Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Baby Mockingbird Update & Empty Nest Syndrome

I have enjoyed documenting the hatching and growth of these little birdies.
This photo was taken on May 19th, when they were both wide awake and loudly chirping. 

They are demanding little creatures.
 Look at those big mouths!


8 days old

 On May 23rd, the sun was high over head as I stealthily stepped up to the basket 
and peered over the side.

Awwww.....

They're sleeping!

12 days old

And they even look like Mockingbirds now!

Remember, this is only three days ago and I have not seen them flitting around or trying to get out of the basket. Not once. So you can imagine my utter dismay when my son comes in this morning and says they are gone.

WHAT?!

Gone? 

They can't be. They're still so tiny.

Of course I have to go look because they could be lying hurt on the ground and they can't get back to safety.

Or....
Maybe another bird dragged them out of the nest and has horrid plans for them!

My mind was racing with all kinds of disastrous scenarios.
(I might read a little too much fiction. haha )



But alas, They have just flown the nest! 

I came inside relieved that I didn't find them wounded or dead but with a heavy heart that I missed their triumphant flight to freedom.

According to allaboutbirds.com, by 13 days old they are ready to spread their wings and fly, baby fly!

Perhaps I will catch a glimpse of them frolicking among the bushes. 
I certainly see a lot of activity out there. 

I just kind of feel like an empty nester today.

I hope you've enjoyed my feeble attempt to document one of God's miraculous designs.

Genesis 1:20 (ESV)

 And God said, “...let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.”

~Have a blessed day~


Sharing with
The Enchanting Rose




22 comments:

  1. I love your pics, Anne, and was wondering how the little birdies were doing. Our little birdies from our fern last year went splat on the porch, but they were still alive. They weren't ready yet -- they barely had any feathers. So I gently scooped them up and placed them back in the nest and the next morning they were gone! :o I don't know if mama moved them b/c I touched them (but not with my bare hands) or if something got them. I think mama bird may have moved them, but like you I wanted to see them fly! Oh, well. I have been an empty nester thrice now. Woe is me. :(

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    1. I'm sure your momma bird moved them. I know they will do that if they feel threatened and maybe she knew it wasn't a safe place for them. The instincts God puts in them are amazing! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I was so pleased to see you here! :)

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  2. You must have been very worried for them. But so good to now that they were safe and flying off into the big world.

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    1. I was sure they were too little to fly, Barbara! But they are incredible little creatures. Thanks for visiting!

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  3. What scare you gave me! How wonderful to have them! I love mocking birds! I hope the parents come back again!

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    1. Hi Judy, I was out trying to get a glimpse of them tonight but there are so many birds out there, it is hard to tell. I guess that's a good problem to have. :) So glad you visited and left a comment.

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  4. Dearest Anne, What a sweet post! And you did a wonderful job capturing nature and God's amazing creation! I have never seen a mockingbird! They are really cute! All our nest of baby birds in all our trees were gone after the hail storm, it just upset me so much. Have a good evening dear friend!
    Hugs, Roxy

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    1. Hey Roxy! Yes, and apparently Mockingbirds can sing about 15 different songs when they're older. That's pretty cool. :) Hope you are well ~

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  5. What a shame that you missed the big moment, but they are doing what birds are born to do - fly :)
    I enjoyed watching them grow.

    Diana

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    1. I'm so glad you have been enjoying the birdies! I was so bummed that I missed them take off, Diana. I'm just glad they are out there doing what the Lord intended. :)

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  6. Anne, I have enjoyed your mockingbird postings. Our friends in the country have a mockingbird that I have suggested they put a ledge on a nearby tree with a mirror. Whenever company comes, resident mockingbird sits on the side of the door and has a fit looking in the side mirror, always the closest to the yard side, defending his property line insistently for quite awhile. Another friend has learned not to have her truck windows down for a viewing in her rearview mirror inside. :D Kathleen

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    1. Thank you, Kathleen! I hadn't thought about hanging a mirror but that is a great idea. Today, a Cardinal kept flying up to our LR window. I guess it saw it's reflection. It lasted until our cat spied the bird and made a leap up on the window sill. Ha! That Cardinal was outta there so fast. :)

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  7. Hi Anne, the birds were so cute and little to fly off on their own. Thanks for sharing the photos of them. I hope all is well with you! Enjoy the weekend.
    Julie xo

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    1. Hi Julie, Spring is underway here but we are in need of rain! Other than that, all is well. Blessings~

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  8. WOW they leave that early. That's incredible.

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    1. Yeah, I find it hard to believe myself. I keep going out there everyday, hoping they might have come back but not so far. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.

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  9. I can't get over that they just filled up that nest didn't they, just the right size!

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    1. They sure did! The momma knew it was just right for twins. ;)

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  10. My, they grow quickly, don't they! I am very glad our babies don't "fly" the nest that early :)

    Thanks for joining Roses of Inspiration, sweet friend. Happy weekend to you!

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    1. Stephanie, Me too! Although it seems like just yesterday that mine were all still babies, so perhaps it does 'fly' by. :)

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  11. What a sweet blessing God gave you. Thanks for sharing it with us.beautiful photos.

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I am so delighted that you've taken time to come by and comment. Blessings for a joy-filled day!

1 Corinthians 1:3 ~ Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.