We have lived in our house for nine years. The only wildlife that deigned to live on our back porch were these bees or wasps, who would actually drill into the wood of the porch.
So when my wife complained that I had tracked some grass onto the back porch back in May, I had no idea what the heck she was talking about. It turns out that there was a couple birds, male and female, building a nest on a narrow rail above the front porch. I should restate: actually, they were building three or four nests. But all but one were ultimately abandoned, but the vacated nests were eventually used to fortify the chosen dwelling. This rail is only about three inches (7.5 cm) wide, though the nest itself is about five inches (12.5 cm) in diameter; very well designed, I'd say.
Eventually, eggs must have been laid, although I couldn't see from that angle; there's only about a half foot (15 cm) from the top of the post to ceiling of the porch. Generally, one or the other bird would be hanging out at the nest the vast majority of the time. Although when I would open the back door and the smaller adult bird was awake, sometimes he or she would fly away for a time, but not too far.
Ultimately, we saw three baby birds being fed by their parents. But before too long, the birds were gone, leaving behind only the nest and purple poop on the porch. We're still unclear as to why they chose our home as their temporary residence, but it was fun while it lasted.
ROG
16 comments:
Ah, nature will eventually come home to us all. An enjoyable post, that.
We had this happen once or twice and they were so enjoyable to observe even though very messy. These look like they might be robins...I am amazed that they don't come back to the same nest the following year.
Smile, it is so fun to see the nest home.
It sure is interesting to have a nest in your porch. Thanks Roger for sharing.
It must have been fun - it's always interesting to watch new life.
It's interesting to see where birds nest. New life unfolding is special.
Well Roger, that's interesting! My Australian daughter has also nests on her veranda from time to time with various types of birds. The problem is: she has also treefrogs in her house, and they are fond of little birds! So she has to keep them away from the nests.
Thanks for your visit! Good on you to know all the Nursery Rhymes! Next week the letter O is having its turn and then I am going to post an entry about the Origins of the N.R!
Great fun - how privileged you are that these little birds chose to share your home with you. (Hope the purple has cleaned off . . . )
It is nice to watch the birds as they build their nest and nurture their young. How nice of you to provide them with a condo :)
Have you heard about Picasa 3 to make pics bigger or but some colour in it, or more light, darken pics ????? Try to donwload it and you'll find it most interesting !!!!!!
Interesting and enjoyable 'N'. I bet you have to clean after them. Birds are so messy...
surrogate nesting!
what a place to have a nest the bird that built it must think that it is a safe place
How wonderful to be be visited and share your house with these birds. Apart from the purple poo of course, guess you have nice berry bushes round your place.
I so enjoy the bugs and the birds.
Nest watching is a fun past time.
Perhaps the birds will nest again on your railing.
Sherry
What a privilege to be able to watch all that. Lovely post!
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