To fly or not to fly? Am I ready?

On an early morning, this beautiful little barn swallow was resting on the edge of a lower rooftop outside my bedroom window. After what I felt was an eternity, the bird finally stretched her/his wings and flew fearlessly away. It was a precious moment.

Purple Martin carrying leaf to nest

Purple Martins line their nests with leaves and this male is carrying a leaf to its nest in an artificial gourd at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.