Every Birdie Welcome

I am linking up today with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday!

So here's my birdie story. Last Fall, I moved a little decorative birdhouse into the screened porch for the winter. I also have a few other birdie decor pieces on the porch. I LOVE birds and I love decorating with birds.

Early this year, I had a little visitor. He pranced around on the little house.

He was so sweet and almost friendly. I was scared for him though because I have 3 dogs who like laying on the porch. I opened the door and he flew out. He visited several times after that.

A few months later  I was sitting at my desk working blog hopping and looking out the window admiring my  gardens.

I saw my little friend dragging in sticks and nest materials. He built a nest behind a shutter that I propped agaist the window on the porch. The shutter is on top of the back of the heat/ac unit. I watched him work long steady days for a week. It looked like he was building a resort! Man was I excited! I did my research and found out he was a Carolina Wren. The male builds several nests. He finds a mate and lets her select the home she wants. How sweet. She selected us! I spent another week watching her fluff the nest and prepare for laying the eggs. There is a mulched entryway and everything.

Looking out the window at the nest.

She incubated the eggs and dad faithfully brought food. My dogs were not happy at all about being banned from their own porch. I explained to Sweetie that the birds will leave soon but she didn't want to hear it. She said she needed to lie on the porch and work on her tan.

I believe the babies hatched on Easter. I saw a little movement in the nest that day. Mom continued to stay with the babies except occasionally leaving to help get food.  Now it is almost time for the my birdie family to leave me. Both Mom and Dad are bringing in food and the little ones try to hide when I draw the curtain to peek. I placed a baby crib matress on the floor in case they need a landing mat.  I really hope I am home when the babies learn to fly.

This is Mom.

I believe this is Dad with a baby.

Look how sweet. He uses the stairs to get in. Note that he has a mouth full.

One of the babies. (the pictures are taken through a window)

Being able to witness this up close has been very exciting. I am blessed. Almost like they chose me. I love my birds and I will miss them. I've read that the Carolina Wrens mate for life and claim a territory for life. So maybe I will see them around. I am going to try a nesting box close to the porch. I think they will be moving on any day now. Not soon enough for Sweetie though. (i like chippy paint and all but this trim needs painting)

I will keep you posted. I hope to get pics of the babies trying out their wings.

So this is how my Carolina Wren family transformed my porch into a safehouse for their babies. I watched them work so hard building and fluffing their nest. I watched as momma laid eggs for a few days. I watched as momma kept them warm on the cold nights that we have been having. Being on the porch kept them safe during the extreme tornadic weather we have had during the last month. I watched as momma rarely left for the first 5 days or so after her babies hatched. Now I am watching her feed them regularly. She is a good momma. I watched as little naked hatchlings grew into beautiful feathered little birdies with their mouths open. I am honored to be a part of this amazing transformation.

I am linking up my birdie story with the famous and fabulous Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for Met Monday. I've been reading Susan's blog for about 2 years now. She continues to inspire me with her ideas, her writing style and her strength and WILL to get things done (like moving furniture alone, removing wallpaper, installing shelves etc.). I always go over to Susan's  Porch as I'm having my coffee in the morning. It's a great way to start my day. So go look around. You will love The Porch and Max, her beautiful cat who likes to stay very close to Susan. I can understand Max's train of thought!

Have a blessed Mother's Day.






KK