Nesting Season

Cactus Wren nest built in an ideal location - among the prickly arms of a healthy Saguaro

Ahhh, nesting season in the Sonoran Desert. From darting Hummingbirds to mysterious Great Horned Owls, the bird world is frantically preparing to welcome the next generation. It is not uncommon to see birds of all types picking at the ground or flying to and fro with a mouthful of building materials. Most birds only build nests for brooding and raising their young, and abandon them once the little ones have learned to fly, although some species build a breeding nest and separate roosting nests.

Birds are very resourceful when it comes to nest building.  Some make elaborate luxury dwellings
complete with roof and welcoming entrance. Others move in to old nests abandoned by others.  Still others find refuge in the holes of cactus, trees or even burrows in the ground. Some are notorious nest stealers and others seem to slop their nests together as though the thought of where to put the eggs hadn't occurred to them. Hummingbirds use spider web to weave a tiny sticky nest, then cover it with leaves or lichen. Some birds even go through the extra work of building dummy nests to give the female options or discourage other birds from nesting in the area. The ingenious nest designs of each species suit them perfectly and serve their purpose.

Look for nests in unlikely places.

This time of year, take time to watch the birds.  What are they doing? Where are they going? Do you see patterns of behavior? Follow a bird's movements and you may discover a nest. Remain at a safe distance or the birds may become spooked and move on.  It you notice that they seem to be aware of your presence or abandon their activity, you know you have moved too close. If you find an abandoned nest, study it without touching it as birds are notorious for carrying disease. Try to imagine how a handless bird constructed it.

No matter where you live, nesting birds are not far. Enjoy tracking them and savoring a unique peek into the most wondrous and mysterious of designs...  new, perfectly formed and functioning life!

References and Resources
NestWatch

Images: Sharon Pegany

Cultivate Wonder... Track Design