The day before the baby swallows leave their nest in the barn; they like to come out and perch on the gate, checking out the world before they join it. An hour after Maria took this photo, they were gone for good.

The baby swallows are my favorites; they have a lot of spirit and character. And the most wonderful and vigilant mothers. They dive-bomb us every time we come near the barn; they stop once their offspring are ready to fly. Good luck swallows.