Reconnecting with Nature -- Linking up with Chrisy to share a look at nature all around us.
In the corners of our house are drainpipes that go from the gutter, under the eaves, and then down the side of the house. Every year since we have been here (this is our seventh spring) there are bird nests in both corners. The nests are re-used every year and we delight in seeing and hearing the baby robins. I have witnessed their flights lessons - and they are both amusing and amazing. Unfortunately this year, one of the nests was destroyed. There are black birds that take over the nests of other birds. I'm not sure what the birds are (maybe one of you can tell me), but they will push the eggs and/or babies out of the nest and take ownership. We assume that's what happened here, either the nest wasn't on a sturdy enough base for a large bird and it fell to the ground or they were fighting over the nest. Either way, the nest, babies and egg shells ended up on the ground. I picked up the nest but wasn't really sure what to do with it.
Bird nests are a work of art. I lifted off the top layer, and it was a perfectly formed bowl-shape.
Under that, was a more solid layer. I guess every year they must have reinforced the base with some sort of a 'glue'. In this case it appeared to be mud, and then a new layer of straw/grass, softer material was woven for the babies.
You can see how the nest has been built up year after year. The circular layers are like a timeline. This nest must be about 7 or 8 inches tall.
I took the nest and put it into a tree in the backyard. I'm not sure any other birds will use it, but I couldn't bear to throw it away.
We also have birds that nest in the same tree every year. I always look forward to their return in the spring.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, nests are a work of art. Amazing to think of the work that goes into the building of a nest!
Oh how lovely these little homes are!
ReplyDeleteHow nice to be able to connect with nature watching the families and seasons building on each other.
ReplyDeleteHi Tina. Just popping back in to say hi and thank you for continuing to link up. Always love catching up with what's happening in your part of the world.
ReplyDeleteI really love this post. I think it's the simplicity of it. About just being aware of the birds around your home, and witnessing the seasonal changes. Such a shame about the nests, they were obviously well loved and used by the robins.
Hope you are well xx