Carolina Wren On My Mind

by Tracey
(Sandwich, MA)

Behind my house, within view of my bedroom window is a plastic trash bin where my children store wiffle ball bats & pool noodles, and other such items.

A month or so ago I thought I saw a bird carrying twigs into it. I didn't think much of it until my daughters came screaming into the house after trying to get a wiffle ball bat.

"We just got attacked by a bird & she built a nest in the bottom of the bin!"

I was skeptical but went to check it out & sure enough, there, beneath the yard toys, was a cozy cave like nest.

We couldn't see too far into it but we got a glimpse of what might be eggs. After a couple of weeks we heard loud chirping coming out of the bin.

My son showed me just the right angle to stand to be able to see into the nest. At first I saw nothing.

I kept checking back and after a few days I peeked in and saw 4 tiny, yellow rimmed beaks opening, crying out with gusto for food.

With the beautiful weather this past weekend, I set up my beach chair within view of the bin. I spent hours watching the mama find food for her babies.

What an amazing amount of work! She can't go to the store & bring home a whole bag - she can only carry what fits in her beak.

Those babies seemed insatiable and she appeared tireless.

My children & I were totally enthralled with this tiny family. I even showed off my new "pets" to a friend who stopped by.

I couldn't wait to see how she was going to get those babies up out of the bottom of the bin to teach them to fly.

Yesterday I came home to a long faced, 6'2", 19 year old son. He said in a solemn voice, "Mom, the birds are gone." Paul went on to tell me that he had gone out earlier in the day to peek in on them & discovered the nest had been destroyed & no sign of the birds remained.

It's hard to describe the overwhelming sadness we all felt. I know they were just wild birds & it's the circle of life & all. But to me, that tiny family was a symbol of hope & perseverance. Ever the optimist, I continue to be hopeful.

Hopeful that the mother will rebuild and brood again. Hopeful that her next group of babies will survive long enough to fly free.