The Nest
I am fortunate in where I live to have property that borders a large wooded area. To call it a forest might be a bit dramatic, perhaps the name Hundred Acre Wood better suits it. It is an area green, filled with trees and home to all sorts of critters that occasionally make themselves part of my life. The other day I smelled a horrid smell on my back deck. Further investigation of the nasal sort lead me to a planter box where I discovered the smashed body of a bird. I don't know what smashed it but it was beyond redemption and almost beyond recognition. I scooped up the remains and noticed that nestled not far away was another bird. It was youthful and I quickly determined it was a baby. I left it alone and later in the day noticed the mother tending to it. She would cuddle up beside the bird before venturing out for foraging runs. A few days later I looked out and saw the baby walking alone along the deck railing. I was concerned at first but soon decided it must be its