Empty Nest

If you built it, they will come.  And they did. 

I built a sanctuary for birds, two birdhouses. Eventually, they did come. 

Finches were the first family that came to nest. I watched the Finches built their nest in the bigger birdhouse and saw the young ones took their first flight.  That was such a delight to see.  Then they returned and nested again. A total of eight birds came to life and it was thrilling to be a part of it. 

The following year, the chickadees discovered the blue house.  A new generation were born in this house. 

Last year the bees took over. I have no heart to shoo them away.  They needed a place to stay and besides they can pollinate the flowers.  They were mason bees. 

The chickadees came back to nest but it was too late because the bees are not moving out any sooner.  Needless to say, I was “bird less” for a year. 

This year, I waited for the bees to come back.  They were no show.  So I decided to clean the nest. 

Much to my surprise, I heard the sound chickadee-dee-dee; the best known sound that gives the bird its name.  

Between Me, Maurice and Lucy, we imprisoned ourselves inside my sanctuary. The balcony is off limits. 

Feeding time

The feeding process is in full gear for at least three weeks. From sunrise to sunset the parents are in and out of the birdhouse to feed their offspring.  I can only imagine that there are at least four tiny birds inside the birdhouse. 

I have already seen some of the heads poked out from the hole and the parents are now feeding them from the hole and no longer going inside the house.  It must be a fairly cramp lifestyle inside when the offspring have grown their feathers and big feet. 

Mom and Pop Chickadee

By this time, the parents are starting to look haggard.  All they do is feed the bird.  Such love and drive to provide food for their young is amazing.  And I thought, how much we could learn from them.

Last night, I noticed both parents were perched on the bamboo line and were sounding off a different call.  I am unsure what it means but I have the feeling that they are calling their offspring out. 

Lucy and Maurice watching the parents

Even Maurice and Lucy were looking at them, intently in a calm manner.  The cats were listening to the chattering of the birds.  I wonder if animals understand each other.

 I focused all my attention to the Chickadees since the departure of Nymeria.

 Today I came home, all is quiet.  Not a single chirp. 

I went outside and called the birds.  Chickadee-dee-dee.  Nothing. 

It’s so strange to hear no chirping sound and the ruckus of the young ones when it’s feeding time.

 What is stranger, Maurice and Lucy did not even come out to the balcony with me.  They must have known the birdhouse is now empty. 

A feeling of emptiness came over me.  An empty nest syndrome.

Related articles

• Finding Hope in an Empty Nest (thedivinenatureproject.com)
• Everyone Loves A Chickadee (sharonrwagner.blogspot.com)
• Au Revoir Mon Amie, Mon Amour