Empty Nesters

That’s  what we are this week cause after checking the little cedar tree in the front yard, we found this . . .

Before we left on our recent NC road trip, this little nest had 4 beautiful blue eggs, and then not 4, (as we first thought) but only 3 young robins, featured in an earlier post.

These young birds had no feathers and their eyes were shut. They would silently open their mouths whenever we looked in, most likely expecting their parents to feed them – a never-ending chore with young’uns.

Young birds grow and fledge quickly we knew, but we hoped (or rather expected) to see these young robins around when we returned home. But, a week away is a long time when young birds are being feed constantly and growing quickly.

Here’s WHAT was in the nest – this single, fully feathered, eyes wide open, alert young robin and, as you can see, he really filled the ENTIRE little nest.

Grenville and I checked around the trees and front yard, but found no signs of any siblings, nor did we see any evidence that they had been attacked by neighborhood cats. Of course, another bird carrying off a defenseless young one is always a possibility. While disappointed not to have seen them leave, we were thankful to have not found anything indicating they left other than voluntarily.

Maybe space was a problem?

This little fellow took up the WHOLE nest – and was always hungry.

Mom and dad robin usually hovered nearby and attended to every feeding.

And clearly were very protective.

Even though the front yard nest is deserted, it remains in the little cedar tree and maybe it will have new occupants before too long. The former occupants left it in good shape, so it’s all ready.

Yesterday while working in the back yard, we watched a mourning dove and a robin as they gathered nesting materials and flew into one of the pine trees . . . so maybe we’ll have a couple of full nests VERY soon.