Little Birdies

Every spring we have birds that build nests all over our property.  I like to think we're a haven for them.  They can peacefully fly and build and nest and never be bothered by us.  My husband will actually laugh at me because I will become protective of the mother birds and their nests.  Making sure to not bother them, or allow anyone or anything else to bother them.  I'll watch and hover and enjoy their singing and working.

We've had birds build nests in hanging flower pots, in various bird houses we have scattered around and, of course, in trees.  I love watching them flutter around finding twigs and leaves and pine needles to build their homes.  We have a Collie and I've even seen bird nests with some of the dogs hair woven throughout. 

I'll throw out stale bread and then sit at the kitchen table and watch as they all fly to the bread, each one vying for a nibble.

This year I've been watching as they have been using the big flower pot in corner of the porch beside the front door as their dwelling place.  They've been fluttering around and happily singing as they built their nest down into the dirt and behind the leftover flowers from last year.  I knew from the beginning that may not be the best spot for them to build a nest.  It's by a fairly busy door and the flower pot is about hip high on me, and I'm short.  I didn't know how peaceful I'd be able to keep their little dwelling.  With little people and big people running noisily in and out I could only hope that they would get used to it and just stay where they were when the noise happened.

Yesterday I had my two daughter and my two grandchildren here for Sunday lunch.  It was such a beautiful day and as everyone was leaving we all eventually paused right outside the front door to soak up some sun and have one final chat before calling it a day.  As the front door opened and everyone descended out onto the porch I noticed the little birdie flew away in a huff.  I didn't think much of it, assuming it would come back once everyone was gone.  We continued on with our chatting and laughing and enjoying the afternoon.

This morning I went out to water flowers and pull some weeds and noticed the nest was still quiet.  I dared to sneak over and take a peak.  I looked down into the almost cave-like structure and saw some tan little eggs with little flecks on them, but no mother bird.  I haven't seen her all day and I'm beginning to worry that we may have inadvertently scared her off yesterday.  I hope not.  I hope she comes back to her nest to finish hatching her eggs.