We were a very lucky family this spring.
A Mama and Papa Robin picked the wreath just outside our front door to call home for nearly a month.
While this was inconvenient to us at times, it was truly one of the most beautiful sights to behold. . .the building of a home from natural finds. . .followed by the days of Mama on the nest, depositing these four gorgeous eggs. . .
Picture taken: April 22, 2015
then days of her perched atop those treasures until. . .
Photo taken: April 23, 2015
these sweet babies started making their way into this world. . .one by one.
photo taken: May 3, 2015
Because most of the pictures had to be taken from inside the front door. . .through a less then clean window glass. . .they were not always the best. However, our ring side seat of this little family was an amazing sight to behold.
Photo taken: May 6, 2015
The babies seemed to grow by the minute. . .changing from pink skinned little limp creatures to strong little bodies with big mouths, always ready for a parent to deposit a bit of nourishment.
Photo taken: May 9, 2015
This picture was taken not too long after the above photo. . .showing us just how FAST those babies could go from semi ready to READY for food!
Photo taken: May 9, 2015
By May 12, they were really getting big! Mama was working hard to keep them full.
Each day they stayed in the nest was a gift to me. It was hard to stay away from the little glass pane from where I watched them. So many new things were happening!
They were now packed in there like sardines and were starting to get out of the confines of their home. . . practicing balancing on the sides of the nest, flapping their wings, preening themselves and still snuggling down inside the nest together for nap times.
Soon the day I dreaded arrived. May 15, 2015.
A few hours before this photo was taken, two of the babies had flown off. I felt sorry for the two remaining in the nest. Did they feel scared or lonely ? Mama and Papa Robin were working hard to keep the other two fed and safe. . . I worried these might get forgotten. . .
but Mama reminded us that she was still around. . .just stretched a little thin.
I'm pretty sure this is the last time she fed those last two babes in the nest, because shortly afterwards, they too took the plundge and left their little home on the wreath.
I HATED seeing this sad little empty house. However, I LOVED that I had the honor to watch a miracle right before my eyes.
On May 17, I looked out my front window and saw this sweet baby robin hanging out on a lawn chair that sits close to the wreath on the front porch. I was able to go outside and get close enough to take this photo.
On the day before (May 16) I saw this amazing sight. . .one of them was resting on my favorite sign!! Yes, I teared up!!
This was the last time a I spotted one of the four baby birds . . . up in one of our maples on May 18, 2015.
I look for them every morning when I first open our blinds. . .and really any other time I look outside.
It's been such a joy to be there for their start in this world, but dang it. . .I'm feeling that "empty nest" thing again!
THE STONE RABBIT thought he'd put a little "VACANCY" sign on the empty nest.
I told him we were removing the nest, cuz as much I loved those birds, I want to enjoy my front porch, too!
I hope you are having a wonderful start to summer. . .and all of the new growth this season has to offer!
Please visit Beverly's blog HOW SWEET THE SOUND! You will find lots of other bloggers who have very special shares waiting for you there!!
Also, sending BIG THANKS to Beverly for continuing to host our weekly gathering!!
DANA
