The Flight of the Eastern Phoebe Fledglings

One of my favorite aspects of living in Vermont is the wildlife. Unlike in the suburbs, where overdevelopment has forced nature into uncomfortably close proximity with the ultimate invasive species–the homo sapiens–here, there is ample space for animals to lead a more private and peaceful existence. In the vast and uncharted woodlands behind our new house live deer and bobcats and red squirrels and groundhogs as well a host of bird species both familiar and novel.

Among the latter is the eastern...