Saturday, June 13, 2009

Unexpected guest

I opened the front door a few minutes ago and discovered this little visitor. About two seconds after I took this picture, I looked up in time to see an irate mama jay diving straight at my head! I got back inside in a hurry! According to our local wildlife rehab center, babies like this are fine right where they are; they are learning to fly, and their parents continue to feed and protect them. Cats beware!

There are lots of babies around now. I wish we'd been able to get some good pictures of the five little barn swallows that have been growing up right outside my supervisor's office window. Some days we don't get much done, because we're all in his office watching the birds! Four of the five have been making short forays to the nearby telephone wires, so I think they may all be gone by Monday.

8 comments:

Ruth Hull Chatlien said...

Wow, look at the adult feathers mixed in with the fluff. Fascinating.

Diane M. Roth said...

I love this picture. beautiful.

oh, and I am not making this up: the word verification is "blest."

revkjarla said...

sweeet baby....is it a blue jay?
I love to watch birds and nests, too...

Unknown said...

I don't think I've ever seen a baby jay!

Unknown said...

My son noticed sparrows trying to build nest in the outside clock on their patio less than two feet from the back door, so he stopped the clock for the time being. The kids have had a wonderful time this spring watching the construction of the nest, waiting for the babies to hatch, then seeing them "grow up." I was there the first morning they tried flying...the suspense waiting for them to return "home" was intense!

Anonymous said...

these are such great reminders of god's glorious creation... thanks!!

Jan said...

Such a nice picture. Makes me think of that children's classic "Make Way for Ducklings."

Mary Beth said...

we have lots of young robins I see on my way to work. I love talking to them!