WAITING FOR MAMA ( a Mother's Day Story )

There are two big evergreens right in front of our house. I planted them about 1987 when we have just moved into our house here in 19 Dixon.

Every time Spring season starts, there are lots of birds scurrying about in our front and backyard. You can hear mating calls the whole night. The next morning too and then you could see the birds doing their mating ( You know, the birds and the bees thing). I saw birds do it many times; on the fence, on the grass..

Then a few days later, you could see them start building their nests. They say birds are the best builders. They did not study Engineering but see how good their nests are. They did not take up Strength of Materials but their nests could stay up in tree branches for the duration of Fall, Winter until the arrival of another spring...

Anyways, there is this Robin which built a nest in a low branch of one of the evergreen trees in our front yard. It is so low I could touch it ( but didn't) When I discovered it a few days ago, the Mother was not there. Then a few minutes later she came back to the nest and sat once more on the eggs. She did not give a hoot ( or a chirp ) that I was there near her nest. In fact I think she was trying to protect her eggs from me!

Yesterday there was a big rain storm. It shook up buildings in downtown, bill boards and in front of the house, the evergreens were thrashing about their branches.

This morning, the sun came out. I went to the tree to check on the robin's nest. Below the branch are broken shells. BUT on the branch was a solitary baby Robin. It was holding up on its own, the feathers are still matty, the breast still blurry reddish. She hopped outside the nest, looking for Mama. Where is Mama?..I can't see her.

I can not resist taking several shots of her there. head up high, waiting, not even making a sound. She was looking at one direction. She was hoping Mama would come to give her one fat worm..

I was not able to find out what happened. A few minutes later, the branch was empty. The bird might flew off by itself. I hope she did. It is not safe for baby Robins to be running about on their feet in front of our house because Dixon Road is one busy street leading to the Airport.

I hope she flew off with her Mama so she can enjoy the rest of the summer with her.---#