Last spring when the weather turned tolerable enough for working outside in the garden, I went to get some tools from the corner of the house where we had hung them on nails. The winter had blown leaves into that tool storage area, and a few messy bits of dry grass were lying around. As I reached to take down the hoe, I stopped short. There was an awful lot of grass lying in a clump on top of it.
Twigs, grass, and moss on a hoe. (a bit blurry but “you get the picture”)
A bird flew out. I climbed up on a step stool and peeked into the grassy clump. Sure enough, it was a nest. I assumed that those ugly hairless creatures huddled inside were baby robins.
Faces only a mother could love.
I went back later to get another photo but the musical sound of the camera coming on must have made the baby birds think their mother was coming back. By the time I clicked the picture, wildly guessing at the aim, the liveliest of the baby birds were begging for food.
Feed me! Feed me!
I’m sure you can guess that I had to put my gardening on hold – at least anything that involved using a hoe. In a couple of weeks (I don’t remember exactly how long) the birds were ready for take-off.
“You go first.” “No, you! I’ll be right behind you.”
Once the nest was empty, I took the hoe down and saw that I had quite a mess to clean off the wall. I don’t know how they got it up there. But I guess there’s a saying that you don’t do it in your own nest. Regardless, they left me to clean up after them. I didn’t put the hoe back there for the next year.
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I’d like to add a note here to let readers know that I’ve started a second blog for featuring authors, books, and short pieces of writing. If you are interested in having a look, please go to http://annelisplace.wordpress.com If you like it, if books, authors, and writing interest you, I’d be pleased if you would click Follow.
Great photos, especially the one with the open mouthed chicks, although I must admit there is something a bit alien looking about them.
They could be the stars in “Alien III.”
Extraordinary story. Love it! Animals and birds are a law unto themselves.
I love animal stories. Love watching them and learning about them, Thanks for visiting my blog Elizabeth.
That third photo has me in fits of laughter!
Glad I made you smile, Julie.
Very cute pictures. They remind me of the nest in one of my flower pots.
They do make nests in the funniest places.
This is so cute.. and so cruel that you didn’t go out and buy a new hoe.. leaving that for the next years nest… whats a little poop on the wall to clean off…. lovely capture Anneli, only pulling your leg about the hoe… went over to the other blog and pressed follow… very interesting site….
Well, now I have to confess that I had other possible “Robins’ Nest Real Estate” in that corner of the house, and I had to rethink the whole “bird subdivision.” Nothing that looked like possible building lots remains.
Hahahahahahahaha! That is so fun! They may have made a mess….but at least they gave you a show in return
For sure they were fun to watch. I had to sneak out though, every time I used the back door to the yard.
Nice story, Anneli, it must have been something looking at those big mouths. I agree about the show
They were a nuisance because I couldn’t go out that door without disturbing them, but it was fascinating watching the progress as the chicks developed. Thanks for visiting, Bente.
What great pictures!
Thanks, Darlene. The birds were quite co-operative most of the time.
I love it! They were safe and sound on top of the hoe, hoe, hoe!
You’ve got it!
Wow, some awesome close-up pictures. Sweet little birdies. I’ll be checking out your other blog. Thanks for letting us know.
That’s great, Lori. Glad to have another guest on Anneli’s Place as well.
Very cool photo record of that family! They chose a very good place to nest, at least for them!
Relatively safe from crows and the weather.
What a find! Robins are favorites of mine and I’m glad this story has a happy ending…
Yes, me too! Thanks for visiting, Meg.
Wow, lovely pictures. I have always wanted a bird’s nest and watch them all grow
So ugly they’re cute! What a creative place to put a nest. Hopefully they will come back to you very soon.
I love seeing birds around the yard. This was a special opportunity to get some pictures as they grew. Thanks for your visit, Townspirit.