And by ‘nesting’ I mean the real thing. This morning I took advantage of Mama’s momentary absence to open the net curtain so that I could get some photos. We’ve had an erratic weather week here. Earlier in the week it suddenly got very hot and humid. I noticed that Mama’s beak was open for long periods of time and she seemed to be flying on and off the nest more often. After googling for some info, I learned it’s a sign of stress. I have a feeling the stress was caused by the hot temperatures and the need for Mama to regulate the temperature of her eggs. I snuck outside and put a dish of water on the deck in case she needed it. Once the evening came, she calmed down. This went on for a few days. It is much cooler now, thank goodness.
She often turns the eggs before sitting back down on the nest.
This is Dad. He sits in this small tree and watches the nest, staying at a distance so as not to encourage predators. Every so often, Mama flies out to meet him. They sit in the tree together or hit the ground on a worm search.
According to my research, sometime later this week the eggs should start to hatch. Then both parents will be on feeding duty. I will, of course, have camera in hand.
I’m enjoying the scrappy randomness of my throw:
Actually, I suppose this is more of an afghan. It’s pretty wide, which can be daunting when I think of how long it has to be. I’ve made one this size before and it lives on our bed. This will be for the den. I try to crochet at least 2 rows every day.
I have rehearsal this evening. Then a day off. By the way, my class with the apprentices went very well. I’m working with them on Shakespeare’s verse – how to analyze it and how to use all that information to make the verse come alive when acting. The apprentices are very engaged and a lot of fun.
See you soon!
oh claudia…beautiful…i love seeing this…she is just adorable… a robin, right?
i love seeing her on her nest….and what a very beautiful nest…and the photo of daddy in the tree….just stunning…so fresh and spring green :-)
happy to visit today, my friend
sending love,
kary and teddy
The photos are outstanding! I only see robbins here maybe once in 10 years. They, once in a while, make a pit stop here when migrating. They are really beautiful!
Claudia, that’s a beautiful “Scrappy Random” throw!.. I love the combination you are putting together.
Great Robin pics too… my Robin has picked a god-awful place to make her nest. Easy for pics, terrible for preditors. *sigh*
What stunning shots of Mama Robin and even papa! Isn’t it fun how you have this whole process to enjoy while you are there?! Soon you will see hungry little mouths opening as they are all squished in the nest and growing every day.
xox Rella
How lucky that the nest is right outside the window, where you can observe the daily happenings without disturbing them. Your throw is going to be beautiful! Sounds like you are really enjoying the class you are teaching.
Beautiful bird photos. I love seeing the nest. What amazing word little creatures can do. And what an amazing vantage point you have.
Your amazing Claudia..spectacular pic of the birds, analyzing Shakespeare,working your bum off and crocheting….YOU ROCK!!
relax…
bunny
I love your pictures. We have tons of birds in our yard but I haven’t seen a single nest. I keep looking. Your crochet project looks like too much work! LOL It took me a year to make my granny square blanket. I want a ripple afghan but I don’t know if I want to commit to that much “work”. LOL
Fantastic photos of the Mama to be. How lovely that you get a ‘birds eye view’ of it all.
Hi Claudia,
I just need to tell you what an amazing photographer you are! We’ve got morning doves in nests all around our house, but they are some of the ugliest babies….all mousy brown with beaks too big for their heads. The adults are kind of pretty, but the babies……not so much. They are also a very stupid bird, and tend to fly into windows and in front of your car frequently. Thanks for sharing such lovely photo’s.
Hugs,
Meri
Dear Claudia, I love your photoes- she looks so conserned, and sweet- and the fact he is near, and watching out for troubelers, is very lovely. I know it is common for many birds, but to actualli see it, is special.
Wish you a good sunday.
XO,Dorthe
Claudia, I an sit for hours literally watching the birds but so love the nesting ones. Beautifully captured moments …
Your afghan is just gorgeous.
Have a beautiful week ~
TTFN ~
Marydon
5 day GIVEAWAY, pop over
Perfect photos of your mama robin from your vantage point there inside. Lucky you to have gotten just the right apartment!
DI
Your bird photos are wonderful. My mom has a wreath on the wall of her porch, and every year there’s a nest built in it. Last year when visiting, I was able to see how the parents take turns finding and bringing back food. My favorite part? Hearing those little babies chirp! It’s sooo sweet!
Hugs,
Jill
Mama RObin is so beautiful, and I am glad to see that Dad is there waiting and protecting. Sorry you are so busy, but so glad you found Vernor’s I remember how much you loved it. I didn’t like soda at all so when Mom gave it to me it just made me feel worse!
Love and miss you,
Mere
What a gorgeous Robin Claudia!!!! I love that you are able to get to close with your camera ~ just beautiful!!! xxoo, Dawn
I love your posts about the birds. I so love to watch nature “run its course.” You seem to be doing okay, and I’m so glad.
Brenda
Wow. Nice photos. The nest is beautiful. I can’t wait to see the babies. We have a pair of tiny finches trying to build a nest under the veranda.
How lucky you are having such goings on right outside your window! Where I used to live we have many, many birds and wildlife, but now that I moved to town, there is less. But, we are luck to have many birds to keep track of. Hope to see pictures of the wee ones soon ;)
How great is that? I love how you did your research… happy nesting!
Oh, I LOVE the beautiful pictures you have of the Mommy robin! I’d love to see more pictures, when you can take them sometime again! Nice work on your afghan too! Ripples will always hold a special place in my heart, as those were what my grandmother loved making the most!.. Hope you had a great weekend, and wishing you an even better week ahead! ~tina
Gorgeous photos of the beautiful robin mother! What a gift to have her so close to you. Can’t wait to see pics of her babies! I read your post from mother’s day. It’s very sad to watch our mother’s become frail. So glad that miss robin decided to nest at your house to help lift your spirits!
~Sandy
Poor little mama getting all hot and bothered! What an expected treat to be able to enjoy this little family drama unfolding before your very eyes Claudia.
That throw/afghan is sure going to be cozy!!
I find such joy in your post…I so love watching the robins. Can’t wait to see the babies.
Hugs for a great week, xo
How great!! I love birds in their nests! My mom moved recently and even though we felt we checked the bird houses we had to return on to the old house, only to find the landlord took it down! He is not a nice person, and that is an understatement. So I am glad to see another great nest coming right along!
Hugs, Lisa
How kind of you to do some research on your little neighbors. The photos of your new friends are delightful. What does apprentice mean in context of what you are doing? Rest and relax tomorrow.
Sounds as if all is going well. terrific!
xx
z
Claudia, I love all the pictures of Mr. and Mrs. Robin and the accompanying narration of their activities getting ready for the babies. How exciting that you have such a good vantage point. Just beautiful! Ann
I can’t wait for more pictures. they are beautiful! they tell a whole story even without the words! Blessings, Joanne
WOW! What fabulous photos….that bird has good taste…what a great spot for a nest! I cannot wait to see the little birds hatch out! Nature is so amazing isn’t it? Have a beautiful day today and a good rehearsal. xoxo KIm
HI CLAUDIA,
WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR, YOUR ROBINS ARE PRECIOUS, AND HEART WARMING. YOUR PHOTOS ARE EXCELLENT
YOUR POST WAS SO ENJOYABLE, LOOKING FORWARD FOR THE NEW BABIES.
TAKE CARE CLAUDIA, RIZZI
Claudia, your photos are wonderful. I am excited for the eggs to hatch.
I love nice Fat robins, so cute.
Nothing like a little robin to help cheer up your day! We don’t have robins here in southern California, but they always put a smile on my face!
Wonderful! Such an admirable life form this little birdie. Responsible, uncomplaining and not needing praise.
I’d like to hang out with pop on the branch, have a smoke and swap stories about the worms we’ve known.