Better Than Animal Planet

Several weeks ago a pair of pigeons decided to make a home outside our front door. The location they chose was on top of a decorative post with a flat surface under the roof overhang. It’s way too high for us to get a close look – approximately 16 feet up - and it's sheltered – a nice little piece of real estate for an expectant couple. Apparently our street’s designation as the “most dangerous” in Marysville doesn’t disturb them.

The construction phase was a flurry of activity with the pair making numerous flights to and fro. The cats began to spend more time on the porch. This period was followed by a season where each opening of the door was accompanied by a violent flapping of wings and the heavily emphasized departure of a bird. I considered using the garage for entrances and exits as any use of the front door seemed to pose a monumental disturbance. Thankfully, this phase only lasted a week or so. Upon closer observation, I noticed that the exit was elaborate for a purpose. While one bird beat a hasty retreat, the other stayed vigilant upon the nest.

Not knowing how long it takes to complete one cycle of nest-eggs-chicks, we began a routine of glancing up at their nest every time we went through the door. One bird sat, the other was nearby – usually atop the roof. During this time, our porch became a popular hang-out for cats. Our furry friends mostly sat – glassy eyed, neck craned at an uncomfortable angle, staring up the sheer sides of the post, dreaming of a ladder or engaging in some other form of feline problem-solving.

A bang on the front screen today prompted me to open the door and find my big ol’ tomcat, Diesel. He walked through the door yowling, meowing, and making quite a racket. I wasn’t sure what he was telling me. Later, I thought I heard our yellow lab, Sugar, snoring in a strange high-pitched manner. I woke her up and the sound continued. Could it be the cat? No, it wasn’t that. I even went to Logan’s room to see if it could be him. He was wide awake playing a video game. Another cold trail!

I followed my ears carefully to the entry way. I opened the front door and made a wonderful discovery. The sound I mistook for snoring was the high-pitched cry of baby birds asking for supper. Thankfully, the new parents were on the job and the hubbub died down quickly. Within a couple of hours I had a repeat performance.

Victoria hosed off the porch today and we’ll probably repeat the process several more times. But, it’s okay. We feel privileged to have our own little nature show to watch every day – up close and personal. Now we’re praying that a chick doesn’t get near the edge and fall from the nest. And the cats? Well, I think they’re praying too.