Busy as a bee, the saying goes.
But have you ever seen a House Sparrow in the Spring?
Flying here, flying there.
Looking for that perfect piece to complete their nest.
Last year's dried plant material, small twigs, chicken feathers.
Pulling, pulling with all of their might.
Why won't that old Morning Glory vine come loose?
They are trying so hard to build a safe shelter for their young.
They might not be doing it for emotional reasons, but it still tugs at my heartstrings when that big nasty Starling comes around, causing chaos, making mayhem, nothing but destruction and distress.
The beautiful nest, a work of art, so sturdy, so much time and effort involved - ruined. Knocked out of the rafters, falling in bits and pieces onto the rose bush. At least it received that much dignity - it didn't fall all the way onto the ground.
Luckily that was the only carnage, there was no loss of life. Do their little bird brains just say "Oh, well, time to start over?" Or do they feel a bit of frustration or hopelessness?
I pointed out the nest to my little babe. What lesson do I teach? The tragedy of something beautiful being destroyed, the waste of so much hard work? Or the reality of the natural world: sad stuff happens in nature and it isn't our duty to interfere? The strong persevere. The definition of spunky is "courageous and determined."
Spunky as a sparrow. It's a catchy little saying, right?