LIFE AT THE COTTAGE

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Time Travel Thursday #48 - That Nesting Instinct


Welcome to the 48th Time Travel Thursday linky party at the Brambleberry Cottage!

Are you ready to do some traveling? Great; 'cause time never stands still!


One of the greatest joys I experience every single day, living where I do, is the ability to revel in the wonders of nature—up close and personal!

A CARDINAL NEST AMONG THE BLACKBERRY BRAMBLES BEHIND THE CHICKEN COOP

I've always been an avid birdwatcher, but spending my days tending to our quaint little farmstead and encountering these lovely creatures in their natural habitats has given me an even deeper appreciation for the intricate details of their lives.

THE BEAUTIFUL, BUT MESSY NEST OF AN EASTERN PHOEBE, PERCHED JUST BELOW THE ROOFLINE OF A GABLE OF OUR COTTAGE

It is so interesting to note the locations chosen, as well as, the shapes and varied materials used in the construction of the nests created by each type of bird. 

NEST OF AN UNIDENTIFIED BIRD, TUCKED HIGH ATOP THE RAFTERS OF ONE OF THE BARNS

After living here almost six years, the Yankee and I have observed that these winged wonders will set up housekeeping almost anywhere.

And the sweet, petite Carolina Wrens are the most notorious for this.

A CAROLINA WREN NEST IN A BIRD FEEDER...


AND ONE BETWEEN TWO VINTAGE ENAMEL PANS ON THE POTTING BENCH...



AND ONE BENEATH AN OLD SINK BEHIND THE BARN...


No doubt, that old cast-iron sink made a very good incubator.  ; )

AND ANOTHER CAROLINA WREN NEST BUILT IN THE BACK OF A SMALL REFRIGERATOR, LOCATED IN ONE OF THE OUTBUILDINGS

During nesting season, anything remaining stationary for even a few days, becomes fair game for one of our feathered friends to homestead.


For example, this box of castoffs was placed on the front porch to donate to the local thrift store during my next trip in town.  But within a few short days...


it had become a cozy little birdie cottage.  So there it remained for weeks, atop a table on the porch. 

I just didn't have the heart to evict the tweet little family living there.

The joys these melodious marvels bring to us here at the Brambleberry Cottage are well worth any minor inconveniences associated with discovering nests in unexpected places. 

Linking to Susan's for Outdoor Wednesday, Mary's for Share the Love Wednesday, Suzanne's for Vintage Thingie Thursday, Tracie's for Cottage Flora Thursdays, Meg's for Everything But the Kitchen SinkDebra's for Vintage Inspiration Friday, and Cindy's for Show and Tell Friday.

IF YOU LINK TO THE PARTY, PLEASE BE SURE TO LINK BACK TO THE BRAMBLEBERRY COTTAGE ON YOUR BLOG.

18 comments:

  1. I really love seeing little nests and eggs and little baby birds...outside.
    I am not one for bringing a nest inside. I guess that stems from my mother always telling me that they were filled with mites. So, I just enjoy looking at them on the outside.
    You really got some great photos of these...:)
    Thanks for hosting.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great party! Thank you for hosting!

    Janina

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love your bird nest pics and the little babies - so sweet! thanks so much for hosting :O)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beautiful little bird!
    I wish you a pleasant Thursday and send a greeting and a kisses:)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I need to investigate our property more closely. We have a variety of species but the only nests I consistently find are robins, pigeons and mourning doves. It does not take them long to build a nest securely. I give them extra materials too. LOTS of dog hair, bits of yarn and string, I even see them use almost whole plastic bags.

    ReplyDelete
  6. How wonderful to have so many bird nests! I would love that! Love that mossy one! Bird nests here are usually too high in a tree for me to see them, which is good since we have a cat. We do have killdeer birds which build a nest anywhere on the ground, in gravel on a road (?) or in barkdust.
    Thanks for hosting each week. Have a great weekend!
    ~ Julie

    ReplyDelete
  7. It is such a wonder how the birds know what to do when building a nest. Nature is awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Just amazing! I've never seen so many different nests in one place. I love birdwatching, but almost never get to see a nest up close.

    ReplyDelete
  9. The nests really are a work of art aren't they? Thanks so much for hosting Liz!
    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  10. Your sweet birdie cottage was so fun to see. Your photos are great. I have lots of birds this week now that I cleaned the birdbath and filled with fresh water. Much more inviting for my feathered friends. Thanks for hosting this fun party. I always enjoy it.
    ~Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  11. It's so great that the nests were close enough for you to enjoy! Such a treat! Thanks for hosting the party!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wow, you got some great pictures! We have lots of cardinals in our neighborhood but I've never seen a nest and didn't know what their eggs looked like. Fun post!

    ReplyDelete
  13. How wonderful that you have all of these little nesting birds. I have them but they all manage to hide their nests in very high and unreachable areas. Thank you so much for hosting.(-:

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a great view of the sweet bird nests. Amazing how they are so unique. Thanks so much for linking up with VIF. xo Debra

    ReplyDelete
  15. I so love a bird nest, such amazing houses. I marvel at the items that can be found in a nest. I specially admire the hours and determination spent creating these special places.
    Thanks for sharing all of your nests.
    Have a great weekend.
    Michele

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for inviting me to the party! I've linked my vent photo holder and I will make a note of linking up other projects on Thursdays!! Always nice to have another party to join!!
    Hope you're enjoying your weekend.
    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  17. thanks for sharing at Fishtail Cottage garden party! i am giggling a little because i have a "found" bird nest on my porch & put plastic eggs & something keeps taking them & dropping them in the yard. i sprayed parfume on the nest hoping it keeps whatever is interested away! Love your real nests! xoox, tracie

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to comment.