Why do Robins seem to build nests in challenging places? This nest was not shaded during the hottest points in the days of scorching summer heat. It was nerve-wracking to observe. However mom and dad Robin teamed well with feedings and cleanings of the nest.
Robin chicks were surprisingly robust in the heat of the day. Whenever we observed from an upstairs window, the group appeared active and ready for the next juicy batch of worms to arrive.
We’ve been keeping the bird bath filled with fresh water. We’ve also maintained moisture in the yard so worms and grubs can remain at the surface. The plan is working so far. Robin parents are taking good care of themselves and their two little chicks.
Yeah!! The worms have arrived!
Post Script (August 10, 2022)
Not all ventures in Nature have “happy” endings. The fledging for at least one of these two chicks ended with it dying. Our best guess is that when jumping from the nest, the line from nest to ground included the bird bath. When we discovered the dead bird, it was very wet. Because it was lying in the grass several feet from the bird bath, we hypothesized that the parents pulled it from the water, but because the feathers were wet, it was unable to survive.
We hope the nest-mate is safely on the ground, learning the next steps in survival from the parents. The air is filled with robin chirps and chatter this morning. After learning that only about 25 percent of baby robins survive… we wish that little one well. Weather is forecasted to be cooler for the next week. That should be a plus.
As we buried the failed fledgling under the apple tree, a Scots Gaelic phrase, meaning The Way of Nature, was said as the soil covered the small bird…
Dòigh Nàdair
Scots Gaelic
Pronounced doe na dare, according to Am Faclair Beag (the Scots Gaelic dictionary), this beautiful phrase means ‘The Way of Nature’. (Cut from linked website)
…That sums-up Life perfectly.
