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Tansy, Benji, and Baby Birds

6/11/2021

What a full day we have had so far today! We must have had a large enough storm to really rock some trees outside as we found a poorly Carolina Wren baby behind the water trough and some baby Robins who did not make it. This morning, however, the kids found Tansy guarding another baby Robin who must have been a bit stronger, protected, or able than the rest of the nest. Often we will carefully watch the baby birds and see if mamma would come back to care for these birds on the ground even removing them from where the barn cat would be aware. Baby birds stand a much better chance of survival and normal life this way. Today, however, it seemed clear that it was time for us to take over.
Tansy certainly seemed to think so! She stood over and watched until someone came to her to investigate. I think Tansy was unsure of what to do and was asking for help. My kids were only too happy to oblige and grabbed a box and warm bottle of water with some paper bedding to make a quick nest for the little almost fledgelings and fetch a bucket of worms. (We know that Carolina Wrens do not like worms and mostly eat bugs. I hope this little one will eat, but do not hold out much hope for it. We have treated this baby with a remedy for shock and feel that now it is a waiting game.) Tansy watched us all with interest.
Benji has seen all of this before. He is a very strong nurturing personality. His belly is full and there is no threat here. Just like with the lambs, he very quietly laid down beside the nest and very kindly and gently sniffed. The way that he does this is so different from many, many dogs. There is a tender care and purposeful non-invasiveness that he puts into each slow action. Like he is always trying to reassure and let whatever critter know that he is tenderly trying to care and protect and perform his magnificent role of stoic guardian. The baby becomes Benji's and every time I watch this process, I am absolutely amazed. He settles into this so quickly and with so much contentment. I cannot say that puppies are always his favorite. Their shenanigans are less than dignified, and they don't really need him. He is a teacher, but does not feel the need to nurture so much as to protect the bounding and ear tugging hooligans that so often are fascinated by him and surround him. No, but these little songs need Benji. Someone steadfast and who would remain beside. Calm, quiet, gentle and bold.
And Tansy came to us as a pup and with this same fascination of Benji. He was aloof, but fair, consistent, and gentle with her. She needed a firm constant start and teacher. Benji will almost never show his power until called upon. The depths of this dog are fascinating. Benji always keeps me wondering.
Now Tansy lays and watches. Watches us, watches Benji. What is the thing to do? Benji has often shown the way and does now. We praise him. Stroke him softly. Show Tansy that the baby bird is to be cared for and that she has done a good thing. Tansy's expressions show that she is learning and understanding what we are trying to communicate.
Last year, Lorna protected a baby bird that lived right behind the dogs' water trough. She would shadow and watch closely. Lorna seems to distinguish between the babies in need and the birds of carrion and prey. This time she stood back and watched. She knew that this was an important moment. A new imprint in time and a special understanding between Tansy and Benji.
The pictures here are not purposefully posed. The dogs are on no commands. Pictures perhaps capturing the last quiet moments of our wren. I hope that the baby wren will make it, but seems likely that it will pass soon. For now, I am glad for the lesson and gift of being able to care for such a marvel for a short period of time. Little Robin will have a better chance today. Today Benji and Tansy enjoy life and nurturing together. Nurturing always blesses outside of just the receiver. It makes our hearts swell and feel the life around us. Maybe this is much of what chosen farming is about. Today, life feels big and short, small and full, kind and cruel. Baby birds are here one day and gone the next. So much is so fleeting. Maybe what we do will help these babies, and maybe it won't. Benji and Tansy share the secret though while Lorna watches contentedly. They know that what we do with life really matters.

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