Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Build an ornamental nest
• Necessities
• Tips
• Warnings

A bird's nest is a beautiful decoration for the chimney, and you can use it for almost anything you find during a nature walk or in your front garden. Although wild birds usually prefer to make their own nest, it is still possible to attract many species to your garden by leaving the right materials outside or by building a nest box.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Build an ornamental nest

1. Look for long and flexible plant stems. This creates the basic shape of the nest, and they are much easier to work than hard short twigs. You can use straw, long grass, lianas, willow leaves, pliable reed, or sea grass found outside or at a gardening supply store. Raffia is another great option you can get at a craft supply store.
   • If Mexican feather grass grows in your area, grab a clump of it and pull up with your hand to extract a handful of clinging hairy seeds. When you have enough seeds, clump them and make a nest shape by putting your thumb in them.
2. Look up the breeding habits of the local birds. Find a local nature guide at a library or bookstore, or search online for information about local birds. Choose one or more species to attract and look up their nesting habits to discover which nest shape and style will be most effective.
3. Leave breeding material in your garden. This is an easy way to attract birds, and may be worth it even if you end up building a full nest as well. If you've managed to find specific nesting information, you'll know which materials to leave, although you can't go wrong with leaving some of the items from the following list in visible places:
   • Hard twigs (for platform nests) and flexible (for cup-shaped nests).
   • Garden waste such as dry grass and straw, bits of bark and moss, dead leaves, etc.
   • Human or animal hair or fur (no longer than 6 inches).
   • Yarn or twine.
   • Mud, spider silk, and / or caterpillar cocoons to help birds bind nesting material.
   • Never leave materials outside that have come into contact with harsh chemicals, such as paint, pesticides, or anti-flea treatments. Dryer fluff and clothes rags are not recommended.
4. Provide a variety of plants. If you want to attract birds that nest in existing cavities, leave dead stumps and fallen logs in the yard. Live trees and shrubs will attract more visible nests from other species, especially if the plants are native to your area. For best results, plant a "staircase" of grass or moss, flowering perennials, shrubs, and trees.
5. Build a nesting box. If there aren't any obvious crevices or hollows in your yard, building a nesting box or birdhouse is an easy carpentry project. Make sure the birdhouse is made to fit the size of the birds you want to attract, or the size of the birds you see flying near your home.
   • For greater chances of success, follow the birdhouse building instructions specific to common European species.
   • Clean the birdhouse regularly when the birds are not nesting.
6. Make a bird's nest. Many birds would rather make their own nest than live in a ready-made nest. Lining natural cavities with the nesting materials listed above can give a bird an attractive edge. If you want to create a different type of nest, such as a bowl-shaped nest or a platform nest, it is best to follow the specific habits of the bird species you want to attract. Each species prefers certain materials.
   • The location of the nest is also important. Many bird species hide their nest amid thick branches, but some prefer more open branches, shrubs, or open areas on the ground. For more information, look online through searches, or in a local bird's nest identification guide.

Necessities

Decorative nests:

• A long and flexible bundle of stems, grass, or straw.
• Cord, florist's wire, or glue (recommended if the stems do not intertwine easily).
• Moss, bark, twigs, or other decorative material.
• Eggs and egg blowing stuff (optional).
• Marbles, pebbles, or other "fake eggs" (optional).

Wild bird nests:

• The garden clippings, especially twigs and grasses.
• Cord or yarn.
• Mud, spider silk, or caterpillar cocoons
• Human hair or animal fur.
• Small amount of lumber and nails (to build a nest box, if hollow logs are not available).

Tips

• For a quick and easy nest, shred a paper bag or cut it into thin strips. Line a bowl with kitchen paper, arrange the strips over it, then glue the paper strips together and let everything dry into a nest shape.
• It's okay to look at the eggs, but be careful as clever animals like foxes can follow you to the nest. Even though there are no predators around, viewing the eggs will leave a scent, but the birds themselves have no sense of smell.

Warnings

• If a wild bird sits on your nest, don't disturb it or disturb the environment. View the nest from a place where the bird cannot see you or you could scare the bird away or lure predators into the nest.