Proud Parents

Sandi and Warren have more shots of their baby Robin, Loxley.  Loxley seems to be progressing well. 
The American Robin begins to breed shortly after returning to its summer range. It is one of the first North American bird species to lay eggs, and normally has two to three broods per breeding season, which lasts from April to July.
Since this nest is at times located only about 5 ft above the ground Sandi has gotten some great pictures.

Did you know that the nest is built by the female alone.  A new nest is built for each brood, and in northern areas the first clutch is usually placed in an evergreen tree or shrub while later broods are placed in deciduous trees.

The American Robin does not shy away from nesting close to human habitation which we can plainly see from these awesome pictures of Loxley.

Since the eggs are incubated by the female alone you can see why there is a special bond between them.  Mother Robin is spending quality time with Loxley.

While the chicks are still young, the mother broods them continuously. When they are older, the mother will brood them only at night or during bad weather. Even after leaving the nest, the juveniles will follow their parents around and beg food from them. Juveniles become capable of sustained flight two weeks after fledging.

Loxley looks as though she is ready for flight, what do you think she was thinking about when this picture was taken?