Charcoal engraving on board    75 x 85cm        ORIGINAL SOLD

This is the exact moment, just a second before he lifted off for his first flight. After 11 long weeks and so many nervous moments during which the chicks were totally vulnerable on the nest, the great day finally arrived where they ceased those clumsy trampoline jumps and wing tests on the nest and took to the air for the first time. Accompanied by my relieved and heart felt cheers (and just a couple of happy tears) the youngsters blasted off into a strong updraught and were almost immediately soaring like professionals. Mum had apparently been observing our visit to the hide and spiralled down to encourage the chicks on what must have been a fairly scary maiden voyage. She lofted in to sit in an old tree on the opposite side of the valley where she regarded us calmly from a safe distance. The chicks made their way to her in a combination of flaps, hops and glides to finally sit safe, secure and not a little surprised as while we respectfully took our leave.

We wish them only the best and longest of lives and I am deeply grateful to them for allowing us to share a little window into their lives. This is the second time in my life where I have witnessed wedgetails take their maiden flight and I count myself extremely privileged to have done so. I hope you have enjoyed sharing their journey with me.