The mockingbird is the Florida state bird. So, I was honored when a pair of mockingbirds decided to build their nest this spring right in front of my front door, in a pair of ficus trees. We watched the nest building process, the mother sitting on the nest, and finally the very quick maturation of the chicks. It was a lot of fun.

The two final chicks decided to leave the nest yesterday. Here is a cute picture of the last one. It tumbled out, landed on a lower branch, and spent almost an hour looking back up at the nest like it wished it knew how to get back in. Eventually, it hopped onto the ground and the parents stayed with it the rest of the day. I hope it is safe and happily flying about today.

I rather miss having the nest out there. I really need to take it down and hose off the area, but I feel a little nostalgic. Maybe I will do it in the morning.