The Best Nest

This is Bird Note.

For some birds, having the best nest is a key part of attracting a mate.

Males of many reaver birds species construct a series of intricately woven nests

with which to lure a prospective partner. If a female is dissatisfied with it though,

she doesn't just move on, she tears the nest apart, as if to show her disdain.

A male red-winged blackbird can even attract multiple mates if he controls a prime breeding territory

where nests can be built over the water, making them less accessible to predators like raccoons.

A daily penguins construct the nests on mounds of stones,

which help guard against flooding, and partners often exchange stone gifts during the course of

construction. Unfortunately, stones can be in short supply, which needs to skirmishes within

the nesting colony, as stones are stolen and fiercely guarded. No stone, one might say, left

unturned. For bird note, I'm one fair tom.