Sue Vincent's Daily Echo

I’ve been watching for a while. First, as the little bluetits explored their options, then as Mrs Bluetit decided against moving house, they began rebuilding, flying backwards and forwards with the materials they needed to make a soft, warm nest for their babies.

There was a bit of a lull then, as Mum got busy laying their eggs, while Dad defended their nest against all comers.

Now, the pair of them are running themselves ragged, cleaning the nest daily and making constant sorties, every few minutes, to bring food back for their babies.

They are far from tame, but totally unafraid of the strange creature with the camera. I don’t approach the nest, though there have been a couple of near misses as I have been walking close by as they come in to land. But they approach me, hunting grubs, seeds and small insects, with the desperation that is rendering Dad rather scruffy. He looks as if he has a ‘mohawk’ haircut half the time.

Sitting in a shady corner, they come to within a few feet as I click away, hoping to get the odd decent picture from a camera I don’t really aim… I am enjoying their presence too much.

In this time when so many things are in flux and there is so much fear and uncertainty in the world, these little creatures remind me that Nature is just doing what Nature does… and why should we humans accept her gifts yet think ourselves exempt from her claws.

In a few short weeks, the babies will leave the nest. Some may not make it… falling foul of cats, magpies and the myriad dangers the wide world holds for them. But some will thrive and with luck, we will see the fluffy, yellow-beaked chicks take their maiden flight. A tiny reminder that no matter what is going on around us, the cycle of life continues.