Well, they fledged.
At some point between seeing mama feeding them at 6 am and later in the morning, they left.
And we didn’t see it. Sigh.
Late in the morning, I ran some errands, but Don was back at the house and he said he walked around in the secret garden and stood under the nest. Nothing. No mama immediately chirping. Then, after several minutes, mama appeared and gave some warning cheeps but looked off in a different direction, presumably where the babies were. Then I came home and did the same thing. Very quiet out there until Mama appeared again, giving me a mild warning. I didn’t see the babies, but this area that she chose is perfect for them, lots of undergrowth and trees with low branches. They have cover during the next few days when they generally hang out near the nest. Later in the day, when I went out there a few more times, no appearance by mama.
Boy, do we miss them! We were both feeling blue all afternoon. I’m so used to walking into the kitchen and going directly to the window to watch them. So is Don. We are most definitely suffering from empty nest syndrome.
Bravo to Mama robin, who did it all on her own. All of it. And as Don says, she doesn’t expect any praise or acknowledgement. She just does it. She has been a terrific single parent and now she will teach the babies out in the world.
Sigh. And another sigh. And another, even bigger sigh.
We have been blessed by three different nesting experiences this summer; the Carolina wrens, the robins by the shed, and the robins outside the kitchen window. It’s been a rare and wonderful gift.
Today, I will hang around the cottage, waiting for the FedEx delivery of my laptop. I have to be here to sign for it. So I plan to take care of some chores inside and outside and do a little painting, as I didn’t get around to it yesterday.
Don’s off to get his hair cut and then he’s going to meet up with a friend; outdoors and masked.
Stay safe.
Happy Monday.
So two young are just about do-able for a single bird parent… Well done she.
And I’m keeping my fingers crossed that FedEx will be at the door before you know it!
Thanks Petra! They arrived around lunch time – my laptop is back.
Stay safe!
Empty nest syndrome for sure! Holding our feathered friends in my heart as they make their way in life♡ Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome. I miss them so!
Stay safe, Grace.
it Is so disappointing to miss them fledging. You have been blessed to have so many nests this year. I can’t believe August is here already. My town is discussing making masks mandatory again and I hope they do. The students are back in school which means all the college kids are here. I spent some time with my daughter online teaching me about my Apple and I love it. So using it now and feeling much better about it. Learning curve is going well. Hugs!
Glad you’re getting used to your new laptop. I am a confirmed Apple fan. That’s the only brand of computer we’ve ever had.
Stay safe, Linda!
You bring new meaning to the phrase “empty nest syndrome.” I’m so sorry you missed the fledging — perhaps she chose that time just to be sure? Who knows. I’m sure you will be seeing them around in the next few days, but I know what you mean by feeling blue about it.
I’m headed home from the lake today for an appointment and a day or two at home, where I’ll weed through four weeks of mail. I always hate to leave on a pretty day but it’s a little cool for much outside apart from a walk, which makes it a bit easier. The big trick will be getting Lizzie into her carrier. Wish me well!
I don’t think so – we aren’t that much of a presence in the kitchen window that she would be thrown off. But who knows?
Oh, the lake! I know you’ll miss it, but you’ll soon be back.
Stay safe, Jeanie.
Good for Don meeting up with a friend
We all need connection
Thanks, Linda.
Stay safe!
Your porch looks very inviting. I would love to sit there and chat with some lemonade or maybe a glass of wine.
I think you will probably see the baby robins around your yard for a few days but not as much fun as watching the nest. Well done, mama robin!
Quick granddaughter update: she is pretty much back to normal! Thank you to everyone who prayed and expressed your concern.
Stay safe
oh, that’s wonderful, marilyn! i was hoping you’d be here today so i could ask how your granddaughter is doing. glad the news is good!
hope you are well, too, and stay that way.
kathy in iowa
We haven’t seen them, unfortunately. I saw two birds in the bushes outside the kitchen window, but I was too far away to see if they might be the fledglings. I keep walking outside, hoping to see them.
SO, SO happy to hear the good news about your granddaughter, Marilyn! That made my day!
Stay safe.
That’s what I’ve been missing,,,,,porch pictures. Sorry to hear you missed the fledging. But, me thinks you would’ve needed a “Robin Cam” to capture it all.
Hope the FedEx guy showed up! ;)
I suppose we should have had little camera set up!
FedEx guy was here by lunchtime and I now have my laptop back.
Stay safe, Donna.
Claudia — sorry you all missed ‘the nest leaving’ but you may see them in your yard or hear their chirping and/or mama’s chirping (if she has not left for a much deserved vacation, haha!!) really like your new painting — you got the colors and form just right. each new one gets better and better!! pls stay safe/healthy
Haven’t really heard them. I go outside periodically to see if Mama Robin appears, but so far, nothing.
Stay safe, Linda.
sorry that you and don missed the fledging … but hopefully soon you get to see the fledglings themselves. and glad you’ve had so many nests and birds around this summer.
a week ago (when it was super-hot), some members of my family and i were sitting indoors but looking at birds on the deck. all of a sudden and for maybe five seconds, we saw two teeny reddish birds that we’d never seen before. not strawberry finches or one of the three kinds of woodpeckers around here … we are thinking and hoping they were fledgling cardinals. so cute!
hope that your errands and don’s haircut & visit with a friend all went well. and that by now (almost 8:30 pm iowa time) your laptop has been returned and future postings will be easier, quicker for you.
the county i live in is now in the “high transmission” rate (per the cdc) and local officials have said everyone – vaccinated or not – need to wear masks indoors and outside. and yet our governor has said nothing.
on a brighter note, it’s been a bit cooler here lately with highs in the low 80s and mornings close to 60 so maybe i will knit a bit tonight. a good contrast to my job. but first, a late dinner (i am gone 12+ hours a day) … tomato soup and popcorn. :)
hope you are having a nice night and stay safe.
kathy in iowa
Could they have been house finches? Our house finches are red (male) and a lighter red for the female.
My sister routinely works 13 hour days. I don’t know how she does it with Little Z to take care of as well! I worked long hours for years, as well; I’d leave the house at 8 am and return home at 10 or 11. But I was younger then!
Stay safe, Kathy.
Oh Claudia! with all the trouble robins, cardinals and jays have had with an awful virus in some states, I am so thrilled your birds found your home to bring even more healthy birds into your area.
I am still taking down the homemade feeders every two days and feeding the birds. SO far we have not seen any with the crusted and puffy eyes. We have not heard the virus has spread here. Gosh I hope it doesnt.
So far I haven’t heard of that virus here in New York State, so I’m very grateful that this mama and her babies are healthy. That reminds me, it’s time to clean out the birdbath, which I’ve been more scrupulous about after hearing about the virus.
Stay safe, Kathy!