PEACE IN THE NEST

In late January, returning home from a day in town, my husband and I were greeted by a couple of Willie Wagtails sitting on a hanging basket on our verandah, presumably planning to build a nest.

Another day away and we came home to find a fragile construction had started on the hanging basket, right in front of our toilet door. We didn’t have the heart to move it, so the ‘building’ went ahead, with the pair of Willie Wagtails flying in with building materials. There was much scolding towards us for getting in their way, and there also seemed to be an urgency to complete this nest.

Finally, after a week, a beautiful nest woven together with various materials, and lined meticulously with hair and wool, was completed.

The next day an egg appeared in their nest, followed by another two during the week. My husband and I were such a hindrance to them, having to use the toilet next to their nest, we were always severely scolded. Two weeks went by quickly and three baby chicks were hatched. The tireless task began for the parents to find food to bring back to their babies. In and out both Willy Wagtails would fly during the day, with insects to feed their family. It was amazing how quickly the babies were growing. We were constantly scolded if we came near their nest, and often got our hair pulled just as a warning to keep our distance. Going to the toilet late one night, I took a peep into their nest. How

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lovely to see three little heads and bodies lying neatly side-by-side, sound asleep, with just their hearts beating – their little bodies rising and falling with each breath. So beautiful, I would have liked to put a kiss on each tiny head but dared not. They were so peaceful with life, and we were so lucky to be able to share this special moment.