This spring I found one of the dog's toys in the yard. It was made with several colorful strings knotted together. When I found it all raveled and torn, I almost threw it in the trash. Then I rememberd a blog post I saw a few years ago where someone put out little bits of lint and strings around the yard for the birds to use in their nests. I'm so glad this little mother bird chose to use them. It also looks like she made use of the old shredded plastic weed barrier that's left in the garden.
How curious is the nest no other bird
Uses such loose materials, or weaves
Their dwellings in such spots - dead oaken leaves
Are placed without & velvet moss within
& little scraps of grass - & scant & spare
Of what seems scarce materials down & hair
For from mans haunts she seemeth nought to win
Yet nature is the builder & contrives
Homes for her children’s comfort even here
~John Clare
I dont' know much about birds so if anyone can tell me what kind of bird would make a nest so small, I'd love to know.
