There is a Seagull family across the way. A street separates their ‘home’ from mine. I watched them build their nest, bringing bits and pieces home in their beaks and working their finds into the structure. I clearly wasn’t paying very close attention at first because I missed her brooding over her eggs. I think they both took turns.
But I did notice once the babies hatched. The couple had three – one disappeared early – which leaves two. Mom and dad take turns keeping watch over them. I can always see one of them perched on a rooftop overlooking their nesting spot. And I can hear the babies … boy do they sound needy! Constantly squeaking out their call.
When mom or dad come back, the babies’ calls increase in frequency. My theory is that this triggers the parent to regurgitate some of the food they ate – which the babies snap up. Sometimes I can see the food as a bulge in the parent’s neck which they then have to bring back up for the kids.
The babies started flapping their wings … it was really cute when the wings were small … but slowly the wings grew until they were full size. I watched as they flapped and flapped them, building strength, but not going anywhere.
Then one day they managed to get airborne – only a foot up and a couple feet forward. Progress!
One day the eldest took off and made a circuit … but he wasn’t quite high enough to make it home. Luckily, the nest is on top of a stair shaft and the actual rooftop was only a few feet lower. The hapless chick made a safe, if very awkward, landing. But now mom and dad had to feed the two babies in two places. Not to worry, it wasn’t long before the other baby joined the first on the lower level.
Seagulls are amazing aerialists. I love watching them flying and soaring over my neighbourhood. They make it look easy. You never realize how hard it is until you see the babies oh so awkwardly making circles and trying to get to the same altitude as their home then awkwardly back-winging and moving their tail feathers until they land.
I have enjoyed watching them grow, their feathers finally becoming mature and slowly lightening. I love watching their flying progress, inaugural flights, circles around the block, and awkward landings. The landings are getting better and their flights longer. I feel like a proud grandmother cheering them on and willing them safely home.
One day I saw one of the babies flying off … this time not in a simple aerial circle … but a straight line away from home. One of the parents followed, keeping an eye on him (or her). Then, to my surprise and delight, the parent dove at the baby to make him turn, as if to say, “This way.” Then the parent dove again, chivvying baby back in the right direction. Once they were pretty close to home and baby was pointing in the right direction, the parent veered off to fly a wider circle then settle on a nearby rooftop.
It made me think: If Father made a seagull family in such a way that the parents care so well for their children – if simple seagull parents can guide their children so they know the right way is “This way!” and make sure they get home – how much more our Father? He is well able to ‘chivvy us around’ to keep us on track. His guidance is much more certain than a seagull’s. We have a promise that He will tell us, “This way. This is the way: walk here.”
My confidence and trust in His guidance is being bolstered by seagulls.
