Seasons Change

Look closely, and you can see a worm in Mama Robin's mouth. 

Today marks the first day of summer. And, like clockwork, the last of our baby robins left the nest... almost like they knew spring was over and it was time to move on. 

We first noticed these four feathered babies when our small pup, Jack, became obsessed with a small pine tree in our backyard. He circled it and watched it like he was on the hunt. That’s when Cor spotted the nest.

At the base of this little tree was the only place Jack could be found since our friends hatched. We had to watch him closely to make sure he didn't harm the babes.

We kept the pups locked inside more during our bird time, but that didn't keep  them from bird watching through the window.

On it, rested a plump mama, with her mate always nearby. Then we got our first look at the babes at feeding time. They were so little. This was only two weeks ago.

Here, mama is tending to her very young birds. Such a neat photo to capture!

How much these little guys grow in such a short amount of time. Just yesterday, these four babes sat squished together in their small dish home.

1, 2, 3, 4... This is when we discovered that four babes called this little nest home. 

Then it was down to three in the nest, with the first adventuresome guy resting in a nearby tree after his first flight. 

It wasn't long before the nest was down to three peeps.

Number 4 decided to take flight. Here, he rests in a nearby tree, waiting for his next go.

And by this morning, only two babes remained. 

This was the last time I saw the babes in their nest. Down to 2. 

By the time I got home from work, the nest looked like this. Not a babe in sight. Just in time for the first day of summer. 

It sounds silly, but I was sad when I came home to an empty nest. But I'm glad the babes are finding their way in the world.

Part of me was sad to see our little empty nest, but I was also happy to know that they babies grew and were doing well. 

The last of our little friends now rests on the fence out back. Practicing flying from one part of the fence to the next. Every so often, mama stops by with some food and motherly advice. 

The last of the four birdies spent this evening flying from one fence board to the next, getting used to her new wings. 

Soon this last babe will be on her way and our baby-bird saga will be over. The seasons are changing. Life is progressing. And I know it may sound cheesy, but I loved this opportunity I had to watch some of that change with our springtime house guests. I wonder what the next season will hold around here...