No Days Off For Gertrude
The Very next day, Gertrude arrived in the morning and started the finishing touches. She flew in and out of the fern with smaller bits of fluff, tucking them into tiny gaps like she was fluffing pillows and straightening blankets. Each time she settled into the nest, she wiggled and turned until everything fit just the way she wanted, as if she were saying, ‘There. That’s better.
Gertrude says, “If you want something done right, build it yourself.”
Make sure you have the volume up! You can hear Walter chatting up in the background.
Walter the Inspector
Walter’s job seems to be “Head of Inspections” at the Green Nest Penthouse. He pops by to perch near the fern, tilts his head, and takes a good look at Gertrude’s hard work, like a tiny building inspector checking that everything is up to code. He doesn’t carry as much fluff and twigs as she does, but he keeps watch over the porch, making sure the space feels safe and seems to proudly approve each new layer of the nest before Gertrude continues her decorating.
On my porch, you can see my hanging fern with a small camera mounted above it, pointed gently down toward Walter and Gertrude’s nest. I even added a second camera, ready for the big day when the baby birds will test their wings and jump from the nest to their new life of freedom. I set up both cameras so we can watch their progress without getting too close or disturbing them.
I also use a special watering tray that connects to the bottom of the fern. That way, I can water the plant from underneath and keep the nest dry and safe. It lets me take care of my fern while still protecting this little bird family’s home.
That night, Gertrude didn’t stay in the nest. Instead, the little fern penthouse sat empty and quiet, even though I could still hear Walter and Gertrude chatting up in the nearby tree. It felt like the nest was all ready but still waiting for its first guest. The building is done, but the story isn’t, and now I’m curious to see what tomorrow will bring. Will Gertrude decide it’s just right and lay her very first egg in this new fern home?
We’ll have to wait and see.
