It’s not uncommon to find birds’ nests in my yard. A few years ago, I took an inventory and managed to count ten. I’ve found them resting on branches, in tree cavities and on the ground. Many last long after the nesting season is over, sometimes into the following year. They are sturdy and surprisingly well hidden. In order to take the above photo, I had to extend my arm above my head while reaching into a tree.
Different species of birds use a variety of techniques to build nests. What is most interesting is how different couples work together to get the job done. Here are some of the many ways that couples share the task.
- Males and females work together equally, ie. woodpeckers. (Thelma, would you hold this for me while I drill it?)
- The female selects and completes one of several sample nests made by the male, ie.wrens (I’m not 100% sure George, but I think this one will look best after I spruce it up a little. What do you think?).
- The male gathers nest-building materials and brings them to the female who builds the nest, ie. mourning doves (Here’s another piece of thread, darling).
- The female gathers the materials and builds the nest all by herself , ie. hummingbirds(Just get out of my way John. Can’t you see I’m working here? There’ll be time for that later).
- Both gather the materials but only the female builds the nest, ie. American robins (Ok Roger, the twig I found should fit, if you get me a smaller one to place beneath it).
- The female gathers the materials and brings them to the male who builds the nest (Nice lichens Dorothy. Are there any more where those came from?)
- The male gathers the materials and builds the nest all by himself, ie. some shrikes (You know what a perfectionist Mark is. He likes to take his time and get everything just right).
Regardless of ‘how’ the task is completed, nests are built annually, providing a stable shelter for offspring during inclement weather and safety from predators. Not all couples may share the task equally but all being results-oriented, they manage to get the job done on time and within budget. If only human couples could work so well together!
The above techniques are from The Audubon Society Encyclopedia of American Birds.
See here for a classified list of nests that may still be on the market this season.
I just put up bluebird and chickadee nesting boxes for the first time….no one has come to live in them yet but I’m still holding out hope. Love your photo today…it would look lovely framed!
Nesting boxes I’ve put out in the past only ever attracted squirrel tenants.
I’ve seen a chickadee nest here in a hollowed tree trunk about 5-1/2 feet off the ground with the hole facing south. You might want to change the location next spring if you don’t get any tenants this year.
Glad you like the photo 🙂
There’s a robin’s nest on top of a lamp post around the corner of my house.
I never noticed it was there until today, I saw the mother incubating her eggs (or sleeping!) =)
I like your examples in parantheses! But it’s fascinating all the different ways nests are built. Our minds tend to think at first there’s just one way. But when is that ever true?
My dad built them for me quite a few years ago and he always gets birds in his though he lives downstate so that might be the difference – I’ll give them this year and see. Thanx for the advice on the direction – pretty sure I have them at the right height.
I, too, liked your little birdie comments on the nest building!
Ahmed, you don’t need to be in the country to experience the wonders of nature! That nest is going to be something to watch for activity in the days ahead! Maybe you could even take a photo and write a post about it…
Kathy, it is fascinating how many ways there are to build a nest and for parents to work together to get a family raised. I’m glad you and Cindy Lou (who’s some lucky chick to have a dad to build birdhouses for her!)enjoyed the birdie comments 😉
Great idea! I’ll get on that ASAP!
Will look forward to your post Ahmed.
Loved the “bird talk” in your post 🙂
Interesting about the different ways of nest building, – did not know there are so many.
Eldrid
Thanks Eldrid. Nature is full of variety isn’t it? There are also those birds who don’t bother building any nest at all but instead take over the nests of other birds.
I was giggling so much when I read your descriptions and side-remarks – you really made the different types of birds come alive! Clearly, you are very perceptive and observant when it comes to wildlife in your neighbourhood.
After reading this, I tried to keep an eye on the big Cape sparrow nest under our eaves, to figure out whether it was the male or the female that was doing the actual construction.
I think *both* are working on it together – collecting little bits of fluff to line the inside and picking up twigs and twiglets from the ground to reinforce it from the outside. It’s all so exciting! 🙂
I have to echo Reggie’s comments: “I was giggling so much when I read your descriptions and side-remarks – you really made the different types of birds come alive! Clearly, you are very perceptive and observant when it comes to wildlife in your neighbourhood.”
I, too, love the imagined conversations between bird pairs when building their nests! I never imagined that their could be that many different patterns of nest-building among our fine, feathered friends.
You continue to amaze me with your observations and knowledge of nature.
Reggie and Joan, I’m glad you enjoyed the side remarks I overheard in my yard ;). I found the techniques in The Audubon Society Encyclopedia of American Birds. We’re so lucky to have such a variety of nest builders in our area.
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