:clap: I finally decided to keep the flower basket watered because as the leaves were wilting the plant was not offering the birds as much protection from the sun. So I would water, being careful not to water in the nest. I only did this when the mother was not around - I didn't want to alarm her with my presence. Well, Saturday morning I went out the water the plant. The three baby birds were there in the basket as usual but all three were out of the nest (they had been for several days). I started watering carefully. AND before I knew what was happening ONE OF THE LITTLE BIRDS TOOK FLIGHT! IT'S LITTLE WINGS WERE JUST-A FLAPPING! And he made quite a noise flapping across the yard. He landed in a tree in the edge of our woods. IT WAS A MOST WONDERFUL THING TO EXPERIENCE! We were gone from home the rest of the day and returned Sunday afternoon. Returned to . . . an empty nest. The other two had taken flight also! I know we have more than one couple of adult finches but I believe I can hear MY finches in a brushy area on the hill near our house and I believe I can hear the little chirping of their baby birds. I love to go outside to listen and watch for them in flight. I am so glad this ended happy. I was afraid of them being hurt if they fell from the nest. Thanks for sharing my story! Love to all of you bird lovers, Ann