Five vs. One

Grog child

*No one messes with the Moro

It is an interesting contrast with the Grog's almost quintuplets and the El Moro's only child--the scramble to keep track of five as opposed to the exaggerated attention given Baby Moro. Madre Moro hardly leaves her fledgling's side, preening, cuddling and cooing. Only when the Moros are giving chase to an encroaching raven pair or other danger does she separate. Padre Moro is almost as solicitous, chasing away with fury a small squirrel that stopped momentarily near the Moro fledgling as if it were a hawk with deadly intent. Yes, no one messes with the Moro. I thought osprey ate fish and so was surprised when El Moro gave chase to this osprey.*

Sunshine, the 'quint-mom' does manage but without the devotion Madre Moro shows her one. It seems that the fact that some of the Grogs are staying in the nest longer does give the Grog parents time to help the first ones out. It's almost as if the nest-leaving is staggered on purpose. Also, the larger the nestlings are upon leaving, the greater their ability for independence. The five also have each other to emulate and play with. The Moro parents are Baby Moro's sole companion. Still, once the young are all 'air-worthy', they will get together if the previous years are anything to go on. On with the fledglings, let flight be unconfined.