I woke up this morning feeling the cold. It must have snowed somewhere up north. Everything was just a little bit colder than usual. And even the birds are feeling it. I sat down for my usual early morning coffee and the poor ring-necked dove (Streptopelia capicola) sat next to me all puffed up and half asleep. I am sure the cold got to him as well!
It soon flew away, seeking warmer weather. I drank my coffee and felt a shiver run down my back along with the feather friends who are so cold outside.
I did not dare run after him. But during the day I heard chattering that got closer and closer. A pair of Cape sparrows (Passer melanurus) were building their nest on the patio in one of the roof's beams. I followed the pair around the garden, I dubbed them husband and wife! Here is the wife:
I was in her way for a while and she was not happy with me. I hindered her winter home building.
The chattering did not quiet down; I looked to the side and I saw the husband right next to me! I the thicket, he voiced his dissent and discomfort to his wife.
He too was bringing feathers and things for the winter home! Neither could get to the nest because I stood in their way. Selfish me, but they were so shy.
She flew past me in a circle away down into the garden. The husband as well. I quickly ran downstairs and they were hiding in the bare fig tree.
I followed them back to the patio and saw the little home they are building.
Now I am wondering, is this safe? Safe for them and safe for me? I know that sometimes these nests can be dangerous with all the mites and bacteria they carry. But I also do not want to hurt the birds, maybe there are some eggs in there already? Oh, life is never easy! Could they not have built their little nest in the trees or shrubs I provided in the garden? Alas. Do you have any experience with bird nests? Are they safe for us so close to the home? Or are there real dangers linked to it? Please comment if you have some information to share. I would appreciate it.
She returned soon afterward and she was still displeased with me interrupting her building routine. I could see in her look that I was disrupting their busy routine. Things to do, places to be! The winter is coming and waiting for nobody.
Yesterday it rained, but today everything was wet and cold. You can see in the clouds how cold it looks. Close to the mountain, thick clouds cover everything. The cold wind makes it worse. I hope the bird friends get their warm homes built quickly enough. For now, I am going to make myself a warm drink. Stay warm (if it is winter where you reside) and happy birding!
