Sitting on the back porch at the lake, we noticed a small bird coming and going, in and out of the flower pot of red vinca.
“I wonder if there’s a nest in there,” said Mom while sipping her morning coffee. “When I watered it yesterday, I noticed a big hole, but I didn’t think anything of it.”
A little while later when I didn’t see the adult bird around, I peeked into the pot. When I moved a stem of the flower, I saw movement and then three wide-open yellow beaks, hoping I had a juicy insect to drop in.
With excitement, I ran inside to announce to everyone that there indeed was a nest and there were baby chicks in it.
Last summer on my yearly visit we watched goslings of a Canada Geese couple.
My visits to the lake are spent hanging out on the back porch talking with my family. Nature moves around us every day, and we never seem to have the time to really pay attention. This nest of Carolina wrens (it took some internet research, a bird book, and consulting a bird expert to know what kind they were) entertained us and helped us focus on what’s really important: life, love, and family nesting.
“life, love, and family nesting”…your closing thought was so beautiful, Margaret. What a lovely connection of the placement of this nest right on the deck where your family gathered together alongside this precious Carolina wren family!
It seems like a lovely place to be, Margaret. I wrote a poem about a Carolina wren a while ago. They are so perky! Have a good time at the lake, hope the storm weakens and it won’t be too bad.
Did you post your Carolina wren poem. I am working on one and I’m stuck.
Ah, what a wonderful hidden surprise. It’s amazing how nature finds a way to life right under our noses.
There is something about finding a nest of birds. It feels like such a privilege to be able to sneak a peak. Amazing.
Just a lovely post – serenity in small moments!
Awwww…..so sweet! I had a nest of robins on my front porch. I just love watching nature all around us.
Such a lovely surprise hidden right before your eyes. And I love your last line, that brings the piece to a whole different level!
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