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.