Hurry! Come quick! I heard him say as I was trying to cook dinner. I wonder what it is this time, I thought.

"Mommie, look how close I can get to this bird."

Oh boy, here we go... That feeling is one I often get when the Entomologist yells something like this. He usually wants to pick whatever "it" is, up. That just isn't a good idea with a 5 year old. They try to be gentle, but we both know they are a little heavy handed.

Then my eyes spotted him. Sitting on the rope ladder of the swing set.

"Is he alright?" I asked, thinking that perhaps he had been attacked by "our" dog, or the neighbors.

Much to my suprise, it was a baby, that most apparently was learning how to fly. He was visibly shaking, no doubt very fearful of our presence. He didn't chirp, or call out for his mommie. I had to wonder where she was, and if she was going to attack us.

Of course I had to run inside to grab my camera. By this time, the little bird was calming down, I suppose that he was getting used to the faces he was seeing, even tho very large. I took a few snaps, then he moved on. Hopping around, trying to find his way. He went into a flower bed, and that is where I was able to get this image. I wanted so badly to pick him up and place him back in his nest, but where was it? Before I could do a scan of the nearby trees, he was hopping off again. This time into the neighbors yard.

I decided that he was going to be okay, and that dinner wasn't if I didn't get back inside. The Entomologist stayed outside to make sure that the baby bird found safety.

I have to wonder where the Mommie bird is, and if she is okay this evening. Does she miss her little baby bird the way that I know I will when that time comes? Perhaps she found her baby, and he is safe back in the nest, or perhaps he went back home because he found out just how cruel the great big world is out there.

Either way, I am glad that both of my baby birds are fast asleep tucked into their beds safe and warm.... for at least another 15 years.