And, then just like that they're gone

We've been watching a robin's nest outside our back door. About three weeks ago we noticed it in the plum tree. The branches of this tree overhang our deck and arch above the door from the attached garage. The nest is tucked up on a branch above the garage door. In an amazing act of nature the nest blends right in with the brown of branches and red leaves of the tree. One needs patience to find it, a slow and diligent eye. Of course my husband, the nature lover found it. My husband is one of these human beings that draws animals to him. All animals love him. He understands them. And he remembers details about animal nature and characteristics that I've never even heard. So. Of course he saw the nest. And he'd spend long minutes watching the momma bird sit on the nest.

One day, about 10 days ago (maybe less), the eggs hatched. We had the pleasure of watching these baby hatchlings, all three of them, grow. At first they were featherless silent creatures with huge yellow mouths gaping open in an endless need for food. But soon they had feathers and made chirping noises. Then, yesterday they hopped out of the nest. They crept along the branches. And then. Last evening they few away. I saw one take wing and fly off. And, just like that they're gone.

Comments

Diane M. Roth said…
what a wonderful description of the baby chicks on their way to leaving the next. And poetic too. 'And just like that, they're gone,' describes so many things, doesn't it?
Lori said…
This is so sweet. What a gift your husband has. Yup, "just like that they're gone" is what forces me back into the moments today with my boy.
Anonymous said…
Great picture, and imagery!
RevErikaG said…
This is great for city folk like me...to appreciate that nature is literally out there to be observed and enjoyed. Great imagery...it's like I can actually see and hear them!
Terri said…
The really weird part. The front side of my house faces a very busy four lane street. But I live on almost 5 acres of land that contain the church, the rectory, a lot of grass, and a bunch of trees. My back yard is amazing and a stark contrast to the front...the birds, squirrels, rabbits, AND occasional fox, coyote, red tail hawk, possum and skunks are amazing.
Jan said…
I so rarely see robins in south Texas that it is always a joy when I go north and see one bobbing around. I love your picture of the babes and their wide-open mouths in the nest. It's nice to imagine them on their own now, bob-bob-bobbing along.
another sighting of God's amazing grace yes?!
Deb said…
Cool. We are midwifing a catbird nest at the moment. The cats are trying to help too (they actually alerted us to it in the first place.)

Love the photo and the heart's story in all this...

d

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