Springing Forward

New life from old things

Out with the old, in with the new. Time to spring forward!

A few weeks ago, albeit very late in the season, I went out to the porch prepared to discard the evergreen Christmas wreath which was finally beginning to brown. It was beyond time, I thought, and I wasn’t quite sure how we overlooked this remnant of colder days. I reached up, lifted it off the hook, and was surprised by a small bird’s nest, most likely house wrens from the proximity to the eaves.

Well, I couldn’t throw it away now, not with new home construction underway. I gently placed the wreath back on the hook and hoped I did not scare off the mama bird entirely. I stayed away for a full week to allow things to settle and for the birds to recognize a safe space for their new family.

On Monday of this week, I decided to drag out a chair and have a peek at the nest from a safe distance. I stretched out my arm and took a photo as best I could. I was delighted to find these three delicate eggs nestled atop the repurposed wreath.

The irony of the fact that Monday was the first anniversary of my sweet mother-in-law’s death was not lost on me; my in-laws were big birders and would be pleased with this latest porch development. Every time I look at this photograph, I marvel at the natural instincts that built that sturdy little nest. No human architect could’ve designed it better!

When my mother died in Nebraska almost five years ago, I noticed a bird’s nest on our porch for the very first time since we moved into this home. I could sit on the couch, in fact did just that for two weeks as I grieved, and watch birds fly into and out of the nest. I had never been much of a bird watcher before, but it became a daily distraction from the grief that threatened to consume me. On Mother’s Day 2021, there were little chirps coming from the corner nest as the baby birds became more animated. This tiny miracle wasn’t lost on me. Thanks, Mom.

And just like that, I became a bird watcher.

Then came the spring of 2025. We were deep in the throes of caring for my mother-in-law in their home full time and paid no attention to what was or was not happening on the porch at home. I seem to remember commenting that I hadn’t noticed any birds and wondering if they didn’t build that year or if we just missed them while we were away.

Fast forward to this little nest in the wreath. These next few weeks hold a total of three first death anniversaries for people we love; the nest holds three eggs. Coincidence: Maybe you think so, but I do not. Those tiny eggs in the nest hold a bit of hope for me: the realization that life goes on and Mother Nature will again have her way.

If you’re looking for me, I’ll be here on the porch — patiently waiting for the new arrivals to chirp a happy announcement!