I almost stepped upon this intact nest as I walked across the garden this morning. Luckily I glanced down and I was struck by its size, touchingly small with miniature eggs resting inside.
What a cosy warm sanctuary the birds had built for their young. The nest itself of a sturdy intricate design had survived the gusts of wind which had dislodged it from the lilac tree and placed it upright onto the ground beneath. Some eggs were already sadly broken but three remained whole. Did they have a chance?
My heart went out to the parent birds who would return only to desperately search for their home. Then there were the neighbourhood cats to worry about – a few keen hunters among them and many times the garden has been littered with the debris of battle; pigeon feathers scattered across the lawn.
I ducked beneath the tree branches and spied the ‘cup’ of criss-crossing branches where the nest had cradled. Gingerly I returned the nest to its proper place. All we can do is wait. Life is fragile, even the journey to it is fraught with danger, with many obstacles in the way.
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for these three eggs – and hope to spot three small chicks soon enough. Unlikely maybe, but not impossible.
U P D A T E – 17th July 2015
Don’t we all wish for the happy ending?
With regards to the nest I discovered last weekend the final outcome will never be quite known. I so would have loved to say the eggs hatched, all well. What has happened is that the nest remained in the tree a few days and then after a stormy night I checked the tree again.
The nest was gone. Everything. No remains around on the ground, amongst the bushes, underneath the shrubs. Yes, I checked everywhere. No eggs, no nest debris. Nothing. It does not look good but I’m slightly baffled by the absolute vanishing act. The nest and its tiny contents touched me and I was so happy to share it with you all.
Many thanks for reading and for your heartfelt comments.
Annika Perry 
Natures way of telling you…I think that is from a song. But the circle of life, and death, continues.
Thank you for this deep and thoughtful answer. How true, but how hard to come to terms with. Lovely to have you as a follower.
Oh well! 😦 I guess better that than them scrambled all over your garden. There’s still a chance 🙂
That’s my take on it too Jo, be positive and since there was no debris anywhere they could be safe… I like the two faces; definitely the two sides of this story.
Goodness how odd! I wonder where it went?
Exactly Marje. To completely disappear like that has me baffled but at least gives me a small opportunity to hope.
Thanks for sharing one of nature’s amazing treasures… Hope the little ones hatch and survive!
Thank you Bette and a treasure indeed. I’ve just posted an update on this post with the latest (and last) news about nest. Do have a look.
I hope they manage to hatch, what a find!
Yes Marje, talk about on your doorstep! That’s what initially took my breath away.
Marje, Thank you for your interest about The Nest – I’ve just put an update about it on this post.
Oh heck! I was busy reading your book review and spotted this below. You will let us know the outcome? 🙂
Absolutely…I’ll keep you posted. No news so far though.
😦
Jo, Thank you for your interest about The Nest – here is the outcome on an update about it on this post.
Thanks, Annika 🙂 Hoping it’s good news.
I’ve got everything crossed for this little nest. Let’s hope that the parents carry on regardless. x
Ahh…thanks Dorne. I can feel all this positive energy heading towards the little nest.
Dorne, Thank you for your interest about The Nest – I’ve just put an update about it on this post.
Fingers crossed for the eggs. Nature can seem cruel at times, but I guess it’s really totally dispassionate. Even if one makes it, you’ve added compassion to the mix. Good luck, eggs!!
I like that Peter, ‘adding compassion to the mix’. Thanks for your comment and cheer for the eggs!
Peter, Thank you for your interest about The Nest – I’ve just put an update about it on this post.
I found this rather sad (the event, not the blog). Nature can be very cruel sometimes but we can, in our own way, try to balance it sometimes – like putting the nest back. I suppose the odds are against them but lets hope it worked on this occasion
Mike
Phew Mike, thought you found the blog sad for a moment! I think I was especially touched finding it just at my feet, so perfect and beautiful. I hope my ‘balancing act’ works. 🙂
Mike, Thank you for your interest about The Nest – I’ve just put an update about it on this post.
Birds are good builders but sometimes need a little help. True compassion even in helping the smallest. I can’t stop smiling as my eyes water up… Thank you!
I’d never seen a nest so close up before so was impressed with the intricate sturdy design but also moved by the warm and love that shine through the care they take of their nest building. It looked so perfectly cosy. Thank you so much for your lovely comment; I was touched and slightly over-awed by the moment but wondered if I’m just one big softie” :-))
JC, Thank you for your interest about The Nest – I’ve just put an update about it on this post. Better have tissues at the ready…
What a good thing to do. A very touching post!
Ah, thank you. It was a moving moment and I felt humbled by nature and the detail and effort the birds put into building their homes.
You really managed to share that in your text.
Hej, Thank you for your interest about The Nest – I’ve just put an update about it on this post.
What a sweet thing to do. If they have a chance, it will be because of you.
Thank you so much. I can but hope it helps. Without taking it off the lawn I know they wouldn’t have any chance.
Diana, Thank you for your interest about The Nest – I’ve just put an update about it on this post. At least I gave them a chance.
I’ll be over to look. Thanks Annika.
Oh, I was hoping for good news. Nature is quite indifferent, isn’t she? You added care and light to the world regardless of the outcome.
I so wanted to share good news with you all. Thanks for your lovely comment, that means a lot. Nature is fickle indeed but blesses us with so much beauty too.
Annika, I just love your mornings rescue mission. I hope it is rewarded by
the parents trusting that all is well and help the chicks be born safely.
It is wonderful to hear your love for them and their beautiful nest.
I share this love for birds with you and have what we call a “bird garden”.
Crossing my fingers too.
Thank you Mirja. I’m hoping the parents will return too. I put on some gloves to lift the nest hoping that the human scent wouldn’t then be put onto the nest. The nest seemed so fragile despite the solid looking design I was afraid it would collapse in my hands. Fingers crossed here that the rescue mission worked.
Mirja, Thank you for your interest about The Nest – I’ve just put an update about it on this post.