For a time I could not have been happier

In a post a few days ago, I mentioned the robin drama. I think and hope that if you go here you can see a video.

But since then, well, it's been all go in the garden. I've had Tane singing and subsinging in the back lilac! Yes, for real! And here you should find a video of the subsong.

I have been delighted to have this time with him as I was deeply feeling the loss of that rare intimacy I had with Bobbit. To be almost accepted by a wild creature is wonderful. I know, I know: lots of people have these experiences with robins. Leanne was telling me just yesterday about one at the yard where she works. That one comes so close and stays so long that she's worried her dog will commit murder.

Thing is, this is what I am experiencing. And this is what it means to me. This little bird's presence makes my day better. as I was watching and listening to the subsong, I thought, "I actually could not be happier than this."

There is, as ever, a fly in the ointment: I feel sorry for Chestnut. Does Chestnut, who does still chase Tane, but not always, have enough space? Or has Chestnut been trying to defend too much space? I can't help but worry.

Then, of course, there's the sparrowhawk. And the cat. And diseases. Cold. Rain.

Another fret is that I spend so long out there. Then I spend all this time editing videos. Which are scheduled up until late February. Continue at this rate and I won't be posting baby robins (if there are some) until this time next year. Maybe I should include the date on which I filmed them. So the robin researchers of the future aren't confused.