Monday, 28 February 2005 - Bird boarders and new nests

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for bird boarders and new nests.

Although winter intends to linger for a few more weeks, the cool temperatures don't deter the birds from completing their A-priority tasks. Afterall, it's nest building season in the neighborhood.

This morning, as T and I hike along the trail, we watch as the finches, sparrows, robins, magpies, and blue jays busily collect an assortment of excellent building materials. The open meadow provides a treasure trove of straw, grass, twigs and mud. The birds are picky shoppers, comparing this twig to that one before making their final selection. In fact, they are so focused on their mission that they don't fly away when T pulls me onto the field for a closer look.

Last year, the Christmas wreath that hangs on our front door was prime avian real estate - sheltered from the sun and wind, protected from natural predators, and managed by animal-loving landlords. Over the spring and summer months, finch and robin families took up residence. (Unfortunately, only one finch family survived - I'll save that story for another day.) Two nests still adorn the wreath. I wonder if finches and robins return to the same nesting site year after year. We would welcome them back to raise new families. It's really not an inconvenience - once the mother lays the eggs, we just don't use the front door until the eggs hatch and the mother begins leaving the nest to forage. Perhaps I should erect a "for rent" sign near the porch.

We'll wait a few more weeks to see if the wreath attracts new boarders. If not, I'll take it down, wipe away the winter dust, and store it in the basement until next Thanksgiving.

For this blessing, I am grateful.

Amen.