This morning I came across a colony of Cliff Swallows and spent about an hour watching and photographing them.
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When the swallows first hatch, they are born helpless and without feathers, with their eyes closed. They are entirely dependent on their parents for warmth, food, and protection.
Both parents participate in caring for the young. They work tirelessly, constantly flying back and forth to the nest with insects to feed their rapidly growing offspring.
It's time to get out of the nest and see the world.
As swallows grow, they develop downy feathers, and their eyes eventually open. You can hear the chirping of the nestlings as they beg for food.
Even after fledging, the young birds often stay close to the colony and their parents continue to feed them for a little while until they learn to hunt for themselves.
Generally, life is good.
