Empty Nests...

The woods hold not such another gem
as the nest of the hummingbird.
The finding of one is an event.

- John Burroughs, naturalist

When I was in Wisconsin, my best friend, Lee, gave me five
empty bird's nests. One was larger, but there were FOUR
hummingbird's nests that she'd found and saved - just for me.

If, in John Burroughs words, "the finding one nest is an event",
then receiving four of these treasures was a full-blown holiday!

The hummer's nests had dried berries that the little
birds had placed in the nests. There were even little
snips of black dog fur from Lee's black Labradors
woven among the twigs and grasses to make a soft bed.

They're tiny and precious, and did I say there were FOUR of them?
I am so looking forward to doing something wonderful with them,
but for now, I'm going to place them in the studio and think of the
little jewels, and their babies who nested snugly inside them.

There was also a larger nest.

I don't know what sweet bird patiently brooded in this nest,
guarding her eggs and feeding growing babies, but I'll smile when
I think of it, built to keep another family safe until they
fledged and left their protective refuge to fend for themselves.

Thank you, Lee.

Today is the last day to enter my 400th Follower Giveaway! Midnight (ET) is the deadline to sign up. Good luck and Thank you to all who entered.

PS. One of the bloggers posted great photos of a hummingbird sitting on her nest recently. I can't remember who it was, though. If you know (or if it was you), please email a link to their post or blog to me. I'd really appreciate it! Thanks!