Our Kitchen Nest
by alice shafran
(hastings on hudson, ny usa)
18 years ago we planted a hemlock tree too close to our house, so that its lower branches now press against the house and its upper ones overhang the lower and upper roofs.
This year we decided to cut it down, but before we could, a pair of robins built their nest on a limb directly across from our breakfast table window --no more than 2 feet away and just at eye level.
We have watched as the female laid three eggs, which hatched last Sunday, and two very devoted parents have been feeding the nestlings almost on an assembly line.
The three babies have grown before our eyes, and where once we saw only three tiny beaks opening wide for their food, we now see them spreading their wings, and pushing each other around.
We expect they'll take their first flight this week, and we wonder whether they'll return to the nest at night or ever.
Also, will the parents raise another brood here, or were we only privileged to see this once?
If anyone knows the answer, please email us at:
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