A year or so ago, when our primary activity during lockdown was to sit on the porch and watch the wildlife, I noticed a mother bird building a nest. I had never seen the process up close like this, and so fascinated, I took note of everything she was doing. In fact, I became so engrossed in Mama bird’s family that I would perch on my rocking chair each and every day, just so I could observe the entire scenario up close and personal.

She gathered bits of grass, twigs, leaves, and other odds and ends and wove them into a nest, tucked into an opening in the side of the house, where a little alcove provided both shelter and protection from predators. Soon, the nest was entirely hidden. But still she flew back and forth, back and forth, from yard to brick until finally, I didn’t see her for a …