Today I want to update you on the gannet family I have talked of. As you read this chick will be nearly seven weeks old!

It has been remarkable to observe the rate of growth and development of the chick in their first few weeks. In these early days, from being the tiny naked hatchling, chick has been growing so much in the course of a single week! Their body, bill, feet and wings all getting bigger so quickly. And their looks so markedly transformed as they acquired more and more fluffy down.

As well as their physical growth, it has been fascinating for me to observe 'developmental firsts'. I was amazed to see chick starting to show self-grooming behaviour as soon as their first fluffy down appeared. And to see them gradually able to take weight on their legs and stand up. And to see them flap their wings for the first time (that I had seen). And to start to occasionally pick up things from the nest (feathers, twigs) to investigate/play with. And to start walking round the nest area.

On my most recent visit, at six weeks, chick appeared to be exploring the boundaries of the nest area and showing great interest in what was beyond. I found it slightly unnerving to watch chick's ungainly steps right to the edges of the ledge on which the nest sits, and breathed a sigh of relief when they safely returned to the middle again!

Chick is never alone, with the parents taking equal turns to take care of them.

Occasionally I have been at the nest when the parent that has been out fishing (perhaps for a day) has returned, and these have been special times. But usually I am observing chick with either mother or father (the colour of the webbing on the male and female's feet is slightly different, so mostly I know who I am watching). Interactions with the parents have been wonderful to witness. I have been moved by the attentiveness and tenderness towards chick. But I have also witnessed a couple of times when it looked as if the chick was being 'told off'! I will write more of this another time.

It has been such a joy and privilege to witness the chick's growth and development, and to observe interactions between them and the parent birds. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity for such intimacy with this wondrous gannet family.

This week's self kindness invitation is to take some time to dwell with the beauty and gifts of the natural world that surrounds us, and that we are part of.

May our gratitude help us care for it as much as we can.

Go well.

In warmth and kindness

Barbara