Flickers in the Tree

The hot weather is finally here. Summer has finally shown its bright face. In the morning the sun shines in as well as the squack of a new born flicker in the maple tree in our front yard. We call it affectionatley Brat, mostly for waking us up in the early hours complaining of hunger pains and boredom. It pokes it's little head out with its red markings on its cheeks and stares out into the sky: looking, waiting. I am sure its annoying call with change with time. I hope this akward noise will metamorphose into something beautiful, or at least less like a teradactyl dying. But we feel lucky, and excited, and hopeful that it will grow into a full fledged woodpecker. This is the first year there's been a baby in the tree. We are proud and check on the little family daily now. Ah nature. What an amazing thing.