Recently Kate emailed me to ask if I wanted a nest. Well, who can resist a nest? Probably plenty of people, but not me!
The story behind the nest is that an olive backed sunbird created this nest by suspending it from the fairy lights right by Kate’s backdoor. Kate had the delightful task of keeping the nest, bird and eggs safe. You may remember her blog posts about it, where you can also see a photo. It is an amazing creation, especially to be made by such a tiny thing.
Yesterday the nest arrived, safe and sound, because Kate had packed it so well.
And this is my new treasure
Not everybody’s cup of tea, but I love it. The muted colours, its fragility, its construction (how does one little bird create such a thing, especially as only some parts look like they have been woven) and the little additions, like the feathers and paperbark (must be from a melaleuca!)
My mind is buzzing with creative ideas. Maybe even oil pastel?? In October there is an exhibition of natural history subjects, and this little sunbird nest could be just the subject for me! I will keep you posted.
So many thinks to Kate for thinking of me. She is such a generous soul, and my world is richer for knowing her.
Anne Lawson Art 
23 replies on “A delight from Queensland”
So glad it arrived safely 🙂 To answer your question elsewhere: I think the little reddish brown bobbly things are seed pods from something. They actually look a lot like dried-out mulberries, and we have a mulberry bush in the garden, but the birds don’t let the fruit stay on the tree long enough to dry out! I’ll have a poke about and see if I can identify the source, but of course, the bird could have brought them in from anywhere! Have you put your finger inside the little nest door and had a feel? It’s so incredibly smooth and soft in there. Almost makes me wish I was a baby sunbird!
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I must have a feel inside! It’s construction is a mystery. I read a book about birds as architects, but haven’t retained very much of the info. Looks like I will need to go back to it.
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I think from memory they sling long fibres over whatever they’re building on, and then build out from that. I think the feather lining goes in last. I do love the little ‘canopy’ over the entry, it’s a feature of every nest and is rather important in our climate to keep out both sun and rain.
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That is one of the most thoughtful and beautiful gits I have ever seen. Clever Kate figured out the perfect recipient ♡
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Isn’t it a thought fun and beautiful gift? Can’t think why she thought of me!!
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Trust Kate to know how much you would appreciate that little nest. Looking forward to seeing how it inspires you.
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Yes, and trust her to package it up so carefully so that it arrived safely.
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Lovely. Look forward to the artwork
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I have painted and drawn nests before. However they have been the more conventional round one, the shape everyone is familiar with. I think this will be more of a challenge.
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A well constructed nest! I have ablackbird in my garden who twice has found large bits of plastic to incorporate in her nest. I wonder, this must be deliberate. Does it make it drier / warmer?
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That’s an interesting thought, Cathy. I am going to do some research into nests, so if I come across anything that can help answer it, I will let you know.
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I can see this is right up your alley! Looking forward to seeing how things develop . . .
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I look forward to seeing how things develop too! I hope I can do it justice.
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What a great gift! You could spend a year doing drawings, paintings and more inspired by this wonderful object!
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So true, Anna! The more I think about it the more that comes to mind. The thing is to get going on the actual work!!
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I too love nests so I can relate to your joy, Anne. It was lovely of Kate to send it you way. I’m intrigued by the detail created by one tiny bird, with no hands or opposable thumbs. From instinct, they create a dry, warm, well-hidden home for their family. It’s extraordinary.
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Quite extraordinary, Alys. A miracle of engineering and design.
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what an amazing nest along with where it was built in the first place…enjoy working with your nest & look forward to how it evolves….
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Wow,unique and marvelous gift i ever known ☺️👏👍👌💐…i can’t wait to see, how it inspires you 🙂☺️😊🌹
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[…] ← A delight from Queensland […]
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[…] Kate from Tall tales from Chiconia had the joy of watching a sun bird build and raise a family in her nest, hanging just outside Kate’s back door. There’s a photo of it here. I was delighted when Kate sent the nest to me. […]
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What a fabulous thing to receive in the post. Louise
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Not everyone’s cup of tea, but I was delighted!
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