A Little Mountain Magic Above the Front Door
One of the unexpected joys of staying at This Mountain Life is discovering that you are not the only guest who has fallen in love with our basecamp of Storybook vacation cabins and these mountains.
This summer, a pair of American robins chose an unlikely place to begin their family journey: a narrow ledge just above the front entry of Exploration Cabin.
What started as a few trips back and forth with bits of grass quickly became one of the sweetest wildlife stories we’ve witnessed all year.
On early May 4th (Rick’s birthday) the female robin arrived and immediately got to work.
Like a mastercraftswoman, she gathered wet mud and carefully molded itinto a sturdy bowl-shaped nest, pressing and shaping it with her own body.
Once the foundation was complete, she lined it with soft grasses, creating a warm and secure nursery overlooking the cabin porch.
By May 24th, four brilliant blue eggs rested inside her carefully constructed home.
Then came the waiting.
For nearly two weeks she sat faithfully through cool mountain mornings, a 20″ spring snow, afternoon rain showers, and chilly nights. Her nest was strategically placed to shield it from winds. Guests passing beneath the nest often paused to admire her quiet determination.
And then, on June 5, a small miracle unfolded.
The first tiny shell cracked.
Soon, two fuzzy pink chicks emerged into the world.
Not every egg hatched. One blue egg remains in the nest, not sure about the fourth, a gentle reminder that nature follows its own path and keeps some of its mysteries to itself. But the two chicks who arrived are thriving.
By Cheryl’s birthday, (June 7th) the nest seemed almost too small for its growing residents. The chicks where stretching their necks above the rim, blinking curious dark eyes at the world below. Each day brings visible changes. New feathers appear. Their movements grow stronger. Their confidence grows.
And all the while, their parents work tirelessly.
A Lesson in Love and Perseverance
If there is one thing this robin family demonstrates, it is the power of unconditional devotion and stick-to-it-ness.
The mother once spent nearly every moment sitting on the eggs to keep them warm. Now she often stands proudly on the edge of the nest, keeping watch over her growing family.
The father is never far away.
Together they make countless trips every day, returning again and again with insects and worms for their hungry young. From sunrise until dusk, their work never seems to stop.
Watching them is a beautiful reminder that some of life’s most important things—love, family, patience, and perseverance—are often found in the smallest moments.
What Happens Next?
Baby robins grow remarkably fast. This last pic was takent June 11, 2026. 8:55 am mst.
After spending about two weeks in the nest, they’ll reach an exciting milestone known as fledging.
This is the moment when they leave the nest for the very first time.
Despite what many people assume, young robins don’t fly well when they first depart. Instead, they make a brave leap of faith and spend the next couple of weeks hopping through grasses, hiding beneath shrubs, and practicing short flights while their parents continue feeding and protecting them.
If all goes according to nature’s schedule, our TML young robins will take their first leap sometime in mid-June, right down onto Exploration Cabin’s small wooden porch … three short feet infront of the cabin’s guest front door!
After that, our guests may spot them exploring the grounds around the cabins as they learn what it means to be a wild Rocky Mountain bird.
Our Robin Family Timeline
Early May
Nest construction began above the front door of Exploration Cabin.
May 24
Four bright blue eggs are laid.
June 5
Two chicks hatch.
June 12–20
Expected fledging period—the “big leap” from the nest.
Late June – Early July
Young robins will continue learning to fly throughout the property while being cared for by their parents.
Sharing This Mountain Cabins With Our Feathered Neighbors
Because the nest is located above the front door of Exploration Cabin, we ask guests to help us protect this special mountain family during their stay.
- Please close the front door gently.
- Enjoy observing the birds from a respectful distance. (Before going outside, look up through the glass pane to catch them in a relaxed setting)
- Avoid standing directly beneath the nest for extended periods.
- If you see a young robin on the ground, don’t worry. Its parents are likely nearby and still caring for it.
- Drive and walk carefully around the property and riverside during fledging season.
With a little patience and respect, these tiny mountain residents can continue their remarkable journey while our guests enjoy a front-row seat to one of nature’s most beautiful stories.
The Best Souvenir Is a Memory
Many visitors come to Estes Park hoping to see elk, deer, moose, mountain sheep or perhaps even a bear.
But sometimes the most memorable wildlife encounters happen much closer to home.
This summer, one of those stories is unfolding just above the front door of Exploration Cabin—a reminder that life in the Rockies is full of small wonders waiting to be discovered.
We are honored to share this mountain home with them (and all our guests), and we hope you’ll enjoy being part of their story too.
Experience Estes Park from a place where nature is always close at hand. Book direct and discover the mountain magic for yourself at This Mountain Life’s extraordinary Estes Park vacation homes.
