Bye, Bye Birdie

In my previous post, I mentioned that I recently sorted through many of the pictures I've taken over the last few months (going back to last summer) ... and I came upon this set as well.  You see, I had visitors at the Children's Couture Showroom last June; visitors that stayed for four weeks but ones that captured my attention and imagination every day. They were not the kind of visitors that come inside and make themselves comfortable ... instead they chose to "nest" outside and make themselves at home on the storage shed located behind the Showroom ...



See the Boston Fern on the left ...

To my surprise, I saw an adult robin fly out of this hanger one afternoon.  From past experience, I do know that robins will make their nests in the most unusual places ... but a hanging plant?  Sure enough ... and further investigation revealed ...

A nest with four blue eggs ...

 


After two weeks, they "cracked" and four baby birds emerged

For the next two weeks, it was a feedin' frenzy ...


 

YUMMY!

But one thing I can't figure out ...
Look how tightly squeezed these four birds are in the nest (for two solid weeks).  Granted, they are small but really, the nest could have been a touch bigger!  Nevertheless, somehow they manage to turn themselves around, day after day ... how'd they do that?



 After two weeks of endless "grub" and tight quarters, they were ready to go ...

And go they did, into the wooded grove behind the shed where I'd like to think they were safe until late fall, when it was time to head south for the winter.  Next spring I'll be sure to hang the ferns on this shed in anticipation of their return.  This is just too cool!

Yes, I suppose I've lived in the country "too long" as I've become engrossed in the nature around us and on our property.  And one lesson I've learned over the years is that "we may watch and protect, but don't interfere" ... and life will play out as it should.

Enjoy,
M-A