Crazy Old Lady!!!
People here think I’m a wee bit crazy because I absolutely LOVE the swallows.
Yes, they nest on our front porch. Yes, at first, they scatter a little bit of mud and straw on the ground as they build their nests. Yes, when disturbed, they call for local reinforcements and five or six adult swallows swirl around trying to scare us away. Yes, they poop on the porch.
Poop washes off. They won’t really hit you on their fly-bys. Like the poop, mud and straw can easily be removed.
There are many lessons to be had in watching them. They know safe places to build. Their nests are cleverly constructed to accommodate their quickly growing brood. They keep their nests clean as the little ones hatch. Banding together for defense is something wise creatures do. They know where the food source is abundant and are diligent to provide for their families. Many human creatures don’t have those skills or attributes!
So, may I introduce you to my new little ones? They are growing so fast. They mature so quickly, I’d better name them soon. In only a few weeks, they’ll be flying off.
The birds have  eggs which are no bigger than my thumbnail. At this point, they are smaller than half my fist.
At first, I could barely see them peeking over the top of the nest. Their scrawny little heads were full of fluffy feathers. Their mouths are a dominant feature and often agape.
This morning they seem to be stuffed inside an ever-increasingly confined space. The two outside ones are fluffing out their feathers. The center one appears to be the smallest of the crew. The picture shows just a few fluffs on the top of their heads are left. Aren’t they the cutest things?
Anyone who knows me, knows I love little people. I’ve discovered I’m totally in love with little birds. I call them my little angel babies, and I talk to them as I leave or re-enter the house. Sometimes, the parents will be seated on the gutter as I walk to the car. Of course, I have to tell them how beautiful they are and tell them I love their babies.
Hence, the ‘crazy old lady’ moniker.
I think this is the second crop for the parents. I don’t know if they’ll have more this year, but I’ll keep hoping my little ones survive and have a blessed life here in north Georgia.
I used to read a book of poetry to my girls that had beautiful Eloise Wilkin illustrations. I had the same book when I was a child and remembered the special blessings there.
Dear Father, hear and bless, Thy beasts and singing birds.
And guard with tenderness small things who have no words.
The Bible gives many examples of God’s care and provision for His special avian creations. They, in turn, worship and praise God with their song.
Me, too, Lord!
Blessings to all!
Kara Beth
