The cattle egret chicks (Bubulcus ibis) are now growing like mad. What used to be little fluff balls a week and a half ago are now standing and squawking, and roughhousing in the nest. As you can see, they are starting to get some flight feathers coming in on the wings and their bodies are pretty well covered. As they grow this quickly, they require a large amount of food, and the parents are kept very busy providing it. They take turns standing guard over the nest and the young while the other parent is gathering food. This usually starts when the sun comes up and continues until the sun goes down. What a lifestyle. And I thought my life could get hectic!