thing, so I missed the actual lift off.

But, wait.  There's more.

Later I looked out the window to witness one of my dogs, (and I'm not mentioning any names),
barking at my little feathered friend.

So, I ran out to chase the dog away, and in an instant, the butt-head snatched him up and threw him in the air.

Gah.  I ran for the shack and grabbed a bucket.

Threw it on top of the bird, and held the dogs back.

Yes.  I am woman.  Hear me roar.

Wranglers wasn't here to help me, cause he was out of town for a week.

I couldn't tell you all that just in case there is an axe murderer amongst you.

But, I have a gun and I'm not afraid to use it.

Sorry.  Where was I?

Oh yeah.  The bucket and the bird.

I scooped him up in the bucket, and promptly deposited him back the flower basket.

He was a little frazzled, but hey...who wouldn't be?

I'm happy to report, a few hours later, he made his first successful solo flight.

And all was well again.