I noticed the pair about a month ago: a male and female robin, bringing pieces of dried grass into the lilac bush that sits up against our house, right next to a window.
A few days later, I peered through the window again and there it was, just a foot from the glass: a perfect little nest. I brought over a stool, and the nest became eye level.
While I couldn't get a good picture of OUR nest, it looks very much like the one above -- except that only 2 babies hatched. For the past week I have watched them poke their scrawny heads up over the edge of the nest, yellow beaks gaped open, waiting for a parent to return with food. Sometimes, they sit there for quite a long time, mouths agape, just waiting.
Yesterday, the larger of the two nestlings, whom we have named "Biggie", was suddenly up on the edge of the nest, teetering dangerously, while his smaller sister, Lucy (see how we fell right into gender stereotypes there?), stayed safely down in the nest.
I went out the door quietly and stood next to the lilac bush on my tiptoes, hoping to get a picture, but my nearness caused them both to retreat down into the nest. I could see Biggie's little beak and one black eye watching me over the nest edge.
Yesterday afternoon I stepped up on the stool and looked through the window and there were both baby birds, both with MANY more feathers, and BOTH standing on the edge of the nest! They grew so fast! And I am worried for them! They still look so fragile and unsure.
As horrific news continues to rain down on us every day, I have been so grateful to be able to peer into this little world of life and growth and newness.
Very soon - maybe even today! - those little birds will fly out of the nest and never return. But apparently, young robins remained speckled for their first year, so I suspect that I will see Biggie and Lucy hopping around our yard, learning from mom and dad how to grab insects.
For all those leaving the nest, we offer our prayers for safety and joy. For all those parents and aunties and grandparents who have watched and loved and supported, we offer our prayers of love and gratitude.
