A note from Mother

I can not begin to convey my excitement when you first entered this world. The first of your clutch to hatch, and already I was proud of the colors you wore. Like myself, and like your father, your wings and your belly are a perfect match! And how beautifully they shined! I had to name you for your pearly colors after they struck such an impression on me. But you, my first born, were anything but interested in being coddled for you beauty. In hardly a moment of taking in the world around you, you found a passing cricket to be far more interesting. And off you went, bounding after the little creature with clumsy first steps. I could not have stifled my laughter if I tried. Soon your pristine belly and wings were coated in the dirt you were romping through to get to the poor little bug. I can already see the fierce huntress in you and, when you are grown, I dare not to be on the opposite side of you in a scrap!