Metamorphosis Monday with Between Naps on the Porch
I was sitting out on the porch this morning watching the birds at the feeder. You actually have to sit out early in the morning or late in the evening this time of year because it is hot, hot, hot and steamy, sultry, humid during the day.
There were several robins out in the yard and feeding at the feeder as well. You know, I always wonder if those robins are one of “ours.” Remember the robins nest we had on the porch? It was so wonderful. I hope to enjoy that experience again sometime – watching the robins build the nest, seeing the pretty blue eggs, seeing the first little ones after they hatched and then watching them grow as the mommy and daddy robins fed them and then finally watching them leave the nest.
I loved sharing that experience with you and today, I wanted to go back and revisit those sweet robins. Talk about a metamorphosis! How about this:
We went from this . . .
to this
to this . . .
Then, back to three!! What happened. We're not sure but one is missing 
Then, finally this! Three little babies Sunday morning!
I want food!
Not much room for mom now.
Ready for their closeup.
Looking out.
They are a singing trio.
3 peas in a pod.
Their eyes are open.
They keep mom on her toes.
Daddy too.
Here is dad keeping watch from a nearby tree.
Here are the pics from the final two days.
Here are the last two
Getting kind of crowded.
All alone.
Preparing for takeoff!
Clear the runway!
Here I go!
I made it!
Empty nest
I'm ready for the world!
The parents, particularly the dad will stay with the little ones for about two more week, showing them the ropes. After that, they are on their own. I’ve always loved robins, but, after this experience, I’ll never look at them the same again.
Today’s Lagniappe: Okra Rellenos
It okra time! From Southern Living 1997 Cookbook.
- 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese with peppers
- 1 pound fresh okra (4-inch-long pods)
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1/3 cup self-rising cornmeal
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup dark beer
- Corn oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cut Monterey Jack cheese into 3- x 1/4- x 1/4-inch sticks.
Cut a lengthwise slit in each okra pod, cutting to but not through ends; push seeds aside. Stuff pods with cheese sticks, and set aside.
Combine flour and cornmeal in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture.
Stir together egg, buttermilk, and beer; add to dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
Pour oil to depth of 3 inches into a Dutch oven; heat to 375°. Dip stuffed okra in batter, coating well; fry, a few at a time, in hot oil until golden. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt; serve immediately with salsa.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Incredible pictures! How nice that you were aboe to take pictures every step of the way. I was not as lucky. I posted baby bird pictures too for MM but I could not see well. They were too deep in the hanging planter and everytime i try to take a picture of the eggs, the mom was there staring at me….Christine
So sweet! Loved your post today, Christi. There’s something so special about being a part of watching those little guys growing up before your eyes. A real blessing, for sure! We’ve watched 2 broods of bluebirds and one of wrens leave their nests so far this summer. So much fun….!
Stay cool down there!
xoxo laurie@heavens-walk
How sweet! My mother recently had swallows build a nest on a very narrow place in her garage and sadly after the baby birds were born and trying to fly, one fell out due to overcrowding and died:(
However, the others continued flying lessons and made it safely into the world:)
And by the way, what great photos you made!
I LOVE this post! I’m going through the same experience with a couple of mockingbirds now – what a blessing! Thanks for sharing…jenT
Great post! You were very patient and diligent to get all those great photos! Love it.
Aren’t they wonderful!!! We had a Robin’s nest this Spring as well, it was so much fun watching it all take place, but so surprising how fast the babies grew and left the nest!