Blue Tit
How does a Blue Tit know
how big a nest to build?
If it does not make it big enough,
it’s young will not be thrilled.
How does it know what to use
to keep its young content?
Too warm, too cold, too wet,
and it’s young will need a vet!
How does it know where to build
the nest that will hold its young?
Choosing a tree in a garden centre
could mean they end up far flung!
Notes by the author
I have built and installed a couple of bird nesting boxes in my garden.
Every spring I enjoy watching the comings and goings of the blue tits as they build the nest and then fly back and forth delivering ready-made meals.
Eventually, if I am lucky, I see the young take their first flight to a nearby branch.
It doesn't take much thought to wonder how they achieve this rearing feat. They are never shown how to do it and only see the last few days in the nest before they have to fly away and then copy the procedure in one or two years time with a mate of their own. This is an incredible capability.