You can’t spend too much time away from a Willie Wagtail’s brood because by God, they grow up fast. It’s five days since we noted the joyful arrival of the chicks — and scrawny, bald and unappealing little scraps they were, too.

So we took a turn down to Commonwood this lunchtime to catch up on progress, and it’s a good thing too. Those repulsive grublets are gone, replaced by bright-eyed, feathery little fledgelings. But on first approaching the nest, we were greeted by the ever-anxious parent on duty.

Focusing on the nest, it seemed as if an adult bird was there — sitting low in the nest, not like when the presence of hatchlings pushed the parent high up as he/she gathered them close. Had a predator scooped up the chicks? Is that why the parent was so animated?

We moved away for fifteen minutes or so, and came back for another look. Bingo! At least two chicks were in the nest — but transformed into something much more closely resembling their parents. The eyes were open and clear, and plumage was sprouting, even to the extent of those distinctive angry-bird eyebrows.

There didn’t seem to be any sign of the third: it may well be that the smallest and weakest has been ejected. But as we know, it’s all about survival, and the stronger two appear well on track. Then as a bonus, another feed took place — this time apparently with the time-honoured adolescent backchat.

Plus la change, eh?