We like sparrows and our two bird houses have been churning them out by the dozens. Yeah I know, they’re common and boring but we really like them. I’ve always wondered what happens when a fledgling takes that very first plunge out of the nest, and this afternoon I saw it. Three came tumbling out at almost the same time. For a split second tumbling is what they did. Then with a flurry of flaps it was flight time – smack into a wood fence. I guess, like toddlers of most species, they’re made of rubber because they just bounced off and headed the other way in a chorus of chirps.
Yesterday we saw another fledgling standing on the roof of one of the bird feeders trying to figure out how to get down to the ledge where the seeds were. It tried going forward, then took a shot at backing up, turned around a few times and finally opted for whatever had fallen on the ground. Yet two others on a limb were still getting hand fed by a parent. I have a couple of relations like that.
I love sitting out on the patio watching these birds. There’s nothing like it. A portion of our Daily Office gives thanks to God for our creation, preservation and all the blessings of this life. One of the great blessings of my life is to rejoice in the presence of God’s many creations just by watching what is around wherever I am.