In Service: Tiny Birds Provide Entertainment, Inspiration & Wistful Farewells

Editor's Note: You'd think I'd have thought of it--the "service" nature provides us daily with beauty and the opportunity to witness the miracle of life that nurtures our wounded souls. I missed it. So, too, I missed the "service" we provided a few of nature's children this spring. Inadvertently, my story became today's submission to Studio B's "In Service" project sponsored by a grant from the Berks County Community Foundation.

by Jane Stahl

I'm am bereft. Let me explain.

It’s so quiet on my deck; the birds' nest--which just a few hours ago housed three baby house wrens--is now completely empty. Since spring, our outdoor back deck--where we enjoy morning coffee, afternoon Happy Hours, and evening meditations--has hosted four sets of house wren families. (It’s apparently a child-friendly neighborhood.)

At first, every day we were entertained watching the tiny birds craft their nests. (The drama was real for one nest that kept falling from its corner until we added some tape to secure it.)

We then watched Momma sit on the nest with Dad spelling her now and then until the hatchlings appeared. And then, what fun—for weeks watching the three little necks stretch and bob when their parents came with take out.

In the past few days there’s been much wing flapping and many cautious attempts by one of the siblings to step onto the side of the nest—deciding the safest exit point, I suppose. But—just like that—they’re all gone—sadly, when I wasn’t watching. I’m glad they found their wings, but I will miss them.

Mom just returned to realize her babes had flown; apparently they neglected to let her know. (Kids?!) She didn’t seem surprised or stay long. I watched her head for the nearest treetop. Maybe they'll have dinner together later. 

The corners of the deck—once busy with young life--now house only the remnants of their homes. But witnessing the marvel of nature--in our own backyard--has been such a healthful diversion to other aspects of modern life.

Next spring can’t come soon enough. We’ll be waiting for their return!

(photo of robins from freepik)

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