Nesting…

 About a month ago I began to notice this little bird hanging around on our patio, always sitting on the back of our chair.  She would come and go throughout the day. 

 Last weekend I noticed her hanging out in our birdhouse.  This particular property has been vacant as long as we’ve owned it.  This spring we finally have a renter. 

 As I sat one afternoon watching with my camera in hand, I noticed a second renter.  He was trying very hard to get into the house, but was being blocked by the young lady.  I could see that he was trying to bring her gifts.

 He was very persistent and did not give up without a fight.  He hung around and at one point when she flew away, he was able to enter and drop off the goods!

 As I sat patiently watching her, it dawned on me.  She is a little momma preparing to lay her eggs.  Her figure has filled out since I first noticed her perched on the porch chairs.  On this particular day she looked a little worse for the wear.  Her feathers seemed a bit ruffled.  She was very antsy and flew in and out, back and forth.  She never went very far. 

I think her time is coming.  Unfortunately, the front door to her bird house does not face the kitchen window and I have to be outside on the porch to be the nosy neighbor!  I am afraid that if we turn the house around it will disturb their little nest and they will move out.  

I can feel the excitement in the air as I watch her fly around and prepare for her big day.  I’ve heard that when a woman is ready to give birth she has a nesting instinct.  I think this must be where that saying came from.  Soon we will have grandbirds!