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Cheering for the Chirpers!

Besides crochet, my other form of relaxation is observing and enjoying nature. For weeks now, I have been enjoying the continual show of color brought forth in my perennial garden. Each week, another variety starts to bloom, bringing surprise and joy. Also this year, a mother robin has again chosen to make a nest in the same pine tree as two years ago.



That first experience with a nest full of eggs was heartbreaking as I watched out my bedroom window while a hawk swooped down and stole just one egg! It was enough though; the mother never returned to nurture those eggs.


  • In late winter, I removed the old nest and was pleased to see another one appear in early Spring, lower down in the branches this time. Mama hid the nest quite well; and so far,so good. I've been quietly observing the progress, not wanting to be the one to discourage her from carrying out her duties. At first I was hesitant; so I didn't take a photo of the 4 beautiful eggs in the nest.


I offered colorful scraps of yarn to enhance nature's way of doing things; mother robin chose to use a plastic bag instead!



When I checked last week, the eggs had hatched and all I could see were some little lumps with minimal fuzz, breathing steadily.


Most times I would check the nest, Mama Robin would fly away before I could get close. One day, however, I came eye to eye with her and she just stared at me. I didn't want to disturb her, so I backed off and didn't take a picture.

Next time I checked, I could see their open beaks moving. Hopefully, mom was out hunting food! They seemed hungry, but hey have grown fast over the last 10 days.


Today they are really filling up the nest. Today as I got these photos, Mama was sending me a tweet-from a perch in another tree, "Get away, dangerous human!"


They are looking like little birds now; and their eyes are open!


My crochet hasn't been exactly relaxing these days, as I am working on a commissioned free form piece. There is no deadline pressure, since it is a winter scarf, but there are so many working parts (motifs) that it is like working on a jigsaw puzzle! Once I decide on a color for joining the various pieces, though, I settle into a pleasing rhythm; and it is satisfying to see the chosen colors bring out the best in each other.

Freeform crochet is sometimes call "controlled chaos!" Here are some of the motifs I have finished:






Here they are starting to come together, one day at a time!



Chirp, chirp; I'm cheering for freeform crochet! What are you excited about having on your hook?

Comments

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