Swallow Fledge

This is my baby swallow – it is the only one that hatched from the clutch of eggs and as a singleton, has had all the devoted care of both parents and all the food.  It has surprised me over the last couple of days in clambering out of the nest and shuffling along the rafters, stretching its wings and preening.

Yesterday it spent hours in this place, just looking out of the shed skywards – then in the evening took its first flight.  From hatching to fledging has taken only sixteen days!

Happy Fledgeday little one!