An “Oh, no” moment

So I saw some white bird-droppings splotches on the back porch.

And I thought the unwelcome tenants were back.

A few years ago, sparrows built a nest in a wooden lattice right above our back door. That’s not really an ideal spot. As I’ve already mentioned droppings, you can probably guess why.

But by the time I realized the nest was there, it was complete and the feathered family was situated. Too late for eviction, of course.

The next year, though, I was ready. The moment the sparrows started placing fresh nesting material in the same spot, I removed it. This went on for several days. Finally, the birds gave up and chose another site.

Anyway, when I saw the droppings on the porch yesterday I knew what had happened. Having gone a few years without a nest, I had become complacent. I had forgotten to monitor the space above our back door and the sparrows had snuck back in.

But I was wrong. Upon checking the area above the door, I found no sign of nest-building.

So maybe the birds had just stopped by to say hello, or perhaps pass along some other greeting.