For the Birds...

A few weeks ago, I posted a photo of a nest that was little more than a few twigs that could have been blown away at the slightest breath of wind. And you know how windy it's been in Texas recently...

At the time, we assumed that it had been a trial run and that the bird had decided to nest elsewhere. However, we were wrong.  Each day the nest seemed to get more complete...

My husband, whose home office is at the front of the house, said he thought a Mockingbird might be nesting there because he kept seeing one go into the tree.

This morning, as I was out doing some gardening in the front garden, a Mockingbird flew out of the tree so I decided to see what was happening in the nest.  Using a stepladder I was able to peek in without touching or disturbing the nest.


I was thrilled at what I saw...

... four beautiful speckled eggs! 

So we're going to be "bird grandparents" again! 

It's funny how birds choose their nesting sites.  Our house sits between two vacant lots, both of which are completely natural, with trees, undergrowth and every thing else an expectant bird could want.


So where does she nest?

...In a small live oak sapling we planted a couple of years ago to replace the builder-planted one that had drowned due to lack of drainage. 

(If you look at the enlarged image, you can see the nest about half way up. Eye level to me when I'm standing on the ground)


Of course, that's no stranger than the wren nesting in a container on the back patio, five feet from where my husband and I sit and drink our wine on the weekends.


Speaking of the wren.... her babies have opened their eyes and are getting their plumage now.

I'm so glad we bought Cali, the stray cat, and her kittens indoors.  For the safety of all the birds in our garden!


Words and photographs by Jayne Wilson, Green and Serene, Jayne's Country Garden.