While some chicks like KC leave their nest areas without looking back, others seem to be more reluctant to go.  Two chicks in my neighborhood were dithering about the timing of their fledgings.  Both had wandered around with the purposeful strides of birds who know where they’re going, but both ended up back in their comfort zones, the places where they feel most comfortable.  Until July 3rd, that is.

On Tuesday, Hoku decided it was time for him to leave.  He wandered around the neighborhood a bit, tried his wings, then walked to the ocean bluff at the end of my street.

He strode on out to the best spot for a takeoff:

Hoku walks out onto the bluff

He did a bit of practicing….

Feeling the wind beneath his wings

Then started to go back to his comfort zone.

Nope, not yet

Hmmm, maybe I’m feeling more confident….

What shall I do?

I’ll run and take off so quickly the humans won’t have a chance for any decent photos!

See you in a few!