Robins are building a nest in our yucca tree

The Robin contemplating life

Our new neighbours, Mr and Ms Robin have moved into the top storey of our Yucca tree. We could probably call them squatters, but they are far too decent to be labelled as such. After all, nobody was occupying that space in the Yucca tree in our garden. The yucca was never viewed as prime property by birds before. Our hibiscus tree was used for nesting over the years, but never the yucca tree.

In fact, I didn't think that the Yucca tree was the kind of tree that any bird would choose as its nesting ground. The Yucca tree has a straight trunk with sword-like elongated leaves that are spaced fairly far apart. This tree, donated to us by Desiree, my eldest sister, was not even 50cm high when we received it. Now our majestic Yucca is already roof height and competes with the eaves for space. And this year, the yucca has become the chosen one for our robin pair. How interesting!

 

I am fascinated by the nest -building process. I can see from my kitchen window, how the building is progressing one twig or feather at a time. Yesterday there was a lot of activity as the pair visited the nest often. They seemed to have brought along a few friends as well. The chirping and branch hopping in the hibiscus tree, opposite the yucca tree, sounded like a bachelorette's party. I am almost certain they were gossiping about me too, because after some drum-rolling chirping, those closest to the window darted up to the higher branches.

 

I pretended I didn't notice their agitation and given my lean budget, I wasn't going to spend money on an interpreter. It was all bird talk and my interest was the nest construction. Now and then, I would see the two Robin lovebirds darting off to the yucca tree. They would disappear into the fledgling nest and judging from the movements, there could be adjustments to the inner lining.

 

Being a typical nosy neighbour, I check every morning how the robin lovers are doing. It is a real struggle to get a good view because of the irritating kitchen window blinds and the burglar bars. Why do we need these contraptions that make life so complicated? To get a decent peak, I have to negotiate the small space between the kitchen table, the veggie trolley and the cupboards. Next I have to contort my body into an s-shape and protrude my head through the space of the open window. Then, I stand there in this unflattering position, waiting for the robins to fly to the nest so that I can take the pictures on my phone.

 

I can safely report that the nest-building is on track. The variety of building materials that is being used is a marvel itself. Every piece of twig, feather or flower blossoms are functional pieces placed strategically to fashion the foundation of the nest. I wonder where we went wrong because it seems the animal and bird kingdoms have not lost their focus.

 

I hope our typical rainy,windy winter weather does not damage our neighbours' nest. I would like to see the happy couple rearing their young here in our yucca tree. That experience would really warm the cockles of my heart. So, if there are any further developments, I will happily keep you posted so that you too, can celebrate the wonders of nature recorded by a nosy human neighbour!

 

The robins somewhere in the nest under construction. You can see part of the kitchen window frame here.

 

The nest viewed from the kitchen window with all its obstructions

 

 

 

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