The first days of spring came, and with them mass quantities of anticipation as a pair of Robins had made their nest in the Apple Tree in the corner of the kindergarten playground. Each day we would sit, heads tilted up, looking for some sort of sign of new life.
Finally the day came when little chirps could be heard, and every so often a glimpse of yellow beak stretching up for food from Mom and Dad. Now, all these years later and I can still feel that pang of anticipation, that kink in my neck as I constantly gaze upward, looking for a sign of new life, of tiny yellow beaks reaching for the sky.
I find bird's nests so fascinating. From the mud and spit packed nests of Cliff Swallows, to the classic woven twig configuration of the Robin, to the giant feats of engineering, Eagles call home. Each nest is a wonderful representation of each type of bird, a lot like people and their homes if you think about it.
Take the nest above for example. When viewed up close, you can see it's mainly constructed of small twigs and grasses. I took this from about 10 to 12 feet away, but I would say it is between 5-6 inches across. Now I did a little digging and from what I could find this might be a Robin's nest, or maybe a House Finch?
Last year I was lucky enough to see a Blue Bird's nest close up on Bryn Du farm. I love this nest, it is a piece of art really. I love spring for so many reasons, but I have to admit, looking for nests is one of my favorites.
How many nests can you find on your next walk? What kinds of birds do you think live in them? Let us know in the comments section below (or better yet, send us pictures!).
~Jordan
P.S. Don't forget to enter to win a copy of Henri's Walk to Paris!
*Last time in Nature: Budding Into Spring