Thursday, April 17, 2014

Nests



Maybe you’d like to take a few minutes
to consider these little works of art 
crafted by some of the small feathered creatures we take for granted. 
Every bird builds its own specific nest,
made with certain materials, woven in a particular way,
distinctive to its breed. 
It’s truly amazing when you take the time
to consider these little bits of God’s creation!


This is most likely the nest of a Red-eyed Vireo
 that hangs its nest from twigs
and binds the grasses with spider’s webs.

 These nests are some from my mother’s collection. 
She’s skilled in the in the knowledge of birds,
and my information here comes from her expertise! 
I appreciate the hands-on love of nature
that she passed down to me.

Another tiny hanging nest secured
with spider’s webs.

 And a quarter to show
just how small it really is! 

A tightly woven nest interlaced
with spider web.

A woodpecker’s residence. 

 The more rustic style
twiggy home of a Cardinal.

The swinging bag style nest made by
Baltimore Orioles using string
and long horse and cow’s hair.

A nest made of hair,
most likely by a Sparrow – probably a
Chipping Sparrow.

This little Goldfinch nest fascinates me. 
It’s woven so tightly into the crotch of twigs
that it looks like it would hold water. 
It’s lashed to the twigs with spider webs.

And here… just look at this perfect, miniature,
Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s nest! 
It's so perfectly formed with lichens.

And again, a quarter so that you can
marvel at its size! 
Amazing!

Here’s the nest of the familiar Robin. 
It’s a good sturdy home,
 lined and held together with mud mortar.

The speckled wing feathers of a
Downy Woodpecker.

And last of all,
another perfectly tiny 
(less than two inches across)lichen nest,
camouflaged to look like a knot on this branch.
This is the fragile nest of a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.


“What is the price of two sparrows--one copper coin?
But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground
without your Father knowing it.”
Matthew 19:29




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