Of Robins & Rain: A Story of Spring Awakening

March

💧The First Raindrop…

There is something magical about the first raindrop of the season. The air is cool, still holding the whisper of winter, but the raindrop has no hesitation. It lands on the tip of a budding branch, causing the tiny leaf to shiver, and then falls down to the earth below causing a gentle splash sound.

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In the midst of this quiet moment, a robin appears—his red feathers a gentle splash of colour against the grey/brown backdrop. He seems unbothered by the drizzle, even as the drops begin to fall faster, filling the air with the scent of wet earth and fresh beginnings. The robin stands tall, puffing out his chest, his feathers a little damp, but his song unwavering. There is a story to be told here, in the rhythm of his song—a story of patience, of resilience, and of renewal.

🎵 A Robin’s Chorus…

The rain has been falling for days now, but there is a kind of music in it. The robin sings through the downpour, his voice rising above the drumming of the rain. The melody is soft at first, hesitant—like a whisper. But soon, it gains strength, filling the air with a symphony of new life. Each note is like a raindrop in itself, falling and rising in perfect harmony.

The Robin’s Song 🎵

The garden, now a little muddy, seems alive with the sound of the robin’s song. It’s as though the rain has opened a door to a world we’ve all been waiting for. The soil is damp, and the grass is growing greener by the minute. The flowers that have been hiding beneath the earth are starting to stir, and I can almost hear them sighing as the robin serenades them from his perch on the fence.

I wonder if he knows that his song is more than just a greeting. It’s a celebration. A reminder that spring is no longer a dream, but a promise.

☔️🪶 The Melody of Raindrops & Feathers…

This morning, the rain has a playful quality to it—gentle at first, then a sudden splash, as though the sky is laughing. The robin is no longer alone. There are two of them now, hopping together beneath the branches of the apple tree. They move in tandem, as if rehearsing for some grand performance.

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The rain, still falling steadily, doesn’t dampen their spirits. They’re dancing, or at least it seems that way—a little hop, a flutter of wings, a pause, and then another hop. It’s as if they’ve mastered the art of rain-dancing, their feathers shaking off the droplets in unison. I can’t help but smile at the sight of them—two birds, lost in the joy of the moment, as the world around them comes alive in every droplet.

The puddles have formed in little pockets on the ground, reflecting the birds like mirrors. For a brief moment, the robins are two reflections, their song echoing in the rain-soaked world. It’s a fleeting thing, this moment of perfect harmony between rain, robins, and the earth. But it’s a moment I’ll carry with me—a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a little rain to make the world sing.

The Robin’s Song 🎵

April

🪹 The Nesting Begins…

The rain has softened, but the robins are busy. This morning, they’ve begun the task of nest building. I watch them, perched atop the fence and gathering twigs with a determination that speaks of both purpose and love. It’s a delicate process—each twig carefully chosen, each strand of grass arranged just so. The robin’s partner is close by, offering a soft chirp now and then, as though to say, Yes, this one’s just right.

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I can almost hear them discussing their plans, strategising about where to place each piece. It’s as if they are weaving together a story, a home built not just for shelter, but for the future. There is something sacred in this work. The rain has washed the earth clean, and now the robins are claiming their spot in the world—creating a sanctuary for the next chapter in their tale.

🪺 The Eggs Are Laid…

The robin’s nest is nearly complete now, a soft, moss-lined haven nestled safely in the crook of a low-hanging branch. And then, today—there it is. A tiny, speckled egg, nestled gently in the centre. The robin stands guard over it, his wings fluttering slightly in the breeze, as though to protect not just the egg, but the dreams it represents.

The rain begins again, lightly at first, as if the sky is offering its blessing. I can see the robin’s eyes glimmer in the soft light, a promise in them. There’s something so deeply moving about watching this moment unfold. The world is waking up. The rain is nurturing. And in this small, perfect nest, a new story is beginning.

May

🐣 The Hatchlings Have Arrived

The rain is heavier now, but the robin’s song is triumphant. This morning, the eggs have hatched. Tiny, featherless chicks, eyes closed and mouths open wide, await their first meal. The parents, no longer just nest builders but caretakers, flit back and forth, bringing bits of earth’s bounty to their little ones.

The rain is no longer just water falling from the sky—it’s a symphony that nourishes the earth, fills the air, and sustains this new life. The robins sing in celebration, their voices harmonising with the rain. And I find myself listening closely, for there is something about this season—the rain, the robins, the awakening of everything—that feels like a promise being fulfilled.

June

✈️ The First Flight…

The day has come, and one of the robins—now a little less wobbly, a little more confident—takes to the air. The rain has stopped for the moment, leaving the world fresh and bright. I watch as the tiny bird flutters awkwardly at first, but then, with a burst of courage, it soars higher, landing in the nearby bush with a soft rustle. The parents watch from a branch above, proud and patient, ready to cheer on the next little one.

The world is full of promise, and it’s all connected—each raindrop, each robin, each flutter of wings. The rain that nourished the earth, the robins that brought the spring to life, and the little birds that now take flight—all of it is part of the same beautiful story.

And I, watching from my window, know that I’ve witnessed something truly magical: the story of spring awakening, told through the raindrops and the robins, and carried on the wings of every new beginning.

Sadie @ InsideMyNest

Hi 👋, I’m Sadie—wife to a super supportive husband (also my business partner) and busy mum of two young children (the biggest miracles of my life). Every illustration you see here has been hand-illustrated by me (with several hours spent on some of them… yes, think I’m still a bit old-school), and all images are original photos that I have taken myself or of my own handmade creations. But I’m no expert, or have had any specialised training—just someone who is learning and would like to share that learning journey with like-minded individuals who are on the same boat as me :)

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