Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Fledged

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I have a gift: Right after I discover baby birds in nests, they fledge the next day. Is it me? It happened with the robins and it happened yesterday with the Carolina wrens. If you remember, in yesterday’s post I wrote that they were very busy flying back and forth to the nest, feeding the babies. But now I think they were urging the babies to take off. Later in the morning, I went outside to water the pots and seeds. Don’s car was gone so I could see the nesting area pretty clearly. No activity. I waited a while, then I tested it and walked to the ramp leading to the shed. Nothing. I went inside the shed. The nest was behind the Cottage sign on the window box, right outside the window. I walked toward that window and saw the nest. Empty.

There’s the sign and there’s the nest. Keep in mind that it’s much smaller than it appears in this photo. But there’s the little hole in the nest where the babies were.

Sob. I’m a little depressed.

I almost went in the shed the day before yesterday to peek at the babies, but for whatever reason, I didn’t.

Godspeed, little ones. Enjoy the world.

Ella.

One of my Elly Griffith books is waiting for me at the library. The other, which is the one I need to read first, hasn’t arrived yet. Hope it comes in today.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

 

A Little Surprise

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Looking up at the ‘back forty.’ It is an absolutely gorgeous morning. Don ran up to the store and while he was gone I went outside to take some pictures. Everything is so beautiful. Wildflowers everywhere, birds singing – my heart was full.

To top it all off, as I was walking around getting closer to the shed, I saw two little birds near one of the shed windows – the one where Don has tucked the “Cottage Pl.” sign. They flew away suddenly and it dawned on me that they have a nest tucked behind the sign. Sure enough, as I peeked behind the sign (couldn’t see much) I noticed the signs of a nest and a Carolina wren perched in the catalpa tree started warning me.

I quickly moved away, but he kept warning going until I was back at the house.

Then, I watched mom and dad constantly flying to and fro – they definitely have babies and they’re feeding them. They fly in under the sign and then pop out at the top to make sure everything is safe before they go back out in search of food.

Somewhat blurry, but you can see one of the parents on top of the sign.

Oh, this makes me so happy! They may not have chosen the bird house, but they did choose the next available structure.

We didn’t notice the nest because Don’s car blocks that view. We were in and out of the shed several times yesterday, as Don mowed the paths in the woods and I mowed the lilac side of the lawn and the corral. And I mowed right by their nest.

Such a wonderful thing to see this morning.

It always seems strange to say “Happy” Memorial Day because the reason for this holiday is to honor those who have died while serving this country. So I won’t.

Stay safe.

Happy Monday.

Life

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I just mowed this about 4 days ago. Now it looks like it’s been neglected. The grass grows so quickly! Lots of wildflowers are emerging on the property and in the secret garden specifically. I love this particular time of year in this little hideaway because there will be all sorts of flowers and color for the next few weeks.

Speaking of flowers, we have a freeze warning for tonight. Are you kidding me? What the heck? So Don and I will have to bring in all the pots for the night, including these heavy vintage pots. Coleus does not like cold and they’ll die if frost hits. Big old sigh.

It’s actually been a trying 24 hours or so. Don found out his high school friend died a week ago. They hung out a lot together with another guy, Don’s friend Joe – who is in his early seventies and battling Alzheimers. So, one friend has passed away and the other is slowly fading away and it is very upsetting for my husband.

Then we found out our mortgage payment is going up because of some escrow screw up. We need to find out more and I’ve asked Don to call them tomorrow. But I’m already panicked.

Then, Don remarked casually, “Well, the babies have obviously fledged.”

“What??? I just saw them yesterday!”

“I took a picture and they aren’t there.”

So I went outside to see for myself and the nest is empty.

I had been staying away from the nest, which is quite deep, so when I actually peeked at it the day before yesterday and saw the very top of their heads, I assumed they were little babies.

Obviously, they weren’t.

So now I feel sad that I didn’t have any idea they were about to leave the nest. It’s quiet around here. No mom and dad scolding us, no babies. I just wasn’t prepared for it.

And a freeze tonight.

Insert lots of sighs here.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

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