Bird Bath!

After having the irrigation water on most of the day, there was quite a puddle, or should I say birdbath out in back. I caught quite a few bathers there. It got me thinking that I need a birdbath somewhere for all my little feathered friends to drop by and enjoy!

Happy Memorial Day! They're Back!

Our day began with plans to do some yard work this morning, so Bear went to get the mower and trailer from the shop. I told him I'd meet him out front at the "nesting" material on the bottom of the front step. I had left it there, thinking it would make a soft landing for the peeps if they landed on the sidewalk, but knowing they were long gone, it was time to clean it up. The next thing I knew, he was back in the house telling me to look out on the front step before I opened the door. When I did, there was one of the peeps basking in the sunshine. Upon further investigation of the steps, it looks like several, if not all of them have been back to visit! The rest were singing up in the tree. I guess it's true, you never forget where you are raised, and in your heart, I guess you never really leave! It was fun to see them back!

3.......2......1!

Before leaving for school today, I checked in on the nest. They looked at me, as if they had a story to tell. So I watched and listened......... I wondered if there were 3 or 4 peeps in the nest? I could only see 3.

The Peeps spotted Mama Penny with a worm in her mouth.

They kept a close eye on her.

The next thing I knew she came in for a landing on the steps.

Then without warning, Forte ruffled his feathers, spread his wings and....

FLEW over my head and landed on the steps below!

When I went to get a picture of him, I noticed Crescendo on a branch in the yard!

So two peeps in the nest and two out in the big world!

I knew this stance meant Piano was getting ready for flight. She was up in the tree within seconds.

Leaving only one peep in the nest. Mandy says Metso is waiting to leave last.

We're Getting Ready to Fly this Coop!

Watching these peeps today, it's getting very close to the time when they will try out their wings. At night, they barely all fit in the nest. All you can see is four little humps on top of the nest. They have begun to venture out on the rim of the tin basket, ivy branch, etc. They spend much of the day awake and watching the world with wonder. Here are the latest photos.......

Their spotted breasts are beginning to turn red.

There's room for two up and two down in the nest. They trade off."Hey, what are you hiding under there?"
Two sleeping peeps!

Serious Grubs

While taking some video of the Peeps family today, I was able to see that the baby food diet of worms has been upgraded to include grasshoppers and crunchies! I never get tired of watching this little family in action. Today, I also noticed that one parent is on housekeeping duty, clearing the nest of unwanted by products, while the other continues to feed. I thought I was watching a tennis match when a fly circled around their nest. Every one of them kept a close eye on that fly as he flew back and forth. They are really stretching their wings more too. I did a bit of research on the American Robin, and found out that the peeplings will be able to fly at 2 weeks. To my calculations, that will be this week! It often takes place at night, so we may not get to see that. Check back for updates!