Monday, January 23, 2012

Nesting


Birds' Nests

The summer nests uncovered by autumn wind.
Some torn, others dislodged, all dark.
Everyone sees them: low or high in tree,
Or hedge, or single bush, they hang like a mark.

Since there's no need of eyes to see them with
I cannot help a little shame
That I missed most, even at eye's level, till
The leaves blew off and made the seeing no game.

'Tis a light pang. I like to see the nests
Still in their places, now first known,
At home and by far roads. Boys knew them not,
Whatever jays and squirrels may have done.

And most I like the winter nests deep-hid
That leaves and berries fell into;
Once a dormouse dined there on hazel-nuts,
And grass and goose-grass seeds found soil and grew.

~ Edward Thomas (1878-1917 / London / England)

14 comments:

Sharon said...

I hope you made it through last night's storm ok. Sure was a hum-dinger, wasn't it?

Very nice today to make up for some of it. ;-)

Babs said...

I love bird's nests and there is one in the dogwood tree. I want to get it down, but I'm afraid the bird would not have a nest in the Spring if I did, Lovely poem...I guess I'll leave the nest there.
Thanks for visiting and I'm glad you got a smile from the dog with her puppies.
Babs

DeniseinVA said...

Beautiful! Hi Jo, did you have a bad storm last night? We've had a little snow and icy rain but I think the temperature is going up a little which should get rid of any left over snow around here. Hope you have better weather down your way.

Jodie said...

It is indeed a great poem. You reminded me of my own sweet little collection so I have posted some pics. http://homespunblissblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/bird-nests.html

DJan said...

So pretty! I love bird's nests and feathers, too.

MadSnapper said...

so pretty, love the speckled egg and the fluffy feather

Betsy Brock said...

One fun thing about winter and the bare trees is to see where the nests were hiding in the summer! :)

George said...

This is a wonderful poem. I like the bird's nest with the speckled eggs as well.

Jill of All Trades said...

I just love little birdie eggs.

Anonymous said...

Bird nests are so very interesting...the most exciting find Don and I ever had was when he discovered a hummingbird nest!

Love the poem...thanks for sharing!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

I love your post. I like to look at all the empty nests in the tall trees too. Someday the birds will be back-- just wait and see.
love
tweedles

L. D. said...

I really enjoy seeing displays like this of bird's nest. It is amazing how birds make such strong structures.

Vicki Boster said...

So so beautiful- each little nest is a true gift from nature. Your photo is so lovely--- ( you know I love nests-lol!)

Makes me wish for spring--
Xo
Vicki

thecrazysheeplady said...

A friend forwarded your blog and I've enjoyed poking around. Your photography is lovely as are your words.

I'm a big bird nest person and I love that almost all of our nests have a goodly amount of wool woven in - from our sheep. If you'd like some to hang out in your trees this late winter/early spring, let me know (thecrazysheeplady AT myfavoritesheep DOT com) and I'd be happy to send you some.