Kin Domain Fledgling

Today my Kin Domain was host to a robin fledgling. While I feed my chickens the little one sat as still as could be in the grass. At one point I had to move a hose which I needed to get water for my chickens and which would have become an obstacle for the bird. As I approached the little bird with very slow movements, the mother and father birds chirped and weaved about encouraging their young offspring to take flight.

The scene reminded me of how we sound when our child is about to take first steps or ride on a bicycle for the first time. In the insistent chirps I could hear mental echoes of come on, you can do it, I know you can. Just put one foot in front of the other. or in this case, just spread your wings and flap.

And so it went from the bird parents until I reached down and gave the reluctant baby a gentle tap under the tail with my gloved index finger. The little one flew several feet and landed on a wire screen used to protect a giant sunflower. The parents were mighty happy. Many proud chirps abounded. I moved my hose to get water for the chickens. Snapped a picture of the fledgling, then left them to celebrate the happy outcome of their little chick taking flight.

What a great day!