We have a Japanese maple tree next to our backyard deck that has played host to many a bird nest over the years. The birds usually build their nests above our deck sight line, and our house and the tree usually provide nice shelter from the elements for young families. Unfortunately for this birdie home, our Midwestern spring has been more wet and windy than usual this year. After a recent storm, our 16-year-old son found a fledgling robin and unhatched robin egg in the lush grass not far from the tree. We are animal lovers and delighted in this wee discovery. The baby robin had some downy feathers, but was still very young and looked to be barely breathing. Nearby, the likely momma robin protectively admonished us from our massive oak tree, flitting about every so often to draw our attention away from her little one on the ground. The sun was shining and our teen and tween were more enthralled with nature than they had been in quite a while.
So many lessons from backyard nature if we just take a moment to regard and learn!
So many!