The Visitors to our Porch

The visitors were a couple of birds preparing their nest.
They commenced a meticulous endeavour which was going to be challenging on a space (the meter box) no wider than 8 cm. For weeks we observed the pair dump long strands of whatever they could find in the garden on this ledge they had chosen.

Eventually we assisted with an extension to the abode. This was very fortunate for them and over night we saw the construction of the nest. All the while the long strands were proving the "camouflage" for the real thing - the mud based nest. The nest was so perfectly round and symmetrical, each layer building on the previous and each twig forming the structure.

Four eggs were laid -blue green in colour. We waited patiently even avoiding using the front door so as not to disturb the on shift bird while he/she kept the eggs warm. After fourteen days the eggs hatched. Well, only two did.

The development of the birds was impressive. No more than two weeks later they had flown the coup. It was a pleasant surprise to see them a couple of days after that, in the front garden, learning to fly - and then they were no longer there - Or they could have been, as all birds look alike at that age - who could tell?

We think they were black birds - the guy was shiny black and the mum was "speckled like" brown.
I wonder if they will return next year?

The cycle of life!
Tania