Robin's Meadow
The summer is half over and our meadow (aka Lambert Hilltop Park) that runs out in front of our house is the home of a flock of Robins. One family of Robins has chosen to roost in the Weeping Cherry tree in front of our balcony. We thoroughly enjoyed her young brood that she hatched in May. It was a joy watching them quickly grow and fly away amongst the pink flowers that were in full bloom at the time.
Imagine our surprise when three or four weeks ago Mama flew in and took up roost again in the family living room. Shortly there-after we watched the 4 eggs start to hatch. By now Mama was used to us sitting on the balcony and woud sit in her living room and gaze back at us. Sunday 2 of the eggs hatched, to be followed by one more on both Monday and Tuesday. All we could see above the rim of the nest were these tiny wisps of pale feathers that would flutter in the breeze.
On Wednesday, the cheeps were big enough to balance their oversized beaks on their scrawny necks up above the edge of the nest in a silent plea as they waited for mama and dad to bring the next morsel d'worm to poke down the throat.
Suddenly the warm maternal scene was roughly interrupted by a whirling gust of wind that blew in from the west. The smell of rain, though much needed and longed for by all who lived in the meadow, was sorely ill-timed for the young cheeps still sporting their downy feathers. With no for-warning sprinkles, the sky let loose a down pour of water that soaked all within reach.
Mama Robin was right on the scene and sat down on her cheeps and spread her wings to provide them with the much needed warmth and dry shelter they needed.
Suddenly Mama found that she was, herself under cover. Up over her right shoulder, the Papa Robin had swooped in and landed on the edge of the nest. As the rain continued to fall, he spread his wings out over Mama and the young cheeps below him, covering them with his wings. This was a scene we had never witnessed before.
I grabbed my camera and took some pictures through the blowing leaves and rain so I could show my grandkids the love that Mama and Papa Robin had for their young.
This last couple of weeks have turned into a daily documentation of the growth and antics of our cheeps. I hope you enjoy some of their shots as much as we have. We have managed to learn a whole lot about "family" in the process.
Imagine our surprise when three or four weeks ago Mama flew in and took up roost again in the family living room. Shortly there-after we watched the 4 eggs start to hatch. By now Mama was used to us sitting on the balcony and woud sit in her living room and gaze back at us. Sunday 2 of the eggs hatched, to be followed by one more on both Monday and Tuesday. All we could see above the rim of the nest were these tiny wisps of pale feathers that would flutter in the breeze.
On Wednesday, the cheeps were big enough to balance their oversized beaks on their scrawny necks up above the edge of the nest in a silent plea as they waited for mama and dad to bring the next morsel d'worm to poke down the throat.
Suddenly the warm maternal scene was roughly interrupted by a whirling gust of wind that blew in from the west. The smell of rain, though much needed and longed for by all who lived in the meadow, was sorely ill-timed for the young cheeps still sporting their downy feathers. With no for-warning sprinkles, the sky let loose a down pour of water that soaked all within reach.
Mama Robin was right on the scene and sat down on her cheeps and spread her wings to provide them with the much needed warmth and dry shelter they needed.
This last couple of weeks have turned into a daily documentation of the growth and antics of our cheeps. I hope you enjoy some of their shots as much as we have. We have managed to learn a whole lot about "family" in the process.
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