they've gone



empty nest

The chicks all flew away on Sunday. I spent a large part of the day watching them cautiously step/hop out of the nest on to a branch; hang out for a while; and then, in an enormous feat of courage, spread their wings and fly away - to the neighbor's house! The last one to leave had a touch of "failure to launch" - he or she fluttered down to the steps and, not liking that, went back to the nest. That one hung around a bit and yesterday even ventured onto the windowsill for a rest - the dog was quite curious. Today I see no sign of Jnr. so I suspect he/she found the necessary wings to be independent.

neighborhood news

When I peeked out of the window this morning I noticed that one of the robin chicks had ventured out of the nest and was standing on a branch. I think the babies are getting ready to leave the nest. It's getting pretty tight in there - I'm surprised they can all still fit. The parents continue to supply them with bugs and worms but soon they will be on their own. I'm going to miss them terribly. BUT at least my nest is full with the return of my college daughter (and all her stuff) for the summer.

how do they all fit in there?

My lovely neighbors were busy yesterday cleaning the garage. Mr. L. reminded me that when I moved here 17 years ago from the city I asked, "Why would anyone need to sweep out the garage?" It took me only a few months of a harsh winter and pollen-laden spring to work that one out!

on the neighbor's porch

chick update

The four teeny robins are growing up so fast! When I first spied them they must have just hatched because they looked all embryonic and smooth. Yesterday their wings were visible - just the skeleton really but the feathers are starting to come in. The parents are spending all their time looking for worms and bringing them back to the nest. The chicks are hungry all the time. I got a little close for the mother's comfort and she almost dive-bombed me. I felt bad for upsetting her so I'll be staying away and watching through the window from now on.

azaleas at the new york botanical garden

eggs have hatched

The photos were taken through a window but how cute is this?

spring golf

I am an awful golfer - I have no style, no strength and no situational awareness. I came to the game late in life and it's been downhill from there. But I love being out on the course. I love a good shot when I occasionally have one; I love an effective chip out of the rough; and I love the sound of the ball rolling into the cup on the putting green. Today was my first official round of the season and early spring golf it was. But I had a fun partner; it didn't rain and I didn't lose any balls in the water. I consider it to be a good start!