6/24/08 Tuesday
I sit here at our kitchen table, with my camera remote in reach, to easily photograph the robin nest outside. At the moment, the chicks are not visible, but I do hear a parent singing nearby. Anytime now Mom or Dad will bring by a beak full of worms and dragonflies. Soon as they land on the nest, the hungry chicks pop their beaks up, wide open, and streeeeeeeeeeetch those necks up, asking to be fed first.
There are two chicks in the nest. They have developed so fast. They should fledge this weekend. There were 4 eggs, but I’m afraid 2 either didn’t hatch, or they did and didn’t survive.
I’ve witnessed twice now, a chick flap his underdeveloped wings, getting him ready for that first flight. It is so wonderful to witness.
We leave Sunday for Colorado, so I’m worried I’ll miss them fledge and won’t be here to protect them should one fall to the ground. I want to be sure they make their first lift off to safe heights.
We have three regular furry visitors in our yard. For the past few weeks, I’ve had to shoo them off with the garden hose. Dad makes his distress-warning call, which alarms me of an intruder. Sure enough, most times it is a cat, lying about in the yard; usually under the bird feeders. Grrrrr….
Today I had the most fantastic visit from another juvenile robin. He lit on our fence curiously. I think he heard Mom or Dad Robin and came by to say hi. He was so adorable, with his spotted chest and Mohawk looking head. He was quite the looker.
If I do miss our robins leave the nest, I feel fortunate that I saw this youngster pay a visit. To me, it’s a sure sign I won’t witness my birds take their first flight. I’m hopeful, however, that they will return to our yard, and we’ll get to see them again, looking like our young visitor.
We are anxious to reclaim our backyard, but I know, too, that we may be lucky enough to have another clutch in this very nest.
I have so many photos of the family. All those photos are really my visual journal.
cdwork, 2 months ago
Isn’t it amazing how the simplest of things can give so much pleasure! It’s a pity more people don’t feel like you- the world would be a way better place to live
Kimberly Palmer in reply to cdwork’s comment, 2 months ago
Awwww, thank you Chrissy, for such a wonderful compliment. =) I’m blushing.
Mar Silva, 2 months ago
I think this a a great journey you are taking us on! I would be right there watching them with you if I lived close by :)
Kimberly Palmer in reply to Mar Silva’s comment, 2 months ago
That would be so fun!
Thanks for reading….. and going for the ride.
Bevsimages, 2 months ago
We are enjoying this series so much, great x ;)
Marie Sharp, 2 months ago
I will miss seeing updates of the precious robin family. It has been a highlight of my day to check for new images. Through the lens of your camera and sharing of your talent you have touched the heart of those who are inspired by the beauty of nature.
Kimberly Palmer in reply to Bevsimages’s comment, 2 months ago
Thanks Bev
Kimberly Palmer in reply to Marie Sharp’s comment, 2 months ago
Thank you Marie… this means a lot.