A couple years ago I remember Melanie, at Covered Porches and Wooden Screen Doors, mentioned that she put out fabric scraps for the birds to build their nests in the spring. Such a cute idea! So I decided to try that. We have a deck on the third floor that is surrounded by trees. (Remember the squirrel probelms?) Anyway, I placed a hand full of fabric strings on top of a table and anchored them a bit with shells. I was hopeful that the birds would recognize the wonderful bounty that lay before them! The pile became smaller, and I wondered if some got carried by the wind, or had the birds found this little stash? One morning last week I was sitting in the livingroom, just off the deck, and saw a bird on the table. In my mind I saw him picking up a strip and flying off with the strip blowing in the wind. I sat quiet and hopeful that the bird would figure it out. Then what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a couching crow! Yes, this dear birdie had a creative bent! He picked at the same strip over and over again until he had ruffled the little strip into a flower, and off he/she flew with it! He is not just building a nest, he is decorating it! Wouldn't it be funny if birds had contests to see who made the most creative nest? Suddenly I am seeing reality TV in birdland: Flip This Nest! Or how about Decorating Cheep! Seriously, I wish I had a picture of that bird. It was so cute!
So how do you like my blog's new look? I asked my talented granddaughter to see what she could do to give me a facelift, and voila! She performed her magic! I always have to depend on the generosity of others when it comes to this techie stuff. She did good! Now she needs to teach me!
For those of you who wondered if I would ever come back with the completed eagle quilt, I am happy to show you the finished quilt. It measures 21" x 21". The corner stars are foundation pieced, which makes them quite easy to construct. I am still working on the pattern, but it will be done soon. I will keep you posted. I am scheduled to teach this as a class in June here in Virginia Beach. Can you tell I took the picture on the deck? I love that deck! Sorry, no squirrels allowed.
We are receiving our daily share of April Showers here, so that can only mean lots of May Flowers, Right? I do look forward to that! Have a happy day!
23 comments:
I LOVE your story about the couching crow. Crows are so talented and clever who knew they were fabric artists too! Hope you out more places your scraps ended up and can add some photos.
I love the eagle, and the bird story! Your blog looks great!
The nature surprice us always, Regards from Spain
Lol, flip that nest :o) Love it! The eagle turned out wonderful.
Love the new blog look!
Wonderful little quilt,i love the eagle too !
Oh my goodness those bird reality shows are hilarious. We have a pair of house sparrows that build every spring in one of the pots on our back porch.
The pot is located on a baker's rack right next to our kitchen nook window so that we can shine a light from indoors directly down into their nest and keep an eye on every stage of development.
When it is time for the babies to leave we have been able to watch the mama and daddy birds teach their fledglings how to fly, and call them to the woods one by one.
It is a remarkable thing to watch every year. I will have to put some of my scraps on the bakers rack in hopes they will have fun decorating.
Ohhh, I wanna come to that class.
Your eagle quilt turned out so nice. I think it's beautiful! What a nice story about the bird...so funny! Decorating Cheep! Love it!
I love your crow story! I really wonder what that nest looks like!
Such a delightful post to read!
And I'm going to put my scrappies out today.
Thanks, Marcie.
nancy, np
Did the crow have on a little flowered apron? What a post, so much news. Your site looks nice, kudos to your granddaughter. And the new quilt is so pretty, just right.
Hi Marcie, I'm still chuckling about your 'cheep'accomidations...LOL ala crow. Too funny! I know they are super intelligent, but who knew they were fond of fabric?? The class sounds like a winner, have fun with it. Hugs, Finn
P.S. The blog update is wonderful
What a clever idea. Now I'm kicking myself because I just threw out a bunch of tiny strips. I guess the birds in VA will have more decorative nests than the ones here in Happy Valley. Although I did have the Ballerina take the hair from my hairbrush and fasten it to a nail in the backyard.
Kudos to your GD for the beautiful blog design. I keep thinking that I will get College Girl to help me out but am finding that it's SO difficult the tie down an 18 yo long enough to get the job done.
Love the eagle quilt...even if I'm NOT savvy when it comes to foundation piecing.
Sure would like to get a look at that nest *s*
I loved your funny story, I too would wonder what the nest looks like. I've left some tiny scraps outside to see if they disappear.
How fun it would be to see those quilted nests.
I loved your post, my kids wondered why I was giggling.
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)
Your post made me smile. I can just picture that bird. I love your quilt. I love your blog.
I've been looking at all your wonderful patterns, but I cannot find the prizes. How much is one pattern?
The eagle quilt is wonderful, your "new" web-face is divine and the couching crow it absolutely the BEST story! Hugs to you~
It is fun to let the littlest strings go into the wind and have the birds use them! Sound like you have more creative birds than we do! LOL! Love your patriotic eagle quil!
Way too funny!
I love your story!!!!!Best dressed nest in the neighborhood!!!!
I*LOL* s-o-o-oooo hard!*LOL* Oh, boy, You are so funny!!!! "Decorating Cheep!" !!!! *LOL*
aaaahhhh..... I love you, my dear friend. You made my day!*S*
BTW, I love your blog's new looks! Very beautiful!
P.S.
This eagle quilt is stunning. I love those borders also!
Post a Comment