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Empty Nest Syndrome

Yes.

The little bird has flown or rather the little birds have flown. Plural.

Yesterday afternoon they were gone from their bread basket nest. I was sure that one kept flying close to my head as I worked in the evening. I fancied that it might have been Jonathan Livingston Swallow who I put back in the best two or three times a day but probably not. There are so many out now. All flying together.

Did you know that; All swallows (barn swallows included) are state and federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. Active nests with eggs or chicks inside may not be touched or destroyed without a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

And we saved two. Without permission I might add.

The swallows fly around my head all summer as I walk. Waiting for me to scare up a succulent morsel.

Speaking of succulent morsels that zucchini (the one I have grown in the glass house) has given me two breakfasts – pan fried with greens from the garden and a soft fried egg on top.

The farm feeds the farmer! The perfect cycle.

old barn

Lots of barn-keeping to do.

interior of old barn

Before I left the farm this morning I went to let the chickens out and there was a little swallow up in the rafters peering down at me. It was a yougun’

I said “Fly away little bird.”

He said “My Mum said to stay right where I am – she promised me a beetle if I was a good little bird.”

I was a little surprised at his excellent English but then he was raised by me, his Mum and 32 savage chickens. He had to learn fast!

My Flowers the blue peACOCK

I have had to come into town to make the blog post this morning. No internet at all out at the farm. And with no-one to put a pole up for me for a few weeks I think my next good signal will be in New Zealand!!

Hilarious.

cow in front of old barn

Boo is lying at my feet as usual. TonTon is lying under the porch at the farm.

I hope you all have a lovely day.

Celi

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17 responses to “Empty Nest Syndrome”

  2. What a pain for you to have to go to town for the internet when you have so much to fit in your day! One of my daughter’s internet is down, she presently works from home so not good. As for her teenage children their life is pretty well not worth living apparently! Sad isn’t it?! Lucky little Jonathan Livingstone swifts, such care. Zucchini meals sound delicious. Mr Flowers looking gorgeous, and that sky, phew.

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  3. I love the portraits today. Elegant Mr. Flowers at full attention! & Here’s lookin at you, Bobby, with your most distinguished double eyebrows. And also your soulful notes on the pannier swallow babies. You are a wonderful care giver & chronicler of all the colorful lives & the daily doings at the Farmy. I look forward to your post everyday & I’m sorry it has become more complicated for you to send it forth to us from rural Illinois than it will be from faraway New Zealand.

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  7. Safe travels Cecilia, I look forward to your posts from New Zealand. What a job it must be to get the farm ready for leaving. I love the image of the little swallow having a conversation with you. He or she must have learned it from the chickens.

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  8. I bet Jonathan Livingstone Swallow has a slight Kiwi accent, aye? He’ll have a story or two to tell his own hatchlings one day, about how he was brought out of the jaws of death many times, about how he rode the rafters in a bread basket when Mum’s nest was gone, about how the giant lady would talk to him and tell him to stay put. Colourful stuff, for a swallow, and that excellent English will come in handy…

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  9. The cow seems to be telling you to go get your own blanket fly swatter C- that look says “I will not share so do not ask.”

    I am in awe of that amazing sky picture!

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  10. A fine little children’s book about the swallows. Some life lessons, gently delivered, lovely photos of the main characters. Bet it would sell too. You’ve got lots at the farmy that would be great children’s books.

    Reply

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