For many of our small songbirds, the first clutches of young are becoming much less dependent on their parents, and the parents are finally getting a little bit of a break. Some of the smaller birds, like the wrens, have already fledged their first clutches, while some of the larger ones, like this female northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) and her mate are still feeding young, but can leave the nest unattended for short periods. Both birds were out scouring the woods for food, both for themselves and for their babies. They had been active for a while, and been back and forth to the nest a number of times when the female decided to take a short break. The woods were a very comfortable temperature and were peacefully quiet; a perfect time for a little bit of relaxation. But like any good mother, even though she was relaxed, she was still alert and before long she was headed back to her brood.