The Prodigal Son

Yesterday I was sad to find our first House Martin youngster had flown the nest.

Today I was surprised to hear a strident chirping from the nest above my bedroom window.

He was back!

The adult birds soon appeared and shouted at him to get off his bum and fly.

He did - swooping down and swooping up and chirruping loudly. Very vociferous.

The parent birds encouraged him with loud responses and I actually saw one catch an insect and feed it to the youngster on the wing!. Incredible agility and acrobatic skill. They were showing him how to catch food! 

I watched as they circled round and landed on a power line over our property. The youngster is the one on the left, and the single bird in the cropped image.

I was thrilled to witness this little episode and very interested to observe how the adults help the youngster to learn the ropes 

I think he is in good hands.