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As the last leaves fall from the trees this month, the bare branches reveal many secret homes tucked up in trees and bushes. Nests of all shapes and sizes are now visible from high in the treetops to low in the bushes. Even though many of these nests are now empty for the winter, it is a great time to learn about nesting animals and hunt for example of nests way up high.
Birds are the most obvious and well known nest builders. Using only their beaks and feet, birds are able to construct elaborate and intricate nests! Typical building materials include grass and sticks, but some birds utilize mud, spider silk, saliva, and human artifacts such as hair or string. Nesting is usually done in the spring as preparation for mating and egg laying. It is common for birds to reuse old nests after a little touch up work. Platform nests, like aeries used by raptors, are reused year after year, building up to very large sizes!
Birds aren’t the only ones building nests in treetops. Squirrels make summer nests, called “dreys”, in branches out of leaves, sticks and bark. Dreys are found in the forks of trees and are used by squirrels during the warm summer months. Squirrels primarily use nests made in tree cavities during the winter but have been known to use dreys during the winter if a tree cavity can’t be found.
Take advantage of the unobstructed view through the trees and survey the trees in your neighborhood! Keep an eye out for dreys which look like leafy clumps where large branches split. Try lying on your back for a better view of the nest world above. Peek through the twigs of bushes- there are often small nests hiding here that can be hard to see. You can encourage nest building in your yard or near your home by leaving nesting materials outside. Pet fur, human hair and dryer lint are all collected and used by birds. You can also try filling a mesh bag (such as an onion bag) with pieces of string and yarn and hang it outside in the spring. Birds will weave these pieces into their nests!
We’ve been seeing lots of bird nests and dreys during our PUDDLESTOMPERS classes! Our next program is our Veteran’s Day Vacation Program at the beautiful Nahanton Park. On Wednesday, November 11th, we will be exploring the lives of nocturnal animals by hunting for evidence of animal activity, finding homes for these animals to sleep during the day and exploring through the forest and meadow. We are also getting ready for winter with our classes and December Vacation Programs! We hope you’ll join us for nature fun during the season of rest!
Birds are the most obvious and well known nest builders. Using only their beaks and feet, birds are able to construct elaborate and intricate nests! Typical building materials include grass and sticks, but some birds utilize mud, spider silk, saliva, and human artifacts such as hair or string. Nesting is usually done in the spring as preparation for mating and egg laying. It is common for birds to reuse old nests after a little touch up work. Platform nests, like aeries used by raptors, are reused year after year, building up to very large sizes!
Birds aren’t the only ones building nests in treetops. Squirrels make summer nests, called “dreys”, in branches out of leaves, sticks and bark. Dreys are found in the forks of trees and are used by squirrels during the warm summer months. Squirrels primarily use nests made in tree cavities during the winter but have been known to use dreys during the winter if a tree cavity can’t be found.
Take advantage of the unobstructed view through the trees and survey the trees in your neighborhood! Keep an eye out for dreys which look like leafy clumps where large branches split. Try lying on your back for a better view of the nest world above. Peek through the twigs of bushes- there are often small nests hiding here that can be hard to see. You can encourage nest building in your yard or near your home by leaving nesting materials outside. Pet fur, human hair and dryer lint are all collected and used by birds. You can also try filling a mesh bag (such as an onion bag) with pieces of string and yarn and hang it outside in the spring. Birds will weave these pieces into their nests!
We’ve been seeing lots of bird nests and dreys during our PUDDLESTOMPERS classes! Our next program is our Veteran’s Day Vacation Program at the beautiful Nahanton Park. On Wednesday, November 11th, we will be exploring the lives of nocturnal animals by hunting for evidence of animal activity, finding homes for these animals to sleep during the day and exploring through the forest and meadow. We are also getting ready for winter with our classes and December Vacation Programs! We hope you’ll join us for nature fun during the season of rest!
