June article
The encounter with these particularly noisy young robins came in an unexpected situation. I often spend hours waiting in trees, bushes, and muddy holes (most recently for some badger cubs who refuse to cooperate) however this encounter was completely unplanned and only occurred through the sound of distance chirping. While following the sound and maintaining plenty of distance, an adult robin could be seen to be entering a ground level nest in an overgrown verge. After observing the nest for a while, I decided to get my camera and use a long telephoto lens to make sure I would not disrupt the nest by staying far away. Moments later, the shrieking bobble heads raised up out into view of the window into the grassy nest ready to be fed, beaks wide open and creating this moment.
Nests can be fascinating, tiny structures housing entire families made skillfully by beaks from organic matter scavenged from the wild. Standing for months, able to withstand wind, rain, sleet, snow, storms, and volcanic eruptions (one of these being less common than the others in East Devon… we barely get snow!). These homesteads take a huge amount of time and energy from the builders. Slight changes, new smells or signs other animals have been around a nest can instantly make a pair decide to abandon a nest, loosing days, weeks, or months of hard work.
Continuing through the spring and into summer, more birds will nest. With species like the Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff nesting through June, more young birds and nests continuing to appear throughout the seasons. As tempting as it is to get close to investigate nests it can be so crucial to keep giving the families space and respect so they can continue to thrive and grow through the important first few months of spring and summer. The robin nest mentioned in this article was hidden in plain sight and only noticed through taking a moment to slow down, listen, and look for the signs and patterns. So much nature can be spotted so close to us and will continue to present itself as long as it is respected in return.
Tom Knowles WWW.TJKNature.com
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