CHIRP, CHIRP!

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This wall pocket hangs outside the front door of our beach house. We use this door constantly, so I was very surprised to notice a bird's nest in it. Not only would I have thought they would have chosen a quieter place, but the wall pocket is filled with old, stiff plastic greenery! I stood on tiptoes to peek into the nest, not really expecting to find anything in it. Much to my surprise, as I leaned over it, the mother bird practically flew into my face! I kept a close watch, and when I saw her fly away, I grabbed my camera and started snapping. I only had a few seconds before she returned, so my pictures are unfortunately blurry.


First, there were two...





Then, three...




And, finally, four hungry mouths to feed!

NESTING

Every year, during the Spring and summer months, we notice birds flying in and out of the carriage lights on either side of our back door. It's always amazing to me that they build their nests right next to a door that we use constantly. Not to mention, a door that constantly has at least five dogs hovering around it! I've never retrieved a nest until I was convinced that the birds were not coming back. I'm never sure why they abandon their nests, with the precious eggs left in them. The nest above is real, complete with five eggs.




I was intrigued with this little metal "nest holder". It actually folds up for storage! I love it's "twiggy" feet! Although I show it with nests today, I've also used it to hold small pots of African Violets or other plants.




These other nests are not real, of course, but I think they're cute anyway!