Backyard Science

It seems that while I have been caught up taking Jack to the zoo and local museums, I have overlooked some great nature lessons going on in our backyard.

A family of cardinals have built a nest in a huge hydrangea bush just outside our window, giving us a great view. Bet the mommy bird didn't bank on our beady eyes when she selected this spot for her home! We discovered our little neighbors out there just before Mike was about to cut this huge bush back. We have checked the status everyday, and two eggs hatched with two adorable baby birds! It is so amazing to watch them being fed by the mommy AND daddy bird. Their mouths open so widely every time the nest is stirred.

Aren't they ADORABLE??!!

They make the littlest chirp you ever heard and they have just a few tiny feathers. Jackson asks to hold them over and over, making a little cup with his hands like he was taught when he got to hold some baby chicks at a farm a few weeks ago. But, we are giving these babies their space.

Our cat, daisy is VERY AMUSED at the whole process. She will sit at the back door and watch as the mommy and daddy bird "bark" at her and have an absolute fit! They do not like her one bit. Little do they know that she is an absolute wuss and would probably cower away if she were outside. Even I've been a little leery of being in the backyard for fear of being dive-bombed by 2 protective parents!

Mommy bird (top) and Daddy bird (bottom) barking at me & Daisy

We have also discovered that we have 2 apple trees in the backyard. Last year, these trees did not bloom, nor did they produce any fruit (I am guessing due to the draught - but who am I kidding? I don't know a thing about horticulture).

So, I was pleasantly surprised to beautiful blooms a few months ago and to see the HUNDREDS of apples growing this year. I'm trying to research online to find out what type of apple and when to harvest them. Most are still small and green, but a few are starting to turn red. Jackson goes out to check on the apples everyday and each time I hear "Mommy, LOOK at dees yummy apples! I eat them now?....Awww....How 'bout now, mommy?".