GARDENING LAINE: The joy of finding a Spring Bird's Nest

This Robin's nest was built in my hanging geranium pot  

Although we get a bad rap (and justifiably so) for our long winters, I think Spring in upstate New York is breathtakingly beautiful.  With that said, for me, no other season quite compares with it because it speaks of new beginnings.  In my opinion anyone who doesn't welcome one of the first real signs of spring - the proverbial bird nest - has a gene missing from mother nature.  To me, it's like finding a small treasure.  One day the nest  may be empty and the next, filled with pale hued ovals.  It becomes like a daily devotion for me watching and waiting for the eggs to hatch.  All of us at some time or another find a  nest hidden in the most interesting spots.  My sister had a yearly visitor who built her nest in the spring wreath hanging at the front door on the porch.  Needless to my sister, as well as her visitors, were unable to use that door for a while until mother Robin had nurtured those babes to the fledgling stage.  If we got too close (and of course we did because we were nosy and had to peek often!) the father robin would signal danger by flitting around and making sharp chirps as mother flew at us in strong warning.  I found this nest above in the middle of my geranium pot.  How on earth do they do that?  I mean, I live here, so how did I not notice the frenzy of flutter?

Not sure, but I think this was a sparrow? Found in my tall spiral 

Love these "baby blues"

I sit on my porch and watch the miracle of life.  It's a parallel:  When a nest is built in a spot close to your living quarters, the birds are a nuisance intruding on your private territory and birds droppings are not what you ordered with your coffee & newspaper on the porch that day.  You think of tearing it down (yes, you know you do and some of you have done it, so admit it) but wait and hold off for a few weeks if you can.  They say don't ever touch the nest or the eggs or a mother bird won't take care of their young if human scent is near.  I won't ever test that as truth or myth.  In my book, anyone who fills their mouth with mud, takes a few blades of grass at a time, and makes flight after flight overnight equaling "frequent flyer miles" to build their home, has all the respect I can muster!  Enjoy this miracle of nature and share it with your company because it will only present itself a few times a year if you are lucky.

The babies

I've been a nature lover all my life and as a young girl I was taught by my mother to enjoy these simple yet intricate treasures.  My profile states my belief that the simple things in life are priceless, and so I will share them for you to experience also. 
 
Happy nest finding in your nature walks!