Vigilance

This morning the male didn’t appear and all we could see in the nest was one fledgling.
My wife and I both felt sick fearing the worst.
What a grand sight to see the male come and feed both youngsters this afternoon. In the twinkling of an eye he goes from feeding to keeping watch.

IMAGE LINK: https://www.flickr.com …94438230@N07/14​293127386/

Glad to hear that, I wondered whether there was always one there. Another heat shot my friend, fantastic look in his eye.

Love the updates!

Oldjackssparrows wrote in post #16943103
Glad to hear that, I wondered whether there was always one there. Another heat shot my friend, fantastic look in his eye.

Thanks again!
Actually, there isn’t one at the nest all the time.
The parents are out foraging throughout the day and return to the nest at intervals of 45 minutes or so.
They approach the nest with great caution, going from tree to tree looking in all directions. It isn’t unusual for them to spend five or ten minutes just getting to the nesting tree.
Upon arrival they feed the youngsters from the nest entrance, climb inside for a few seconds while they gather the fecal sacs, and then fly off with the sacs in their mouths. Their time at the nest is often less than a minute. You can almost feel the wariness and caution in the air.

SJC from VT wrote in post #16943158
Love the updates!

Thank you, Sandy.

Even though he worried you both with his absence Barry, he sounds like an awesome Dad!
His look is very intense despite the young ones yacking in his ear I'm sure, and you captured that very nicely.
I'm wondering a little about either white balance or color temp in this image. I know it's shady, but I'm wondering if you can get the white on him to snap a little more? Just something to play with as you go along with this nesting saga.

Awesome he is, Steve.
Thanks for your comments.
Since I've started shooting in RAW, I've felt like the proverbial child in a candy store playing with the white balance/color temps/etc.
I appreciate your critique and comments immensely.
I'll try adjust accordingly.
Thanks again!