Each summer the front deck of our old farmhouse engages in a territorial battle with an ancient lilac bush. In early spring new saplings sprout up through the floor boards from deep roots and new branches invade through the railing from the side. If I don’t hack away at the right time, the whole side of the deck becomes a solid green wall with the railing totally absorbed. Of course I refuse to do this until after the lilacs have finished blooming.
This year a pair of robins decided that the flat white railing inside the lilac bush was the perfect place to build a nest. Hence my decision to leave the lilac bush alone this year. Building on that railing led us to believe that the robins were young and inexperienced. Why else would they make their home so close to our lounge chairs where barn cats could easily pounce? But the location did allow my husband to take some great photographs!
I had high hopes for a shot of the mother robin feeding a worm to one of her babies. I kept a window open close to the nest to listen for that telltale cry when mom was near with food. I even set the camera on a tripod aimed and ready but never once did I hear that sound. I’m thinking that those parents weren’t as inexperienced as we thought and they trained their babes very well.
Below you will see the saga of the robin family minus dinnertime shots. Enjoy!
The early bird searches for a mate.
Checking the mall for building supplies.
Two beautiful eggs appeared over night!
A couple days later we’re up to four!
Nesting duties in the rain. This parent is staying quiet while giving us the evil eye. The other parent is angrily nattering at us from a branch high up in the lilac bush.
Babies begin to emerge – the real work begins!
A growing family – three out of four eggs hatched.
Hungry but not a sound!
Sleeping peacefully while mom and dad take a break. Not a lot of room to stretch out!
Cramped for space! They are starting to look like their parents.
Independence can be a scary thing.
I think I’m ready to launch! Now I can Tweet with all my friends.
warm and fuzzy as always….beautiful pictures…. what a tweet thing….
Glad you enjoyed my words and John’s photos! Actually the tweeting was John’s idea….love it!
Sue, nice to connect.
Enjoyed your blogs & photos.
Looking forward to our 1st writer’s group meeting Oct. 13th 6:30 to 8:00 PM.
at the Dutton library.
Hi Susan
I was your mothers first cousin(Mary Will), she was my Sunday School teacher at Oakland church. Your Grandma Nora and family and my mother Vera and family took turns having christmas, what fun we had. I`ve written a lot of stories about growing up at Staples as well as my life in different areas of the province.
Hi Mary
So wonderful to hear from you! My Mom often spoke of her Sunday School class – were you in the group that she took on a day trip to Point Pelee in the old Model A? I would love to read your stories!