watching life happen!

A few weeks ago (and after procrastinating far too long I might add) I decided to finally clean up and put away the remaining Christmas stuff.  Some lights and garland still on the porch and a couple of wreaths.

Imagine my surprise when, in the front porch wreath, I found a little nest tucked nice and snug into the back of it.   Expertly hidden by the fake pine boughs, it wasn't visible except from inside the house.  Hidden from squirrels and black birds - which of the 2 ravaged last year's nest  perched in the window light above the door I don't know - the little nest looked quite safe.   And lo and behold - a couple of eggs!  This little bird was already well on the way.  

Found the nest!  Totally by accident when I went flying out the front door into the garden.  Though there's only 2 eggs, at least 5 baby birds are now in there.  Haven't managed to get a photo of mom yet.  

Despite there being eggs in the nest, a few people told us to knock it down; we didn't want birds squawking around the front door; we didn't want the hassle of not being able to use the front door; didn't want bird poop all over the place, etc.  We voted not to and am I ever glad we did!  Instead, B blocked off the front porch (aren't bungie cords great things?!) and we watch life unfold from the other side of the glass.

Nicer than "stay the hell off my porch" right ;-) 

These little guys appeared about a week and a half ago - we've counted 5 little beaks, though they're like a mess of puppy dogs inside that nest, so difficult to figure out how many there actually are!  They've been surprisingly quiet, even when momma brings food.  They're bouncing around when she does show up and as soon as they're fed, completely conk out.  

Anyways, just thought I'd share a little bit of magic that's happening on our doorstep.  I've been busy shooing the cats away (I'm not a cat person on the best of days and with baby birds around, even less so) and watching for black birds; it looks like the nest building location was an excellent choice.

Nobody but us seems to know they exist :-)   

Some pictures over the last week:  when we first noticed them and as they've started to poke their heads up for food or to see what's going on in the world.  Still won't be using the front door for a while!