Novel Nests

During one of our walks in early spring, we went out to explore the changes taking place before our eyes. Snow was melting. Grass was turning green. And the birds were returning from their migration.

The buds weren't yet coming out on the trees, and we discovered that we could see bird nests nestled in the shrubs. Because the nests had been abandoned and left to the elements, they were falling apart. And of course, the question we all waited to be asked emerged : What are nests made from?

Back in class, we broke into our focus groups and examined what nests were made from. We just happened to have a collection in our science centre.

As a large group, we shared our findings. And the inspiration flowed... Would the birds like us to build a nest for them? Could we build a nest? Could we help birds make a nest?

We noticed that the other nests contained some fabric. In lieu of fabric, we wondered if  yarn would be a good a good material to build a nest with? One of our parents had kindly made a donation. We made our way back outside and left a gift for the birds. Our hope was that the birds would make good use of the yarn when they returned to make new nests and lay their eggs.

Time passed, buds grew on the hedges, and we returned to the same spot to see if the yarn was gone. To everyone's delight, we noticed that there was a nest in the tree!

We approached the honey locust tree cautiously, so to not scare any wildlife. What we discovered inside the nest was beyond exciting!

This got us excited about nests, once again. We collected the materials necessary to build nests, and got to work!

The grass, corn cob material, leaves, small twigs, fabric, clay, mud, garbage, and the sort, were dumped on the table and sifted through. Some paper pulp (leftover from our paper making project) was added to the mix, and we attempted to contain the mess to a bowl.

When the mix was just right ( not too runny, and not too thick ), the children picked up a gob to cover an upsidedown apple sauce container. 

The old screens that were utilized for the paper making project were used again for the nests to dry on.

Upon closer examination, the inside of the nests weren't very cosy for an egg. We went out on another excursion to find some "soft" materials to line the nests. Our Chief Custodian nearly panicked when he saw the whole class marching towards the the classroom door, each with a fluffy cattail in hand. 

While assembling the nests, the children were asked what birds would think of the nests. 

"It's going to be nice and comfy."

"They'll think it's fluffy."

"The birds will be comfy and out of the wind."

This project is ongoing, and we are in the process of determining the best way to transport the cozy nests home. We have a few ideas up our sleeves, so stay tuned! Also, we need to go on another excursion to observe the bird that hatched from the nest we discovered in honey locust tree!

Thanks for visiting the atelier!