.cynlee

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I guess it is for all of us when we first leave the nest and rely on our own wings to keep us aloft.

I woke up Sunday morning and immediately went to check on the two remaining robin chicks through my dining room window and I saw this one perched at the very edge of the nest. I knew he was about to jump, so I grabbed my camera and ran out and positioned myself on the grass just below his perch (about 15 feet away). I trained the camera on him for awhile, but nothing was happening. Then I backed off and hid myself behind the grape arbor and still no movement on his part. (I'm assuming it was a male, so don't ask how I can tell.)

This stand off lasted quite awhile, but I got to thinking. This is his big moment in the bird world, he is right to not trust me because he doesn't know his own capabilities yet and doesn't know how fast I can move. So allowing him his moment and his dignity in respect for his patience, I decided to go back into the house and watch from the window.

As I thought would happen, when I reached the window, which wasn't that far away, the nest was vacant and he had flown. I searched with my eyes for him on the ground, but could not find him.

It was a little sad to see them all go since I had watched them every day for about three weeks and then it made me remember when my own children flew and the meaning of 'empty nest' hit home.

Late Monday afternoon when I returned home, Momma Robin was out scrounging for grub on the lawn and I think we recognized each other. I talked to her softly and she looked at me and went back to what she was doing. I think she recognized me after all the time I spent encouraging her and watching the nest (sometimes with my lens).

Robins are territorial and no other robins may enter their space. For a few days the babies are on the ground learning to fly as mother still provides them with food, but in 10 days or so they have adult skills and move on to their own territories.

Many robins don't make it through the first year, but when they do, they live to about 5 or 6 years old. Some have lived to be as much as 14 years old.

ROBIN FACTS