New Life Arriving

I mentioned back on March 8th about the wrens nesting atop out propane tank. 

Well, they are certainly not the only birds nesting here at the Boggy Thicket.  We have a pair of cardinals who chose to build their home within six feet of our front door.

Normally, this would not be a problem.  We hardly ever use our front door – nobody does except the occasional stranger trying to save our souls or sell us something. 

The exception to the rule occurs when it rains.  We don’t smoke in the house, so when it is really pouring down we often end up on the front porch.

The mother cardinal does not like this at all.  She will remain on the nest as long as she can stand it then fly away chattering.  She will then continue to make passes, fussing the whole time until we go back in the house.

I had seen three eggs in the nest last week – Mama was so protective that I did not try to take a picture, the shot above is from the web.   The eggs, by the way, are really pretty – brown spots on a light turquoise background (about the color of my mother’s 1960 Thunderbird) – and they are surprisingly big for such a small bird. 

During yesterdays rain, Honey decided to chance a look.  At first she said “I only see one.” then “Oh!” as a little head popped into view above the rim of the nest. 

We had our next cigarette outside the back door.