I am heartbroken. Just a few days ago these baby Mockingbirds were in a nest protected within a rosebush right by our kitchen door. This photo was actually taken on June 3rd. It's been so exciting to see their development. After being gone for three days to a retreat, I returned with my niece. I told her I couldn't wait for her to see the babies. Last night when we arrived home at 11:00 p.m., their mama was hovering over them in their nest. All was well.This morning I peeked at them and they were asleep. Moments later, I checked again, hoping to see them with their mouths open. The nest was empty. How could this be? I saw evidence of a possible invasion because the leaves from the rosebush were scattered on the ground. The mama and daddy were up in a nearby tree looking down and acting concerned. And then I saw one of the babies on the ground with his mouth wide open - waiting for a mama who was probably helpless to rescue him. I have NO idea what happened. Other than I assume all are no more. How could they have been robbed from their nest when it was protected by a thorny rosebush? Nature is both beautiful and cruel.
