Birds Nests

[Robinia]

Aren't they the most amazing things? As I sit at my computer I can see many birds inc. greenfinches & chaffinches gathering fur clippings kindly donated by my spaniel, & shredding sacking that WAS lining a basket! How on earth do they know how to build such an an intricate thing as a nest? How soon after leaving their parents do they build their own - the following year? Is it too late to put up a nest box this year? I would say that watching them is the best free entertainment but I spend a fortune on various seeds & raisins!! Do you suppose they have secret evening classes & wear little hard hats & pencils behind their ears & why are they always busier on Sundays??:-)

[wildwood]

Yes, birds are amazing creatures. They know how to build a nest purely by instinct - obviously, the babies are not around yet to learn how to build from their parents. Most small birds such as finches will build their first nest at 6 - 9 month old, when they make their first attempt at breeding.
It is never to late to hang up a nest-box, but the likes of greenfinches and chaffies don't use a box, they build their own nest. Boxes are appreciated by house sparrows and t i ts. They probably only appear busier on sunday cause you have more time to notice them, and the thought of them wearing little hard hats & pencils makes me chuckle.

[jjf2003]

I find the nest of the Baya weaver bird of Africa especially fascinating. They actually weave their nesting material (plant stems) into a tough, roofed basket with an entrance tube.

[Robinia]

Thanks for the replies, I'll install a des.res. very soon. I did wonder whether the Sun. workers were contractors for the 'can't build, won't builds'!! The booby prize must go to the collared doves who seem to throw a few sticks onto a branch & jump on quick before they fall to the ground. I think I saw the weaver birds on TV & they laid flower petals at the nest entrance - amazing!

[Cetti]

You can even buy Sparrow Terraces now noddy although I don't think they've been such a success as was first hoped. What with cameras inside nesting boxes, roosting pouches for wrens etc it won't be long before some TV producer will be having makeovers just for birds!!

You must live in the country to have Chaffinches in your garden - I'm really envious. No, it's not too late for a des res. Forgive me if you already know this but boxes should be at least 2 -5 metres off the ground and if possible facing southeast/northeast. Let's hope your 'guests' arrive soon.

[Robinia]

Thanks Cetti - mmm an L.L.Bowen with feathers!! A peacock?? I don't live way out in the country but do have a large garden - 3 trees & lots of shrubs. The chaffinches have increased since I started putting out black sunflower seeds. Might add some goldfinch food to the menu & see if they come too. Sadly, as they're my favourite, I don't get thrushes despite having plenty of snails.