Yesterday we finally left on our trip and made it to Virginia in the late afternoon. At the campground I stepped from the car and noticed half a robin's egg lying on the ground. I wondered why the egg hadn't been crushed since it was right in the foot path. I thought to myself, surely a robin wasn't nesting this late in the season.
Later that evening as I lay in bed I wondered how I knew it was a robin's egg. I remembered a time in my early childhood when I saw robins building a nest in the Spring. Back and forth they flew carrying gathered materials for their nest. Later I noticed the mother bird left the nest infrequently and I surmised she must be sitting on eggs. When I saw her leave I ran over to look. I peered inside the nest and saw four exquisite blue eggs. I was mesmerized by their soft round beauty and the thought that a bird would emerge from these eggs. I marveled at the wonder of nature.
A week or so later I saw the mother going to the nest again and again all day long carrying worms in her beak. I knew the eggs had hatched and I longed to see the babies, When she left I ran over to the nest and once again peered inside. Amazed I saw four featherless baby birds with closed eyes lying helpless waiting for food. Their skin was so think I could see the worms in the stomach. When I moved they started to chirp, I realized they thought I was their mother returning with more food. I quickly left so I wouldn't disturb the new robin family.
After a few weeks I saw the baby robins fledge and I was so happy they all lived to fly off. As I fell asleep last night I hoped the baby robin from the half robin's egg had the same good fortune. Everywhere I go I find small gifts from mother nature; I hope I learn the lesson's she has put before me. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.
