The Full Nest

I hand wash the dishes because the dishwasher leaves a film on everything, which leads to the kids insisting that the glasses are dirty. So, its simpler to just wash them.

While I wash, I look out the big window over the sink at my green yard and lush hedges. I smile at two squirrels and a cardinal. But then, dammit, I see a European starling carrying a huge bit of yellow straw.

I don't even have to watch him to see where he is going. I already know that he is headed for Starling Heights, a new birds-only development on MY front porch. God, there are already about ten nests in the rafters. And, I can hear LOTS of cheeping babies. Why oh why is he taking more nesting material there? Isn't nest-building over? And, aren't the babies half grown?

I can't even use my porch, because the starlings get pissed if I hang out there. On the other hand, I am not some sadistic bird Nazi who is going to kill a bunch of babies and nesting mothers. So, my plan is just to wait until everyone flies the coop, so to speak, and then power wash all the nests down. And, then I will look on the internet and see how to discourage nest building next year.

Now, however, I am the one who is discouraged because this particular starling looks as though he is engaged in Nest Building Part Two. Do they even DO that?

I continue to indulge the kids by polishing each glass and ensuring it is spot-free before putting it away. I continue to indulge the starlings by avoiding my porch. I wonder if one day, I will miss all the cheeping?



This has been written for A Writer Weaves a Tale, Sandra's Writing Workshop Hop (Button at your right.) Our prompt: Write in the close first person point of view.