we were in london today to see the grands.
but they had some sports activities at school so they weren't there, and partner and his son went to do some errands. i was sitting on a wicker couch outside in the porch waiting for the kids to arrive when i saw a robin, with something in its beak, sitting on a fence nearby. when i looked up i saw a little nest in the corner of the porch cover. i sat still and father robin flew up to the nest and suddenly three little mouths appeared and father served them their lunch. then i saw a smaller robin on the hydro wire in front of the house. when this robin flew away, that smaller robin, presumably the mother, flew in, gave the young ones more lunch then sat on the edge of the nest to guard them, i take it from me who's holding something aimed at the nest.
it's a heart-warming sight, this episode of nature. maybe one day when the little ones have learned to fly, they'll be kicked out of the nest but for now that they are helpless and flightless they need to be cared for and protected. unlike the mother of the kids who out of the blue last summer decided she would just look after them for two days a week and left the family home. now she parties with friends and plan to live in toronto and the kids would see her only whenever she wants to visit. why anyone would leave two beautiful kids and a hardworking, loving husband for no reason at all is beyond me. that's why watching this scenario in front of me seems all the more wondrous to see and watch.
thank you for your kind visits and comments; know that they are truly appreciated.
What a fabulous sight to witness. Nature is just a wonder to behold. I am so sorry to read that the mother has left her little ones, seems a rather selfish act.
@janiskay - wondered about that, too. but stepson pointed out that the smaller robin has faded colours as camouflage from predators so it has to be the mother. the robin shown here has black head and distinctive eye ring and throat markings, along with a much brighter breast plume, characteristics of the male robin. isn't it amazing what we learn with our 365 vice? thank you, janice.
Sometimes I think birds are smarter than humans. Other times maybe not. In this case it's the former. The grands may not have a very smart mother, but they do have a great dad and two wonderful grandparents.