Well, it’s Dec. 17 and most birds have already migrated to warmer places away from New York. Spring, though, is right around the corner (wishful thinking) and I am already thinking about the birds returning to our backyard. Still, the thought of spring brought a smile to my face. Spring is my favorite season, the time when robins return like clockwork, their vibrant orange breasts bright against the budding greens and browns of the yard.
Last spring had been magical. A pair of robins chose to build their nest right next to the backyard door, the one everyone used the most. It wasn’t the most private spot for them, but perhaps they liked the commotion. We had watched them build their nest with quiet admiration, careful not to disturb their work. They were tireless, darting back and forth with twigs, leaves, and scraps, weaving them together with a precision and artistry only nature could achieve. What amazed us most was their ingenuity. Among the natural materials were unexpected touches—bits of paper, even straw wrappers—woven seamlessly into their design. Trash, transformed into something so beautiful.
This year, I decided to help. Wandering around the yard, I carried small pieces of twine in my pocket, cutting them to just the right size—five inches, no more—and scattering them gently in the grass, the flower beds, and beneath the bushes. To a casual observer, it might have seemed odd: a grown man scattering bits of string across his yard in the middle of winter. But to me, it was an offering, a quiet gesture of care for the robins.
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Keep on rootin’ and happy growing!
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