Nest building is a careful and deliberate job. For days the robin hops around my garden carefully collecting bits of mud and tiny pieces of grass and twigs.
One sunny morning it happens - tiny eggs appear inside the feathered cocoon. If I foolishly suppose the mother is away and climb a ladder to get a closer look at the delicate blue orbs - the mother, who is always near, suddenly swoops and dives around my head to protect her young.
Then comes warming and waiting. One bright morning, quite unexpectedly, I see tiny heads and beaks bob up and down above the matted mud and straw. These are busy days - searching for worms - constant feedings.
Soon the young birds with new feathers take their first awkward free fall from the nest. For several days the mother stays near by keeping guard - watching, teaching, and protecting her young from preditors as they gradually learn the secrets of flight.
Mothers . . . nest builders, guardians, nourishers and teachers of the next generation. Mothers . . . inspiring, uplifting with gentle watchcare as their young find their wings . . . and learn to fly.
