This is the last photo I took of Little Crooked Beak. At this point, I thought he was ready to fly off, so I went into the house. I left my security screen door open because the cats were still out watching him.

In a flurry of noise I turned and saw that Little Crooked Beak had followed me into the house, followed himself by the two cats! Once birds get into an enclosed area, they have a hard time figuring out how to get back out, so it was a bit chaotic for a few minutes. I went outside and got a branch I had cut down and asked the bird to "step up" onto the branch. At this point he was nose to beak with the more agile cat. The cats really don't know what a bird is... maybe just another funny looking cat. He obediently followed my instructions ( now I really know he thinks I'm his mommy) and I was able to take him back outside.

After that he finally flew off into the sunset. I didn't see him again, but hopefully, he will come 'home' and check in with mommy another day.