Maternity Ward

by Laurie
(Lancaster County, PA)

It has been an interesting spring for us. It seems our home has turned into a maternity ward of sorts for several robins.

Two of the ceiling fans on our wraparound porch were the first to be chosen as delivery rooms for some very persistant robins.

While they were busy building their nests, we were busy cleaning up the grasses and dirt that kept falling off the fans onto the rockers and tables dirctly below their construction sites.

FINALLY after a few days, they were done building and got down to the business at hand, laying their eggs and protecting their future family.

Because of where the nests are, we cannot see what is going on or how many young uns' there will be.

Not so with the robin's nest we found in the wreath of our mud room door. It is in the perfect spot for us to look in the nest anytime we want because of the glass poprtion of the door.

At first, Momma would fly away every time we walked into the room. After a few days, she got used to us coming and going.

It has been amazing to watch her keeping vigil on the four blue eggs. She just stares at us through the window like she can't be bothered.

Several days ago I noticed Momma with a worm in her beak, so I knew she was feeding her new babies.

As I approached the window, she flew away. I quickly got a chair to see what was in the nest.

There were 4 pink,fuzzy babies, all of them with their mouths opened wide waiting to be fed. It was just like looking at all the babies through the glass in a hospital maternity ward!

I now see the daddy come periodically to check up on the brood. He will sometimes bring a meal or two and babysit while momma goes and does her thing.

We can't wait to see what happens as they get older and are ready to go out on their own.

Right now we can see their little fuzzy heads sticking up over the nest waiting for their next meal when the parents are away.

It has been fascinating to be able to watch up close and personal into the world of a robin.