So Time Flies

So Time Flies... we have been in our house nearly 5 years, and this spring I am really into birds. We keep up our bird feeder and it attracts a wide range of birds. I remember when Cruz was first born, that spring we had a nest outside our window but I didn't pay a lot of attention (and we were sleep deprived and changing mucho diapers).

This spring we are blessed to be hosting a fine young family of cardinals in our shrub outside the dinning room window. It reminded me to keep the bird feeder stocked to Mama wouldn't go hungry on breaks from the eggs, and that they would be healthy.

I tracked it, watched it, and was impressed. Mama would sit on those eggs, through some majorly cold dogwood nights, she sat. Through a couple serious storms, she sat, didn't budge, and I like to think didn't complain. She did her mama bird job, put the eggies first.

Cruz enjoyed looking at the nest, and watching Mama and Papa freak out if we got to close. I swear a couple of times Papa Cardinal was prepared to enter a death match which Cruz... 4 oz bird vs 30 pound toddler would be a tough match up. However, it appeared that Papa Cardinal was ready to enter the ring should the need arise.

We left town for three days, and on our returned we were greeted by multiplied tweets. Three small, ugly, wide open mouths shouting for food gave us a well received welcome home. Cruz loved it, and I enjoyed trying to snap a few good shots through the foliage of the shrub.

We check the birds each morning, and when coming home (shrub is between driveway and house). Our second day back, two of the babies we found out and about. Clinging for life to a branch, one hiding in a hydrangea bush, and Mama and Papa freaking out each time we got close. Cruz would say hi and bye to his baby birdies.

Tonight, walking on the side of the house Papa card flew over me, pissed... so I knew... a baby was close. I looked around, trying to look while a pissed little red bird swirled over head... and there it was... as exposed as ever so I had to shoot a few shots. I managed to get two or three pictures when Papa Card had enough. He flew right over my head, I turned and trying to see if I could get a picture of him... gone... so then I turned back around for one more shot of the baby... GONE.

Papa did his job, he attacked something 50 times his size, knowing if it came down to it he would probably lose, but he didn't lose, and secured his sons safety and freedom.

So Time Flies... Babies went from egg to flight in days.

So Time Flies... Tonight I drive to Chicago, and tomorrow is Novali's last day of the 6th grade... then she comes to Indiana for the summer. So time flies, she is at the top age of all summer camps, baby sitter certified, she can nearly fly now. With Father's Day coming up, I hope I am as good a dad for her (and Cruz) as Papa Cardinal. Prepared to remove distractions in their lives, handle challenges 50 times my size, and knowing that no matter, kids come first.

So Time Flies... Thanks for the lesson Mr Papa Cardinal, but man your babies are ugly.

Facebook Album: Ugly Cardinal Babies