9 Likes
IME, the robins around here use a lot more mud than shown in the pics.
For example, here’s one we got after they had fledged:
(Don’t tell. I know we’re not supposed to keep them.)
We’ve had a number around the house over the years and they always look pretty much like this.
But agreed about the poor placement. Poor things.
14 Likes
Sorry, no image but last night at brewery trivia, one team was named, “I quit, teach your own damn kids.”
15 Likes
The nest on my porch pillar is definitely a robin’s. I spotted her early yesterday morning doing a little more building (mudding?) but not since. The nest is right by our front door, well protected from the elements but possibly too much human activity for her. I’m leaving the nest to see if she’ll come back - I’m fine with the bird mess if she’d feel safe enough.
14 Likes
We had a robin’s nest in one of our hanging flower baskets on the front porch one year. The kids were little, so it was a great little educational experience. Somewhere I have photos. Babies were born, and left the nest when appropriate, so the human traffic and curiosity didn’t seem to cause problems. Obviously, we knew not to touch the nest or its contents!
15 Likes
Oh, cool! I’ve only ever noticed them after they’re built. So cool that you get to see a bit of the process!
My favorite nests that I see regularly around here are the Eastern phoebe. So mossy!
10 Likes
Holy shit, all of it?!? Are you expecting a nuclear attack?
(Kidding! Beautiful blossoms. 
)
6 Likes
The Mound of the Red Squirrel.
During winter, it gathered large piles of cones from the park, then it sits on the fence post and eats them like corn on the cob. It jealously guards the backyard, and will chase off grey squirrels twice its size.
19 Likes
13 Likes
Spiral sliced zucchini (in place of spaghetti) at a friend’s place got us on board for a spiralizer. It arrived several days ago. Note the “Security Seal” on the box lid. How considerate.
But underneath…
And – yes-- I did verify that one can successfully open the box there and reclose it without damaging it. So much for security and the usefulness of one seal.
Anyway, while I’m here, something perhaps more interesting: A few months ago an Amazon order arrived here damaged. A liquid car-care product was sent in a flimsy plastic/foam mailer. A nothing protection. I could hear liquid sloshing around in the mailer. Same story with its replacement. So, I contacted the product’s manufacturer who informed me that when Amazon orders in bulk, they remove products from their shipment boxes then place them into their warehouse shelves, that to conserve space. Overhead, you know… which brings me back to the spiralizer’s security seal which features this “Insider Tip”: The box may look rough, but rest assured there is a new item inside waiting to be removed from its protective inner packaging. The box’s dents, dinged corner, and “Insider Tip” tell the tale of Amazon’s shelving practices. Throw 'em in there. Pack 'em tight.
12 Likes
Tell us how well the spiralizer works!
9 Likes
We hope to sidestep the fate of all other specialized kitchen gadgets and actually use it within 9 months after receiving it.
11 Likes
13 Likes
“No fish waste! You use the whole bass!”
5 Likes
Ms. Shiv loves spiralized zukes as a pasta substitute. We have just a small drawer-size tool that is perfectly adequate for 1 or 2 servings.
5 Likes
