Sunday, April 1, 2012

Unexpected Guests


I spy something new on our front porch.

No, not the wreath.
I bought that at a garage sale 5 years ago.


But if you look closely, you'll see that there is an added embellishment to the wreath.


And it contains 3 eggs!
The nest was built by a cardinal.
We see her flitting about the porch.
I am wondering though if the white egg isn't hers.
Seems odd that two eggs match, but the third doesn't.
Anyway, my garage sale wreath has suddenly increased in property value.
As if I could part with it now!

14 comments:

Linda Jo said...

Maybe the white egg will develop spots? I'm surprised she left the nest long enough for you to get a picture! I'm excited! Can't wait to see the developments.... We have our regular spring chickadee family... the dad fusses his head off when we sit outside now.

Anonymous said...

Oh, how exciting Nathalie!! Please keep us posted!

Margaret said...

Well she chose just the perfect place, living art, if she only knew! Mx

Ann said...

isn't that the most awesome event ever!! the birds must have felt the safeness and warmth of your home!!
what an honor from Mother Nature!!
keep us informed!!..oh, and more pic's as it goes along if you can!!

barbara said...

The white egg may be that of a cowbird, who lays an egg in someone else's nest and lets the other mother raise the chick...sometimes the cowbird chick becomes so big that it will push the other nestlings out of the nest. Not sure this is what has happened, but it is possible.

~*~Patty S said...

what a lucky cardinal family to move in with you all and what a pretty spot too!

great photos...and the print was nice and easy to read too :)

Cowbirds are famous for sneaking their eggs into other nests...but I do not think their eggs are white

it will be fun to learn the rest of the story!
Happy Spring Nathalie!
oxo

Jeanie said...

How exciting! We have only had one nest (in a wreath, too) over all the years, and it was such a joy to watch them day by day! Happy spring!

Jeanie said...

PS -- I really like your steps!

Anonymous said...

How precious. :) The mother must feel so safe at your home.

The family in the vent to the hood in our kitchen has finally flown the coop. Now we're waiting for the one in the laundry room vent.

Such a nice idea for a watercolor. They'd make great note cards.

BadPenny said...

How lovely. Perfect for Easter.

Joanna said...

How lovely! What a mystery about the eggs, it'll be interesting to see 'what' hatches!

x

ooglebloops said...

Keep us posted on what hatches. Some "lazy" bird decided to have this mom raise her chick!!! Will have to google the color of cowbird eggs- they are known for not being kind to other birds (even tho I kind of like them!!!)

Jill said...

Now, watching a cardinal nest on your porch is certainly a treat!!

Yvonne said...

This is wonderful and right on your front porch. I found a site that may help you with more info.
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/page.aspx?pid=1327

I know some birds lay their egss in other birds ready made nests. To find nests is really cool but to find one with eggs and to watch them hatch is just amazing and rare.