A Month for Mothers

A bunch of critters live in the woods surrounding our house, and we often cross paths with them, especially mothers and their babies. One of the cutest encounters occurred earlier this week when we rounded the first bend in our driveway and surprised a turkey momma leading her brood of young’uns in the same direction. Thank goodness we saw Big Momma first and stopped the car because her babies scattered in all directions. For a few moments wild turkey chicks ran under and around our vehicle like a chaotic chase scene in an animated kids’ movie. By the end of Big Momma’s noisy warning for us to stay out of her way, all of the chicks safely regrouped in the grass on the other side.

Not to be out mothered by a bird with longer feathers, a female cardinal spent several days building a nest in the large beautyberry bush on the southeast side of our house. We discovered the nest location by spotting her bright red male companion repeatedly flying to the same place with twigs, leaf pieces, and pine needles in his beak. As a dynamic duo, he gathered building materials, and she formed the cup-shaped nest.

And then there’s Mr. and Mrs. Brown Thrasher’s nest built earlier in the month on the other side of the yard, also located in a beautyberry bush—obviously the preferred shrub for bird nests in my area. No wonder we celebrate Mother’s Day in May. We’re surrounded by them in all shapes and forms, offering love and protection to the next generation.

What creatures are making their homes around your house this time of year?

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