Baby Hammonds Flycatcher July 2014
Perched on two solar lamps at the head of our walkway are a pair of small green-grey-and-brown hued flycatchers. They sit as a sentinel guarding their nest above. With no notice, one will take flight hovering in midair or into the dogwood tree that shades them. Quick tweets fill the air. Throughout the day they fly back and forth to the nest of the three furry little nestlings they are protecting and nurturing.
One warm summer eve a few weeks ago as the sun was setting behind me, I stood on my front deck absorbing the sweet aroma of the delicate wisteria now in full bloom. As I turned toward my breakfast window the flutter of a small bird caught my eye. She flew toward the house. She was returning to a delicate nest perched on the horizontal crook of the downspout under the eve of our roof. Once on her nest she rested quietly. Since then we have eagerly watched Momma attending her nest through the window from our breakfast nook.
We had missed the nest building process. This piece of natural artwork crafted with fresh oak twigs, sprigs of cedar, bark, buds, and grasses seemingly appeared overnight. Once spotted, for almost two weeks we could see the profile of a small adult flycatcher nesting patiently.
Then one day a week ago her pattern changed and we noted she was most often away from the nest, sitting on the lamp or hovering from the dogwood just a few feet away. We began to see little furry heads with wide open beaks bobbing from the top of the nest. We recognized Momma was joined by her partner in the continual role of keeping watch and tending the nest.
I am awed and touched by this natural display of patient nurturing; tenderness, patience, diligence, impeccable care and attention. Even the location was chosen sagely: safe from intruders, accessible from only one angle, and continually shaded from the hot summer sun.
As the days progress the activity in the nest increases and I am growing acutely aware that in this next week the little ones will become fledglings. Shortly after they will take flight and our covey of love will move on.
Until then my watch continues. Their nurturing is palpable. As Momma and Papa care for their brood, I feel a tremendous nurturing in my own heart – I too am being nurtured by nature.
