The Nest

 

   

   Earlier this spring we found bird nests on our deck. One of them was built on the shelf of a table that we use when grilling. It was a strange spot of a nest. It was only a foot off the ground and easily accessible to predators. I had no idea why a bird would build a nest there. The other nest was built on the light next to a door going to the garage. That one made more sense. It's high up and under an overhang. The nest is safe and protected from the elements.

   It was not something we wanted though. Bird nests get pretty messy. Once we were able to determine that no eggs were in the nest. C pulled it down. A few days later a new nest was sitting where the old one had been. C made sure that no eggs were in the nest and then pulled it down. A week later a third nest appeared. As before we checked before removing it. No new nest appeared. We thought the birds had got the message and found a new place to live.

   Last week C and I were both suffering from head colds and mourning the loss of our beloved Scamp.  We didn't go outside much. The birds took advantage of our inattentiveness and constructed a new nest. C discovered it early this week. As it is late in the spring I asked him to wait before pulling it down. It was very likely that the bird had laid eggs in it or would do so soon. We decided to wait until the weekend. If no birds were in the nest it would come down.

   Wednesday at work I got a text. The mother bird was in the nest. C said that she had seen him and glared at him daring him to pull her neatly constructed nest down. 

   It seems the birds have won this round. I'm grateful that the nest is near the seldom used door to the garage rather than the more often used door into the house. The nest and the eggs will be safe there. 

   There is part of me that is glad that we can provide safety for the birds, even if it does make a mess. I've always had a soft spot for all animals. Knowing that we can provide this little bit of help makes me happy. We'll keep a watch on the nest. I hope I'll be able to see the little birds.