The babies are huge now. Their white heads are becoming tan speckled, and feathers are replacing the down. Lots of preening, flapping of wings, napping and waiting for food. Mom or Dad brought in a squirrel yesterday, and something else furry early this morning, then flew off as if to encourage the kids to start fending for themselves. They aren't very good at it yet, preferring to wait for the parent to tear off pieces of flesh and feed it to them.
Kids are the same everywhere. Unlike us, birds are smart enough to know when to push them out of the nest.
Update: Next morning youngsters are tearing off flesh and feeding themselves with gusto. No assist necessary.
Comments