Not so "Calm before the storm!"

  Late this afternoon, we were greeted by a lovely thunderstorm brewing just north of the Bayou.  While a good storm always lifts my spirits, this did so exceptionally.  It has been too hot lately and a soaking rain would cool things tremendously.  As the storm was rumbling in the distance, I took a quick run to the pier to check the boat.  On my return trip, I noticed a female Red-winged Blackbird fussing at me from high above. Her perch on the upper most branch of a small oak tree gave her a good view of my comings and goings.  She fussed incessantly which did just the opposite of her intentions.  I knew she had little ones near so I stopped to investigate.

  Her little ones were in a nearby pine tree and they were not so little. Four fledglings chattered up a storm as they waited for Mama to bring them some food.  The little ones were quite playful and were mock sparring with each other.  Obviously, they were not just out of the nest. They could fly right well and were practicing their swooping abilities. One especially was aggravating the other three by dive-bombing them from above.  Even though the little fellow's flying capabilities were admirable, his landings left something to be desired.  Several times he missed his intended perch and he flopped around a bit before regaining his composure.  I can only imagine his siblings snickering at his mistakes.

    The wind from the storm made it almost impossible to catch any good photographs but I watched the little birds until the lightning informed me that it was still quite a trek to the Little Bayou House.  It is not a wise thing to be on a pier during one of these storms.  The power behind lightning strikes can split a post to shambles so a human body would stand no chance.  I wished the little birds and Mama good tidings and hurried up the board path!