A father-daughter tale of learning to spread your wings
Over the course of two weeks, young Maya and her dad create a lifelong memory as they watch the nest-to-flight process of an Eastern phoebe brood. This heart-warming fable – “Dad? I’ll never forget this day” – is illustrated by dramatic images of young birds growing up and taking wing.
At the same time, Maya and her dad forge an alliance as they discuss how birds – and children – will eventually leave the nest.
The Eastern Phoebe
Belonging to the genus Sayornis, these small, acrobatic birds are prodigious hunters of insects as they feed their nesting brood.
Phoebes often return to the same nest year after year, locating around buildings, barns and bridges where they are easily observed.
“You’re my bird, Maya. When you’re ready,
you fly just as far and as high as you can.”
Maya smiled. “I will!” she said.
And off they headed, into the house.
It was still morning, but already
felt like a pretty great day.
Excerpts from Flight of the Phoebes
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