Mama Acorn Woodpecker taking a break from feeding the young ones

Baby birds are everywhere! Came home last night to discover this little guy on my deck! (What a blessing!!!!) He stayed there for quite awhile, flapped his wings to strengthen them, then finally took off to master the most dangerous time of his life. I worried when I couldn’t see the doting parents. But I knew that they were nearby, doing their job. And I worried when I thought of the neighborhood cats out for the night. This little guy would be easy prey for them. Then I took a deep breath and remembered that all parents and teenagers have the same challenges. And I wished them all the best as another wild thing grows up on our beautiful mountain.