"Enee, Menee, Mighty, Mo," my father-in-law couldn't wait to introduce us. He knew they would indefinitely hold me hostage, that I would thrill to their existence.
Four baby birds living under his roof. Ordinary barn swallows (extraordinary to me). Darlings of nature.
He urged me to see them the night I arrived, aware their nest was soon to be empty. A man who goes to the trouble of naming four baby birds understands why it's important to hurry. He didn't want me to miss their show.
So I watched them that night and again the next morning. When zoom on my camera wasn't enough, I pulled up a perch to get a closer look. (Me wobblin' on a stool at the top of a small flight of stairs, now that's a picture!)
I was spellbound. Those faces! Expressive, curious, alike and yet different.
Objects of my affection, they were impassive to my intrusion. The only thing they cared about was their mama. I had no need for eyes in the back of my head; when she approached their body language told me she was on the way.
Below is my favorite, captured with my iPhone; the only shot with all four beaks simultaneously open. They're a tiny aviary assemble!
Barn swallows are sloppy nest builders. They have no regard for their host families. But for those who can look beyond the mess, they're fun and fascinating to watch.
A few more of my favorites; I wish they were crisper shots, but I didn't realize until after the fact I needed to adjust settings.
I was serious when I mentioned my father-in-law named them; he made a sign and posted it by their nest....
But after observing them for a while, I would've renamed them....
I think I could give up television for good. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy watching my favorite shows, but give me a roaring campfire or a storm coming in on the horizon or a nest of baby birds and I'm entertained and mesmerized.
Does anything in nature do this for you? DO tell me I'm not the only one!
