Second Nature

Birds are capable of remarkable engineering feats, just look at the variety of their nests. But are they engineers? Not quite. Just as birds know how to fly, they know how to build nests without lessons or instruction. It's instinct. Caring for baby birds also comes naturally to them, but it can be much harder for people who happen to find one. Each dawn in spring, birds announce their place in the world with an enthusiastic chorus. More quietly, throughout the day, they get to work: choosing a nesting site and beginning construction. Birds build in many places: tree branches, cliffs, shrubs, building ledges, even on the ground — each chosen for protection from weather and predators. They also use a surprising range of materials. Most nests are made from a mix of sticks, grasses, plant fibers, rootlets and mud. Some birds weave in spider silk, snake skins, or soft materials like cattail down, fur, or feathers. Your family can help make your yard a welcoming place for nesting birds by offering safe materials they can use. Birds are especially drawn to fibers like yarn, wool, fur, or strips of soft fabric, but these should be cut into short lengths of about 3 to 4 inches to prevent tangling. You can also gather natural materials such as grasses, leaves, pine needles, or feathers. Avoid anything treated with chemicals like pet fur from flea treatments or lawn clippings with herbicides, and skip dryer lint as it compacts and crumbles when wet. Offer these materials in creative ways: stuff them into a winter suet feeder, place them in a berry container, or tie them up in a bundle. Some people even hang wire whisks filled with nesting supplies. Or better yet, make your own "nesting nest" together. Building one is a great way for children to understand how birds construct their homes. Many birds that build cup-shaped nests start with a woven base, then add layers of softer materials. As the nest takes shape, they press it into a bowl by squatting, pushing with their bellies, kicking with their feet, and turning in circles, packing it into a snug cup for eggs and nestlings. Your version will be a little different, but just as thoughtful. Start by talking about what makes a good nesting material: it should be long enough to weave and flexible enough to bend without breaking. Then explore outside, gather materials, and test them as you go. Twist your finds into a wreath shape, as large or small as you like. Add a loose, woven layer across the center, then tuck in soft nesting materials for birds to collect. You can use yarn to reinforce the structure and to hang it. Place your nesting nest somewhere you often see birds, and where you can watch from a window. Then keep an eye out for visitors stopping by to gather supplies. During this busy nesting season in May and June, you might also come across a baby bird on the ground. Here's how to help: First, ask: Is the bird active? Can it hop or flutter? If yes, it's likely a fledgling, just learning to fly while its parents watch nearby and continue feeding it. This is a normal and important stage. Observe from a distance and if you can help by keeping pets, especially cats, indoors. If not — if the bird is mostly featherless and unable to move — it may need help. These young birds can often be safely returned to a nest, even if it's not the original one. Your best next step is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance. Visit BEEC.org and go to the Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation page, or call BEEC at 802-257-5785. For Curious Readers: Books About Nests "Mama Built a Little Nest," by Jennifer Ward and Steve Jenkins"A Nest Is Noisy," by Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long"Bird Builds a Nest," by Martin Jenkins and Richard Jones Second Nature is submitted by the naturalists at Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center (BEEC) in West Brattleboro. Come take a walk on the trails, open to the public from sunrise to sunset. Join us this spring and learn more about programs for all ages at www.BEEC.org. BEEC is a member supported non-profit organization.