F O U R

A few weeks ago we noticed various strands of grass, twigs and such in the crook of our tree in the front yard. It was obvious that a bird was trying to build a nest but by the next morning all traces of it were gone. The wind in the night must have blown it away.

I didn't give it much thought really and then I happened to catch a glimpse of the tree one evening on my way into the driveway. Mama bird was back and she was building another nest. I watched her from a distance as she'd fly into a nearby yard, gather up dried grass and other bits of material in her tiny little beak and then fly it back to her nest. She'd place it where she wanted it, then would mash it down until it was just right and then she'd take off again for more. Daddy bird wasn't too far away, supervising the construction from a neighboring tree limb.

Before we knew it, we had a pretty decent nest.

I'd say it's constructed pretty well, wouldn't you? We can see the nest from our front bay window. And also from our front porch. Mama bird is very keen on any sort of activity close to the nest and sometimes at the slightest movement, she'll fly away. Sometimes though she'll just sit tight.

Our kids and the neighbor kids have been asked to stay out of our front yard, and to especially stay away from the tree because Mama bird has been working hard to keep her eggs safe and warm. This morning when I was outside with my dogs I watched Mama bird and Daddy bird wandering the landscape pulling up earthworms. The other day though Mama bird had me worried. You see, I've gotten into the habit of checking in on the progress of the events when I wake up, and that particular morning Mama bird wasn't in her nest. Come to find out she had gotten herself trapped in a rabbit trap that our neighbors had set in their yard. We have lots of rabbits roaming the neighborhood - and I mean lots. Luckily Mama bird was unharmed and as soon as they released her, she flew right to her nest to sit. It made me sad to think about how long she could have been separated from her eggs. She's safe and sound though, see?

Yes, she was watching me. And no, I wasn't very close (that's what zoom lenses are for).

And because I just couldn't resist, very carefully we snapped this photo this evening when she left her nest

I can't wait for the babies to arrive.