Changes

​Around the middle of May I started to notice changes in the balance of amount and types of birds in the garden. It was about the time that I became aware of the presence of a house sparrow nest. Initially I was encouraged to find a new blue bird nest (with five eggs) by the hydrangeas. The beautiful tree swallows were happily residing by the maple tree. Every day they kept Allan company as he watered his patch of newly planted grass. But there were other changes I began to notice – larger birds at the meal worm feeder and a noticeable absence of chickadees.
 
I hadn’t seen any blue birds for a few days, so this morning I checked the nest. The eggs are still there, but there is a large hole in one – not a crack as if it were beginning to hatch, but a hole. The tree swallows, diligent in the protection of their nest, did not appear as I walked by. There are definite changes.
 
In my gardening journal on May 11, I wrote:
Everything I have read indicates that house sparrows should not be allowed to live with blue birds or tree swallows as they are predators, but I feel conflicted. Might be best to let nature take its course.
 
That is what I need to keep in mind – be patient and let nature take its course. Lessons that apply to many things in life, I think.
 
Just now, as I was writing this, a male bluebird came to the feeder. I think it is a good sign.