The larger of the two Anna’s hummingbird chicks has taken the big step of leaving its cramped nest to a nearby branch where it’s waiting for the right time to take wing (click to enlarge):

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And sticking its tongue out a lot. It’s not every day we humans have the privilege of seeing a hummingbird’s tongue.

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Safe travels little perfect bird toward a wonderful life filled with plenty of nectar and your own children to raise some day. Though I’ve only known you and your sibling for not even two days, I will miss you so when you must go.

 

UPDATE (5:07 p.m.): Launch aborted. Postponed perhaps until tomorrow’s daytime flight window. Pilot has returned to nest.

UPDATE (5:48 p.m.): Cancel that. The first chick is away. Repeat: The first chick is away!

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