At least it must be since I’ve watched 4 families move in, raise some babies, and then move out. There’s a lot of action in this tree. It’s not renovation talk but it’s definitely about a “nest”. I’m talking about the beautiful red-breasted robins that seem to feel safe and happy in the small tree/bush on the edge of our driveway. It’s in desperate need of a trim but we haven’t wanted to mess with it and frighten the birds or reveal the beautiful little nest they’ve built.

I’m a sucker for things like this so just bare with me today.  Since we bought this house I have such an increased appreciate for all the great action that takes place right in our own yard every single day.  All the windows in the house give a great and constant view to just how much fun, work, and action the little birds, squirrels, bugs and bees are having when they think nobody’s looking.  Well I’m looking at here’s what I saw last weekend.

For the past 3 years robins have carefully built the strongest most beautiful nests you’ve ever seen in that tree shown above.  Each year I remove the nest at the end of the season and admire their skills.  Now THEY have some home building skills.  I could learn a thing or two.  HA!  The next spring it’s right back in the exact same place with a new nest and new babies.

This year the parents have the nest tucked away really well so I couldn’t get a good photo of them.. but I tried.  Not great but you can just make out the little bird’s eye in the nest.  Actually there are two little babies in there.

Momma and Pappa were NOT Happy that I was doing this.  I guess they don’t like the paparazzi taking pictures.  Trust me, they are like celebrities around here …. living in the spotlight.  I would have to guess that it was Pappa bird trying to dive bomb me but it’s hard to tell male from female.  Usually the females are slightly more dull in color but who knows.  He/She was throwing a fit and diving at me.  I ran like a scared little girl because I could just imagine a bird caught in my hair and me screaming for help.  I had to laugh. And I really didn’t want them to feel threatened.

The picture of him/her turned out really good.  Once he realize he was in charge (and not me) he calmed down and I got a good shot of him… still with the food or whatever all over his beak from feeding the babies.

I’m a simple shit I guess because this little afternoon happening made me chirp with delight!

The next day I was getting into my car to go to work and one of the “parents” was in my flower bed just hoping along screaming at me.  It was weird.  I couldn’t figure out if he/she was mad or trying to tell me something.  Okay, at this point I’m starting to feel like I’m the bird whisperer, actually stopping to try and figure it out.   WHY WAS HE YELLING AT ME?

My eyes followed the length of the flower bed and look who was sitting there.  The little baby had either fallen out or was ready to get an apartment of his own and moved out!
He was so still and quiet so I clicked a shot.

Just as I did… he flew across the flower beds and into the grass on the other side of the yard.  WOW, HE FLEW, HE DID IT!  He seemed so proud of himself.  I clapped and cheered him on.  (who cares if I was late for work… this was good stuff)

His “parent” watched it all go down and kept a careful eye on me. I hesitated to leave but what the heck was I going to do?  Nature does it’s thing.  So I enjoyed the moment and drove away.  I looked for him later but no sign.  I hope he made it.

I told my husband about it at dinner and told the story with such warmth and love and enthusiasm and what did he say…. “Oh man, he didn’t make it, he probably got swept away by a hawk or something”.  WHAT! WHAT! DON’T SAY THAT! (I gasped at the thought and give him my best evil eye)

He continued to make fun of me when I suggested that maybe we buy or build a bird house for the yard.  You know… a little modern place where the hip birds could hang out.

1-here, 2-Jonathan Adler Bird House, 3-DIY house – here

Of course we’d make one because I could never spend $200 on a bird house.  But they are cute.  With my luck it would be “build it and they won’t come”.   The birds would purposely fly by it and never go in… laughing at me… just like my husband.  ( I love his teasing! )
I digress.

So I guess every Spring I’ll have some sort of bird story but I won’t let my husband tell the ending.  His endings SUCK!   I just love catching moments like this.  I’m sure you all have stories of your own.  Do share.