The original post for this week’s photo challenge mentions a robin’s nest as a possible example of intricate. I’m going to take that a step further and suggest that it is not only the nest that is intricate, but that those weeks of being an egg and hatchling are perilous and require a lot of intricate details go right for the young bird. Two years ago four of the five health hatches were taken away by a larger bird of prey, a simple example of what can go wrong for these young ones. This year’s nest is doing well so far, four healthy hatches. The nest is getting crowded as the birds are growing, here is the nest first thing this morning:
I have been taking a quick photo on the macro setting with my point and shoot every morning to get a beak count before I set up my larger camera. I had taken this photo and was inside getting the chairs for my larger set-up when I heard a lot of squawking and looked outside to see that one of the birds was on the ground and hopping away. Much to the distress of the adult birds the young bird was sitting out in the open like this:
The adults spent several minutes trying to corral their youngster:
The baby hopped back closer to the nest and was fed by the adults:
But the nest is too high up for this baby to get back in. The adults managed to lure it over to a patch of wildflowers we have. A few minutes later, the young bird was led by the adults into our hedgerow which will provide more cover while the bird is learning to fly.
It seemed like a bit of a stressful moment for the adult birds as they saw to their young offspring. Their chatter attracted the attention of other animals who came to watch. In addition to myself, there was another pair of adult robins, a pair of mourning doves, a northern flicker, a squirrel, and a rabbit. All of these animals, attracted by the noise, came to watch the moment unfold. After it was over the robins went back to the business of feeding the rest of their remaining offspring.
Just a few of the intricacies that go into being a robin. As for me, to capture these few moments required two cameras and three lenses. I started with my point and shoot. The rest of the photos were taken with my Canon 50D. I used my longer 70-200mm lens for the yard shots and then switched to the 50mm when taking the last photo.
I’ve been posting photos of this journey on Flickr and Twitter, so feel free to join me there and follow along. Your comments are welcome below.
Cheers!
Looks like the entire neighborhood of the wild came to greet personally eh? the small world of nature’s creations 🙂
LikeLiked by 5 people
Yes, it was a really interesting thing, all of us sitting there watching these robins.
LikeLiked by 3 people
You were very engaged and it paid off. I love how detailed and sharp they are. Marvelous!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you, I love following the nest every year. The last few years have not gone so well for the hatchlings, so I am always a bit nervous, but this year is going well so far.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fascinating! I’ve often wondered what happened to babies who fell out of the nest and couldn’t get back. Several years ago baby robin not quite ready to fly ended up in our yard, with both parents trying to fend off a much larger crow that was trying to kill and eat the baby. The distress of the parents was so evident that it was heartbreaking. We didn’t know where the nest was, and the baby didn’t stand a chance, so we violated the circle of life and took it to a shelter that promised to care for it and release it when it had learned to fly. I hope we will see more your robins!
LikeLiked by 5 people
In our yard the babies that make it out of the nest always live in the hedgerow for the next little while while they are learning to fly. We try not to get to involved in what is happening which can be very difficult. The year a larger bird took three of the babies, that was really hard to watch, but we did decide not to intervene. I’m not exactly sure how we could have helped, in that case we would have had to move the whole nest, so I’m not sure that would have even worked in the long run. Another year though, we had bad storms blow a baby out of the nest. It was wet and not quite ready to fly, but close. We encouraged it into the hedgerow, because I was sure the adult birds would look for it there.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Last summer I found a baby bird on the front walk, and both parents were frantic. I knew they had nested in my hanging basket so I just got a chair and dropped it right back in. By the next day, they had all flown off, I hope, to a happy life.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Yes, hopefully flying off into the sunset 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fingers crossed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I absolutely love these captures! Great details. Thank you for letting us know the aperture, ss, and lens mm you use. 🙂
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you Amy, I always try to keep track of those details for my own use next time 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That helps… I should be doing the same.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I find it helpful, I’m not really very good at remembering details like that, so writing this blog helps me be more aware of them.
LikeLike
Amy, I scrolled this post on a large computer screen and so when I got to the third image – I was surprised – not sure why – was it the rich color – or the suspense in the way you noted what was happening. then the 4th photo is my fav – and maybe has an intricacy all its own – like there seems to be three layers – the grass the pavement and then the back lighter section – then small to big to bigger – the seeds and their design feel – and then the wavy line made across the top of the way the 3 birds are standing gives us a flow – and then there is more – but just wrap it up with the warmth that is also felt with the paternal care that is depicted.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks so much, I really felt like this series of photos had an intricacy of their own, perhaps just because they were taken on one day over a short period of time. Yet they are part of a bigger story, which is part of bigger story and so on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes – and then even with the different cameras … seems like the word was meant for you – or are you on the team that helps pick the words??
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh what a crowd you had around! Loved that description Amy. My top pick of photos is the crowded neat scene. I think an addition is in order!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes, either and addition or they have to start moving out 🙂 The hedgerow is usually the next step for these young birds. There is more room to flap over there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh what a drama, Amy! I suppose yu couldn’t just pick up the baby bird and plonk it back in the nest. 😕 It does look rather overcrowded. I’m not surprised that one fell out. 🙂 I hope it’s safe.
LikeLiked by 4 people
No, I didn’t really want to bother the birds, and this one was pretty much ready. The space in the hedgerow is a nice next step for these little ones as they grow a bit more. Those first few moments when they are making their way from the nest to the hedgerow is always a bit tense, because they are exposed, but it looks like this one has made the transition.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful series !
Great the first !
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks, I like that first shot as well 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: tnkerr-Writing Prompts and Practice
Perfect timing, wonderful photos and great interpretation of this week’s challenge. Sounded like you had to move fast for the shots. The poor robin, I’m glad nothing happened to it when it hopped out of the nest. Maybe it was excited to come into this world and is eager to go places. At least good to see there are worms for them to eat. No going hungry 😀
LikeLiked by 4 people
Yeah, it was a crazy few minutes for me but I was super excited about the timing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: INTRICATE | The Adventures of Iñigo Boy
I love your photos, what a wonderful post. ❤ The Robins bring so much joy, you have captured the the little family so well. What a great start to my Saturday morning. 🙂
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you so much, I’m glad you liked it, enjoy the rest of your weekend 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Quick reactions on your side too Amy . Well done capturing these scenes of your little Robin family !
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, I do love documenting this every year.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The details you have captured are incredible. Much more than the naked eye can see for sure. Thank you for this amazing share.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks for your kind comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had to call my 2nd grader to come see these spectacular shots with me!! A treasure Amy! Thank you from us both X Sharon
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for sharing and it is nice to see you again 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love to watch the birds out in front of our condo, especially the robins hopping around on the ground looking for food. I don’t think we have any nests with eggs, yet. Of course, Northern Mockingbirds nest in the trees out front and they are very territorial. Other birds don’t usually nest near them.
Capturing birds is a challenge. All of your photos are beautiful!
LikeLiked by 5 people
Thanks and I agree, it can be quite a challenge. In this case it is fairly easy, they come to me 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful post! Nice set of beautiful photos :)! Bye. Kamila
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you for stopping by to visit 🙂
LikeLike
Nice photos and posts like these speak to me as a parent in some way (I guess those who are parents understand).
LikeLiked by 5 people
Agreed, I think it is a bit of an animal parent universal.
LikeLike
Very nice piece! Really well done, not only on the post and photos but also on the time and effort that it takes to record this moment in a birds life story.
incidentalnaturalist.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, I appreciate you reading and taking the time to comment.
LikeLike
I love watching birds. Your post reminded me of pigeons I feed everyday outside my window. They have grown so comfortable around me that they sometimes enter my house just a litle bit. I haven’t been able to take any pictures, though. Anyway, loved your post. Birds are majestic creatures.
LikeLiked by 2 people
How nice, that they are that comfortable around you. I love having this unfold right outside my kitchen window.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Decorative Art.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks 🙂
LikeLike
Great photos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
Such cute birds…captured well
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much for taking a look.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic photographs, I loved the drama of the story and the size difference between the baby and parent birds. I loved your interpretation of the photo challenge, and the nest looks great! Keep up the good work!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for stopping by to take a look and for your kind comment.
LikeLike
Birds are just so darn interesting! Lovely shots.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, I spend a lot of time thinking about them 🙂
LikeLike
I love that we can capture and appreciate such moments
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on jelmak1234.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLike
The description, took me through the journey, it seemed like everything was happening in my own back yard.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for stopping by and following along.
LikeLike
Lovely photos! ❤
Keep up with the good work! You're already doing great! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your kind words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most Welcome! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice blog!
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike
Incredible Photos.. Very Helpful..
LikeLike
Thanks.
LikeLike
This is such a fabulous photo essay. Congrats on being Freshly Pressed!
LikeLike
Thanks so much, and I appreciate you coming by to take a look.
LikeLike
Congratulations Amy!!! FRESHLY PRESSED!! Hugs. Sharon
LikeLike
Hi Sharon, congrats to you as well, I just read your Freshly Pressed post, it is lovely 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on lellone.
LikeLike
Thanks 🙂
LikeLike
So cute.. I really appreciate how you right down the details of the cameras manual mode and what setting you used.. Love that idea!
LikeLike
Thanks, I actually use this blog as a reference point for future work. I’m not that good at remembering settings, so if I have them catalogued here, I can just look them up and not have to re-invent the wheel when I go to shoot under similar conditions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice job
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike
Used to have a pair nest on a drainpipe near my window before I moved. I could see right into their nest and was sad one year when I found one of their eggs on the path below. Thanks for the refresher.
LikeLike
It’s great when they nest close enough that you have a front row seat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So cute and wonderful photos…Thinking animals are nicer than we humans are…
LikeLike
Thanks for taking a look.
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
Reblogged this on hollyebx.
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike
I created a new blog last month called Real Life Natural Wife. I really enjoyed your blog. I hope you’ll come check it out and leave me a comment with your thoughts! Congrats on being freshly pressed! Have a great day!
LikeLike
Stopped by this morning 🙂 Thanks for visiting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So beautiful seeing God’s precious creations! You did a great job! Keep up the good work 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amy, so happy that this year’s eggs has safely hatched and are growing safely! The children at SABB loves the poster of your first set of bird pictures.
LikeLike
Thanks Wendy, glad to hear that you still have that poster. It was nice to have the nest make it this year.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Unchain The Tree and commented:
See more on UNchainthetree.com
LikeLike
I absolutely love the photos and that you follow this robin family with the good sense of not getting involved, can’t wait to read and see more
LikeLike
Thanks, I have one more follow up post to end the story with, we got lucky this year and all the birds survived.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful day in the life story. You have a great mix and talent of imagery and writing.
LikeLike
Thank you so much, that’s very kind of you to say.
LikeLike
Stumbled upon your blog and am so happy i did! awesome photos, i take food photos for my small business and i will pick up a lesson or two from your posts. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you for leaving such a nice comment, I hope that you do find it useful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You captured the rare moments of life and parenting happening.
LikeLike
Thanks for taking a look 🙂
LikeLike
ن
LikeLike
Terrific article and photos.
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
This really empathizes with the family life of robins. Because they are more than just animals, they are creatures with emotions and feelings. I love it.
LikeLike
Thanks so much, we really enjoy having them this close to us.
LikeLike
Every back yard is a safe haven for our little creatures Great Shots and Story, we should all see, luv, and teach our young to enjoy the love of others like even the Robin Family
LikeLike
Thanks for your kind comment.
LikeLike
I love the birds
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on EDEN PARK AGROTURYSTYKA.
LikeLike
Such, amaze ☺
LikeLike
Sangat inspirstif
LikeLike
Reblogged this on angelstars1911 and commented:
i wish i have a camera.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on jana6nguyend1s.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on marianargatesq8u.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Latorre art.
LikeLike
Very interesting and thank you for sharing.
LikeLike
Thanks for taking the time to visit.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on pebz74's Blog.
LikeLike
Hatching eggs is a miracle
LikeLike
I agree 🙂
LikeLike
Lovely
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike
Cute 🐅🐆
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Love the photos!
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on setloganomoloto.
LikeLike
LikeLike
Thanks for the pin, I appreciate it.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on charles rogers home page.
LikeLike
514 people clicked Like? Amazing! Congratulations! Cool nests!
LikeLike
Thanks 🙂
LikeLike
Great pics
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: Muse | Photography Journal Blog
Reblogged this on ArtEdutech.
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing, I appreciate it.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Little Deduction.
LikeLike
Thanks for the reblog!
LikeLike
No biggie! You have such a beautiful page anyway.
LikeLike
Thank you very much!
LikeLike
That is terrifying!
LikeLike
It’s amazing what is going on right outside, when you take a look.
LikeLike
It’s unbelievably… real! I love these pictures! xo!
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike