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Our Robin Adventure

May 7,  I stepped onto my front porch and noticed a few unsightly weeds hanging from my front porch light.  I pulled them down and went about my day.  The next morning, lo and behold, there was a beautiful nest perched on top of the porch light.

I marveled at the intelligence of Mama and Papa Robin, selecting a nest site that was under the cover of the porch and warmed by the light 24x 7 because they built the nest over the light sensor!

On May 12, the eggs started to appear, first two, then a total of 5.  The Colorado May weather was unusually cold so Mama was on the nest most of the time.

 

Mama Robin lays her eggs May 12-15

Excitement was building as our family watched the Robin’s nest with great anticipation.  The grandkids were so excited to see photos and watch the wonder of nature.

Fifteen days later the eggs started to hatch, one by one.  To be able to see (never touch) these sweet babies up close was amazing.  The nest was too tall to actually look into the nest, iphone photos and video to the rescue (centering of the photos was often an issue).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mama and Daddy Robin were consumed with feeding these hungry babies and they became very protective whenever we stepped out on the porch, swooping by and touching my hair to give warning.

Eleven days after the first hatch, two of the babies flew from the nest.

June 8: Two babies prepare to leave the nest

Mama was talking to them and away they went.  A few days later the last two babies also left the nest.  Their soaring abilities were very good and I hope they have learned to soar and be safe.

In the meantime, the grandkids are disappointed that the birds are gone, as am I.  Thank you, Mother Nature, for the great adventure and we hope we’ll have the opportunity again next year.

Below is a link to a short video of our Robin Adventure.

Nicaragua

Nicaraguan Lunch, Dinner and Nature

After a busy morning with the local children, we were ready to sit, eat and share stories of our busy, busy morning. Again, the FEV cooking staff did not disappoint.

Lunch of pork with vegetables, potato, rice and pasta salad
Yummy Flan for Dessert

The afternoon ahead included coffee picking.  (My June 12 post will address  my Nicaragua coffee experience).  Our hostess discovered a red eyed tree frog near the dining room. I didn’t kiss it (no prince needed at this time), but I did hold it.  So colorful and amazing!

Red Eyed Tree Frog in Nicaragua

The grounds of Finca Esperanza Verde have beautiful flowers everywhere.  This day a large white orchid was blooming, for one day only, and graced our table in the dining room.

Large White Orchid that blooms one day only

After the coffee hike, it was time to eat again…oh shoot! (I jest).  Even in the  small, efficient kitchen of FEV, the cooking staff got creative.  I love, in the photo below, the presentation of the sliced squash with melted cheese to resemble a cooked egg. Makes me smile to look at it again!

Final Dinner at FEV

Tomorrow morning we will say good-bye to the wonderful staff of Finca Esperanza Verde and continue our adventure in San Ramon with local hosts.

www.fincaesperanzaverde.com