A new addition to the family is always cause for celebration – so imagine three! But I am not talking baby bibs and gender reveal parties here. I am not talking about my own family, or anyone else’s; indeed, not even my species. The new additions are the three little chicks which hatched in the nest in our garage.

Previously I had mentioned this nest and, having established that it belongs to an Ashy Flycatcher, we have been watching the progress with great interest and joy. From the building of the nest, to the appearance of a clutch of small spotted eggs and now three darling little chicks, it has all been of great fascination to us.

The nest, being inside the electric box is in a rather traffic-heavy spot due not only to being in the garage, but also being the exact place where the security light has to be switched on, and off, every day and night. Since the arrival of the chicks, this has an element of comedy about it because if the little birds are awake, as soon as one reaches for the switch, three fluffy little heads rear up with yellow beaks agape. I do feel for the mother having to keep up with feeding that brood!

Recently I have seen her too, sitting on the nest and she sits much higher than she did before. I am frankly amazed there is enough space for the four of them. Which gets me thinking they will soon be leaving the nest. Which gets me thinking they will soon be trying out new wings and flying powers. Which gets me worrying that the garage floor is rather an unforgiving surface for a small chick. Which gets me wondering if maybe I should put a piece of foam on the floor beneath the nest. Which gets my daughter bringing me back to some reality.

“Mum, you know the dogs will just lie on it, she tells me. To which my husband replies, ” Yea, with their mouths open!”

Well that escalated quickly! But oh dear, I think they may be right. The Jack Russell especially, is always far too interested in whatever I am doing. Still, being me, I have not entirely abandoned the idea of giving the little fledglings something better to land on. I just need to work out what and also, how to make it less accessible or comfortable to the dogs.

In the meantime, the mother bird has her wings (and beak) full, keeping her little family fed. She will vacate the nest when we activate the light switch but returns immediately after we leave. The one and only time I went back into the garage to take a photo of those adorable babies, she flew around me in much indignation, which I fully understood, and which I promised not to do again.

This morning I was lucky enough to get a photo of her as she returned to the nest with food for her brood. I exited the garage and she sat watching me while I carefully walked away and just like the paparazzi, used the longer lens to get a photo of her. As I watched her I thought how different she is to her cousin, the Paradise Flycatcher. Unlike him, there is nothing flashy about this bird. Her beauty is all elegant understatement and perfection of shape and colour. Not to mention that stunning, almost slanted, dark eye.

Meanwhile I think I have resolved the potential crash-landing strip for the fledgling Flycatchers; I think a pile of unfolded cardboard boxes, strategically placed, will prove a kinder surface for any starter attempts. And also, the dogs won’t want to lie on ’em, being, as they are, more used to soft blankets and squishy pillows of their own…

If there was to be a soundtrack to the days of the mother flycatcher right now, I think this would be it! The “Can Can” music is set to a clip made by Kévin, from France. He is an artist who animates and sets his work to music. You can find him under the username of Kokorokeke, and if you click on this link, it will take you there. https://www.deviantart.com/kokorokeke