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