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- Story Listed as: True Life For Adults
- Theme: Drama / Human Interest
- Subject: Death / Heartbreak / Loss
- Published: 05/20/2023
The Stone Birdhouse
Born 1957, F, from Mesick Michigan, United StatesAs I'm waiting for the arrival of my son, daughter-in-law and grand babies to visit on this warm sunny Mother's Day I finish the final preparations. We planned a fun get together with outdoor games for the kids and a cookout with delicious burgers, hot dogs, salads, and fresh fruit among other goodies. Everything was laid out on tables on the back deck. Soon, I hear a horn blaring, signaling they had arrived. Next, I hear my granddaughters squeal with joy as they run along the house into the backyard.
“Nana! Nana!, look what we got for you!”
Avery comes carrying two hanging plants. Ava holds a beautiful birdhouse.
“Oh, girls, the flowers are so colorful and pretty. And the birds will love the stone birdhouse. Thank you. This is the best Mother's Day.” I say as I kneel down and give them both hugs and kisses.
“That's a very nice birdhouse.” Papa said.
“I picked it out Papa! I picked it!” Ava excitedly proclaimed.
“I had a feeling you did Ava. You like birds as much as your Nana does.”
“Where do you want me to put up your birdhouse, honey?” My husband asked.
“Over here papa.” Announces Avery.
“You know, that is a good spot kiddo. Right here in the backyard between the plum and crab apple tree?”
“If birds use it, I'll be able to watch from the swing or deck. If birds aren't attracted to it, it'll still make a nice lawn piece.” I say with much happiness in my voice.
So, my husband and my son dig a hole and place the pole facing in the direction which is out of the way of prevailing winds and yet where I can monitor the birdhouse. Then they secured the birdhouse to the top of the post.
“You know girls, this really is a nice birdhouse with its polished colored stone. Even the little chimney is made with stones. And surprisingly its quite heavy. I think the birds are going to love it.” Papa says with a huge smile.
“The birds would be silly not to love this birdhouse.” Giggles Ava. “I would live in it if I was a bird.”
As May continued, my yard was beginning to get quite busy with Tree Swallows building nests in two of our four bluebird houses. I've chased our Bluebirds away by planting four maple trees in our front yard where the bird houses are set up. They like a more open area. But that's OK, I enjoy the Tree Swallows.
One day as I was walking around the yard, I notice a bird fly into the stone house and quickly fly back out. It was so fast I couldn't tell what it was. I sat on the swing in hopes of seeing the bird fly in the house again. Within just a few minutes it came back with nest building material in its beak. Ya! I was so excited. I sat for a long time watching the bird busily bring 'stuff' to the house. When it flew into the crab apple tree and perched upside down on the trunk, I knew what kind of bird it was. It was one of the Red Breasted Nuthatches that visit our yard all the time. They seem to never leave. Being curious I wanted to know about their nesting habits so I 'Googled' it. Not being able to see what kind of nesting material they use because I can't see inside the house, I needed to look it up. I learned that Nuthatches rarely use nest boxes, so I was extremely happy to have this pair build their nest and raise their young in this beautiful birdhouse. These birds use bark fiber, pine needles, grasses, twigs and hair in the building of their nest, which we have plenty of. Also, I learned they will build 'dummy' nests to ward off predators. So, I looked in the other bluebird houses and sure enough they had a 'dummy' nest in both the boxes. I was going to be a 'landlord' to a family of Nuthatches. I felt so lucky and privileged to have this opportunity to watch all of this unfold. A new experience for sure.
As the weeks went by, I monitored the Tree Swallow nests. The Nuthatch's nest was more difficult to monitor because I couldn't see inside. Relying on 'Google' information I documented the best I could by making notes on my calendar. The number of days for nest building, number of days for egg laying, and the number of days for incubation. I would have to wait until I heard little 'peeps' to know that the incubation period was over, and the babies have hatched. This seemed to happen quite soon. One day I was out playing ball with my dog, and I thought I heard faint little 'cheeps'. I did! Placing my ear against the cool stone of the house I could hear little 'cheeping' in the corner of the birdhouse. Oh, my gosh, I was so excited. They did it. The little Nuthatches now have a family to raise. This was going to be so much fun to watch. For days I observed both male and female bring insects to their little ones. I continued to listen to their sweet little 'chirps' throughout the day and early evenings. A couple days had gone by, and I hadn't heard the nestlings chirping. I just thought, their bellies were full and they're sleeping. I also hadn't seen the parents around in a while. One very hot day the nestlings were chirping like crazy. I thought 'wow', they must really be hungry and they're desperately calling for their parents to bring food. I walked over to the house and listened to their cries. Suddenly, one of the nestlings almost stuck its little body out the hole. He had big eyes and lots of hairs sticking up all over. He was 'chirping' so loudly. I said talking to the baby bird. “Boy, you are a homely little guy. But I know you'll turn into a cute little Nuthatch. Just like the ugly duckling turned into a beautiful swan. Now you better go back to your siblings before you fall out.”
I continued to monitor the Tree Swallows. They were busy raising their young. As I watched them my thoughts went to the little Nuthatches. Where were their parents? Did something happen to them? Or was this the way they raised their families. As I said earlier, I don't know much about Nuthatches. Maybe this was normal behavior. So, for many hours for a few days, I'd sit in the swing and watch. I never saw the parents come back. Maybe they feed early in the morning or later in the evening. I wasn't sure but I was getting a bad feeling.
Then one day I noticed flies flying and crawling in and out of the house. I screamed, “No!” I ran to the birdhouse and saw flies and other insects around the opening of the house. I knew in my heart this was not good. Quickly I rushed to my husband.
“Honey! Come quick. I need you to take down the stone birdhouse now! I think the birds are dead!”
“No, honey, they're OK.”
“No, they're not OK!” Flies and bugs are all over it. Take the house down now!”
Without hesitation he took it down. I carried it over to the steps by the deck. I went to the garage and obtained a pair of pliers and some tweezers and began the painstaking task of pulling out pieces of the nest through the opening. To my surprise those little Nuthatches built a pretty big nest. It took a lot of time in the hot sun carefully pulling out bits of the nest. I knew the little cup nest which held the babies was in the back left corner of the big nest. Knowing I had to be careful I didn't want to 'hurt' them anymore, I took my time.
With a sinking heart I retrieved the first Nuthatch. It was no bigger than a toothpick. Just a tiny black skeleton. Trembling, I could only imagine how much these little hatchlings must have suffered. Tears flowed as I continued to pluck out the rest of the nestlings, six in all. I gently positioned them in the palm of my hand. I was now overwhelmed with emotions. Thinking back to the little one with its bulging eyes and its stubby feather growth sticking up all over its body. I now know he was crying out for help, and I didn't see it. How could I not have noticed they were in distress especially when I saw the little one with its tiny head by the opening of the house. Without holding back, I let the dam break. A stream of tears flowed so strongly I began to hyperventilate. It was hard to catch my breath. I can be a very emotional person at times, depending on the situation. This was one of those situations. I know some of you may be thinking, 'it's only a bird'. Yes, it's only a bird. But they're part of God's creation. And I take the death of one to heart. Especially in this case when I'm at fault. Once my body relaxed and my tears slowed, I went into the kitchen and grabbed a large spoon. Burying the nestlings under my rose bush I felt was the least I could do.
I examined the birdhouse and upon closer observation I found out after the fact that there wasn't sufficient ventilation. My poor birds suffocated. I failed as a Nuthatch 'landlord'. But worse of all I let innocent little babies die. I still have a very difficult time forgiving myself and it's been a year. The tiny skeletons that were once little helpless hatchlings were more than I could take. I prayed to God every night for a very long time, to forgive me. The rest of that summer I watched Nuthatches and wondered if a couple of them could be the parents of the perished nestlings. My heart ached for them.
I've learned my lesson sadly at the expense of precious hatchlings. Now, I carefully look over every birdhouse I purchase or receive as a gift to make sure there is plenty of openings for fresh air for the birds.
We placed another bluebird house on that post.
We covered the entrance hole in the stone birdhouse and attached it to our front deck. The birds come every so often and perch on the house. It's good to see that they still use it, only for perching. There will never be another nest inside the house.
The Stone Birdhouse(Shelly Garrod)
As I'm waiting for the arrival of my son, daughter-in-law and grand babies to visit on this warm sunny Mother's Day I finish the final preparations. We planned a fun get together with outdoor games for the kids and a cookout with delicious burgers, hot dogs, salads, and fresh fruit among other goodies. Everything was laid out on tables on the back deck. Soon, I hear a horn blaring, signaling they had arrived. Next, I hear my granddaughters squeal with joy as they run along the house into the backyard.
“Nana! Nana!, look what we got for you!”
Avery comes carrying two hanging plants. Ava holds a beautiful birdhouse.
“Oh, girls, the flowers are so colorful and pretty. And the birds will love the stone birdhouse. Thank you. This is the best Mother's Day.” I say as I kneel down and give them both hugs and kisses.
“That's a very nice birdhouse.” Papa said.
“I picked it out Papa! I picked it!” Ava excitedly proclaimed.
“I had a feeling you did Ava. You like birds as much as your Nana does.”
“Where do you want me to put up your birdhouse, honey?” My husband asked.
“Over here papa.” Announces Avery.
“You know, that is a good spot kiddo. Right here in the backyard between the plum and crab apple tree?”
“If birds use it, I'll be able to watch from the swing or deck. If birds aren't attracted to it, it'll still make a nice lawn piece.” I say with much happiness in my voice.
So, my husband and my son dig a hole and place the pole facing in the direction which is out of the way of prevailing winds and yet where I can monitor the birdhouse. Then they secured the birdhouse to the top of the post.
“You know girls, this really is a nice birdhouse with its polished colored stone. Even the little chimney is made with stones. And surprisingly its quite heavy. I think the birds are going to love it.” Papa says with a huge smile.
“The birds would be silly not to love this birdhouse.” Giggles Ava. “I would live in it if I was a bird.”
As May continued, my yard was beginning to get quite busy with Tree Swallows building nests in two of our four bluebird houses. I've chased our Bluebirds away by planting four maple trees in our front yard where the bird houses are set up. They like a more open area. But that's OK, I enjoy the Tree Swallows.
One day as I was walking around the yard, I notice a bird fly into the stone house and quickly fly back out. It was so fast I couldn't tell what it was. I sat on the swing in hopes of seeing the bird fly in the house again. Within just a few minutes it came back with nest building material in its beak. Ya! I was so excited. I sat for a long time watching the bird busily bring 'stuff' to the house. When it flew into the crab apple tree and perched upside down on the trunk, I knew what kind of bird it was. It was one of the Red Breasted Nuthatches that visit our yard all the time. They seem to never leave. Being curious I wanted to know about their nesting habits so I 'Googled' it. Not being able to see what kind of nesting material they use because I can't see inside the house, I needed to look it up. I learned that Nuthatches rarely use nest boxes, so I was extremely happy to have this pair build their nest and raise their young in this beautiful birdhouse. These birds use bark fiber, pine needles, grasses, twigs and hair in the building of their nest, which we have plenty of. Also, I learned they will build 'dummy' nests to ward off predators. So, I looked in the other bluebird houses and sure enough they had a 'dummy' nest in both the boxes. I was going to be a 'landlord' to a family of Nuthatches. I felt so lucky and privileged to have this opportunity to watch all of this unfold. A new experience for sure.
As the weeks went by, I monitored the Tree Swallow nests. The Nuthatch's nest was more difficult to monitor because I couldn't see inside. Relying on 'Google' information I documented the best I could by making notes on my calendar. The number of days for nest building, number of days for egg laying, and the number of days for incubation. I would have to wait until I heard little 'peeps' to know that the incubation period was over, and the babies have hatched. This seemed to happen quite soon. One day I was out playing ball with my dog, and I thought I heard faint little 'cheeps'. I did! Placing my ear against the cool stone of the house I could hear little 'cheeping' in the corner of the birdhouse. Oh, my gosh, I was so excited. They did it. The little Nuthatches now have a family to raise. This was going to be so much fun to watch. For days I observed both male and female bring insects to their little ones. I continued to listen to their sweet little 'chirps' throughout the day and early evenings. A couple days had gone by, and I hadn't heard the nestlings chirping. I just thought, their bellies were full and they're sleeping. I also hadn't seen the parents around in a while. One very hot day the nestlings were chirping like crazy. I thought 'wow', they must really be hungry and they're desperately calling for their parents to bring food. I walked over to the house and listened to their cries. Suddenly, one of the nestlings almost stuck its little body out the hole. He had big eyes and lots of hairs sticking up all over. He was 'chirping' so loudly. I said talking to the baby bird. “Boy, you are a homely little guy. But I know you'll turn into a cute little Nuthatch. Just like the ugly duckling turned into a beautiful swan. Now you better go back to your siblings before you fall out.”
I continued to monitor the Tree Swallows. They were busy raising their young. As I watched them my thoughts went to the little Nuthatches. Where were their parents? Did something happen to them? Or was this the way they raised their families. As I said earlier, I don't know much about Nuthatches. Maybe this was normal behavior. So, for many hours for a few days, I'd sit in the swing and watch. I never saw the parents come back. Maybe they feed early in the morning or later in the evening. I wasn't sure but I was getting a bad feeling.
Then one day I noticed flies flying and crawling in and out of the house. I screamed, “No!” I ran to the birdhouse and saw flies and other insects around the opening of the house. I knew in my heart this was not good. Quickly I rushed to my husband.
“Honey! Come quick. I need you to take down the stone birdhouse now! I think the birds are dead!”
“No, honey, they're OK.”
“No, they're not OK!” Flies and bugs are all over it. Take the house down now!”
Without hesitation he took it down. I carried it over to the steps by the deck. I went to the garage and obtained a pair of pliers and some tweezers and began the painstaking task of pulling out pieces of the nest through the opening. To my surprise those little Nuthatches built a pretty big nest. It took a lot of time in the hot sun carefully pulling out bits of the nest. I knew the little cup nest which held the babies was in the back left corner of the big nest. Knowing I had to be careful I didn't want to 'hurt' them anymore, I took my time.
With a sinking heart I retrieved the first Nuthatch. It was no bigger than a toothpick. Just a tiny black skeleton. Trembling, I could only imagine how much these little hatchlings must have suffered. Tears flowed as I continued to pluck out the rest of the nestlings, six in all. I gently positioned them in the palm of my hand. I was now overwhelmed with emotions. Thinking back to the little one with its bulging eyes and its stubby feather growth sticking up all over its body. I now know he was crying out for help, and I didn't see it. How could I not have noticed they were in distress especially when I saw the little one with its tiny head by the opening of the house. Without holding back, I let the dam break. A stream of tears flowed so strongly I began to hyperventilate. It was hard to catch my breath. I can be a very emotional person at times, depending on the situation. This was one of those situations. I know some of you may be thinking, 'it's only a bird'. Yes, it's only a bird. But they're part of God's creation. And I take the death of one to heart. Especially in this case when I'm at fault. Once my body relaxed and my tears slowed, I went into the kitchen and grabbed a large spoon. Burying the nestlings under my rose bush I felt was the least I could do.
I examined the birdhouse and upon closer observation I found out after the fact that there wasn't sufficient ventilation. My poor birds suffocated. I failed as a Nuthatch 'landlord'. But worse of all I let innocent little babies die. I still have a very difficult time forgiving myself and it's been a year. The tiny skeletons that were once little helpless hatchlings were more than I could take. I prayed to God every night for a very long time, to forgive me. The rest of that summer I watched Nuthatches and wondered if a couple of them could be the parents of the perished nestlings. My heart ached for them.
I've learned my lesson sadly at the expense of precious hatchlings. Now, I carefully look over every birdhouse I purchase or receive as a gift to make sure there is plenty of openings for fresh air for the birds.
We placed another bluebird house on that post.
We covered the entrance hole in the stone birdhouse and attached it to our front deck. The birds come every so often and perch on the house. It's good to see that they still use it, only for perching. There will never be another nest inside the house.
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Kimberly Barnhart
11/02/2023I love how your story started with the grands coming to visit. So sad this happened to the precious baby birds. I'm glad you continue to find joy in watching and nurturing your baby birds.
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
11/19/2023Thanks Kim. Always happy to see grandbabies! I didn't let this sad situation discourage me from enjoying my birds. In fact, it made me more aware of what's going on with them.
Blessings, Shelly
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Zuhaib Ali
08/15/2023The story's emotional depth, along with the lessons learned from both successes and challenges, makes it a truly heartfelt and memorable read. Love it, well done! Keep it up.
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
08/15/2023Hi Zuhaib, thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. This was an emotional one for me to write. My heart just broke over the loss of those precious baby birds. Yes, I did learn an important lesson (sadly at the expense of life.) Glad you enjoyed the story. I have other heartwarming and heart wrenching stories I think you may enjoy. Feel free to check them out. Look forward to your comments. Again thank you for your kind comments and happy reading.
Blessings Shelly
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Kevin Hughes
06/16/2023Shelly,
First, they did not suffocate...the air from the opening would be plenty enough for birds of any size. What JD said is a much more plausible explanation...so free your heart from that bit of the story. I think Cam said it best...your compassion was leaking out in every word of this story.
Congrats!
Smiles, Kevin
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
06/16/2023Thank you. I know Kevin, but seeing those precious little birds was so heartbreaking. Thanks for reading.
Blessings Shelly
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Shirley Smothers
06/16/2023Sad but beautiful story. Out old Cat used to get the baby birds just after the hatched. I felt so guilty. Enjoyed your story.
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
06/16/2023Thanks Shirley. I don't have cats but our neighbor has four. And yes that is a concern I have for the baby birds. Thanks again for taking the time to read and comment on my story. It's much appreciated.
Blessings Shelly
Help Us Understand What's Happening
JD
06/15/2023I think i know what happened, Shelly.... Birds need both parents to raise their family. One of the two must have been killed by a predator, either a cat or a bird of prey. The other could not feed the chicks alone so that is why they were abandoned. There is nothing you could have done. It was not your fault, and it was not the birdhouse. It was just what happened. The remaining bird would have found another mate and started over in another location. Let the guilt go.... Happy short story star of the day.
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
06/16/2023That's what I was afraid of too. Our neighbor has 4 cats and I always see them around. I have found bunches of feathers in my yard numerous times. Thanks for reading and commenting on my story JD. I'm honored that this story was chosen as Short Story Star of the Day. Thank you.
Blessings Shelly
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Cam Rascoe
06/08/2023I loved this story even though it broke my heart. You are a very compassionate woman and while I grieve the dying hatchlings, I was sadeden equally by the grief you felt. Thank you for this sad education on caring for fowl.
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
06/08/2023Good evening Cam. First of all, thank you for reading my story. I love my birds. I really didn't think they would nest in the stone birdhouse. There are 6 bluebird houses for them to choose from. I put the stone house up as a decoration in my yard. Being honest, I was excited about the Nuthatches nesting for the first time in my yard. But I was absolutely devastated over the death of the innocent baby birds. I feel like I really did fail as a bird landlord. But that was last year. This year I'm happy to say I have 4 different bird breeds nesting in 4 of my 6 houses. Chickadees with 7 nestlings, Bluebirds incubating 5 eggs, Tree Swallows incubating 5 eggs, and Nuthatches incubating 7 eggs. I'm a very happy bird landlord this year. Thank you again Cam for reading and leaving your kind and understanding words. Hope you enjoy my other stories.
Blessings Shelly
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Cam Rascoe
06/08/2023I am sorry, I don't think these birds would qualify as fowl, but you have certainly offered us a painful lesson. Thank you again Shelly.
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Amy Haggerty
06/01/2023This was so good it brought tears to my eyes (subject 87-Z is officially done and is posted on here. I hope you enjoy reading it)
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JD
05/20/2023That was so sad. but of course it was NOT your fault. You had no way to know. Why would the birds have chosen to build their nest in there if there was inadequate ventilation? Why didn't they know? Why did they abandon their babies when they were still alive and crying for help? How do u know that 'ventilation' is the reason they died? It seems so strange....
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
05/21/2023Hi JD. Yes, I know it was not my fault. But I do feel somewhat responsible. The way the stone birdhouse was constructed didn't leave room for the exchange of fresh air. Everything was glued together so tightly, that there were no cracks or openings anywhere. Only the small entrance hole. Unlike other houses (wood, etc) which are not put together tightly. There
are small slits or openings for that purpose. I believe the birds were hot and suffocated because of no air. I ask myself those same questions. Who knows how birds think. Thank you so much for reading and commenting on my story.
Blessings Shelly
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