Funky Nests in Funky Places
Each spring, birds remind us how full of wonder the world can be. While many choose familiar spots like trees or porch lights, others surprise us by building their nests in the most unexpected places. Over the years of our Funky Nests in Funky Places challenge, we’ve seen nests tucked into car tires, resting in flowerpots, hidden inside BBQ grills, perched on store signs, and even nestled in wreaths by front doors.
These discoveries might make us smile, but they also tell a real story. Birds are incredibly resourceful and adaptable. When they find a place that feels safe and sheltered—whether it’s a branch or the corner of a traffic light—they make it their own. Science studies have suggested that many birds are adapting to our changing world by using the spaces and materials they find around us.
Not every spot is perfect, of course, but each nest is a reminder that nature is all around us, even in the places we least expect.
So this season, we invite you to look a little more closely at the world outside your door. If you find a nest that warms your heart or makes you pause in delight, we’d love for you to share it. You never know where a bird might decide to start its funky nest!
Learn more about nests!
Attention: Before going out to find nests, take a few minutes to learn a little about how to observe nests without harming the birds, where to find nests, and common myths about nesting birds.
The Cutest:
Get Well Note to Gramma written the day after we all checked the bluebird boxes and found 4 little baby bluebirds by Deb Knudsen (Brooklyn, Wisconsin, USA): Mommy, Devin (21 months), Vivi (5) and Gramma checked the bluebird boxes at Gramma’s land and discovered a mother bluebird feeding 4 nestlings inside one of the boxes. The next day Gramma wasn’t feeling well so Vivi made a Get Well Note to cheer Gramma up! It really helped. Gramma and Vivi are on the left, the baby birds are in the box (square) and the mommy bird is feeding the babies. The sun is in the top right corner and trees and grass on on the bottom.
The Funkiest:
The Funniest:
Nest In A Bicycle Basket by Lancey Grace Wilson (Perry, Georgia, US): I was at my neighborhood friend’s pool and noticed that their bike had a little cute bird’s nest in the attached basket. I guess my friends have not been doing a lot of bike riding recently!
The Most Inconvenient:
Turkey Lurkey by Jessica M Fisher (Marietta, NY): The neighbor’s turkey walked over for 2 weeks and laid a clutch of eggs. About 3 weeks ago, she started nesting and they are due to hatch in about a week. We have not had the opportunity to use our front yet, but since the weather hasn’t been very nice, we don’t mind. Our kids and the neighbors frequently check on her and make sure she is comfortable and is protected from predators.
Art & Poetry
How to find funky nests:
Click to download the pdf of the Where to Find Funky Nests poster!