Nest is a broad term even when restricted to a zoological context. Most often it refers to a place where eggs are laid and develop. Some bird nests are just a place, like on a rocky beach with the rest of the “rocks”, more often others are distinctive structures of intricate architecture. Strictly speaking nests are not necessary, but in most cases protect the eggs and the young. Nest building is hormonal which triggers the “nesting mood” and once a pair of birds has mated then they have to choose a spot. Depending on the species that choice is made by one or the other or both parents. Arbitrary selection does occur but most species “shop around” and in some species this includes “fitting” the body into prospective tree forks or patches on the ground. The prospecting period varies in length of time with some birds choosing the first place they find and others take nest sites into consideration all year round.
Birds, especially the females are born with the inclination and the ability to perform the complex of activities required to complete a nest. The fact that abnormal nests are not uncommon relates directly to “practice makes perfect”. The bird is not born knowing where a particular lining material can be found. Ornithologists have defined a number of next building gestures such as “tacking,” “drawing,” “looping,” and “squatting,” which are characteristic of many species. Some birds just lay their eggs anywhere or take up an existing nest and make absolutely no alterations. Eagles and other members of their family return each year to old nest sites, but always add many new sticks thereby creating enormous structures. Some birds build a series of “dummy” nests for practice. Birds nesting in a marsh sometimes build nests at differing heights relating to fluctuating water levels. Nest materials of any given species will generally be similar, however there is considerable variation depending on availability and individual “taste”. When horses were more common modes of transportation, horse hair replaced plant fibers. A few species incorporate an odd item. The Great Crested Flycatcher nest usually contains snakeskin, not for protection, but likely because of its “silky” texture. Other species “decorate” their nests with flowers or man-made materials such as paper (Blue Jays), rags (Mockingbirds and American Robins) or yarn (Northern Orioles) Individual birds will learn where certain materials can be found within their home range or territory and will return to the source consistently.
Here is a list of known nesting materials: sticks, grass, reeds, sedges, rushes, seaweed, wet decaying aquatic plants, Spanish moss, bark, foliose lichens, paper, string/yarn, debris, and mud. Nest lining materials include: fine grasses, pine needles, contour feathers, down feathers, animal hair/fur. Some nests are loose and dry, some are solidified with: mud, animal dung, excrement from nestlings, saliva, spider and caterpillar silk, and pine sap.
This geocache is placed in Highlands Hammock State Park with the permission of park management. All locations must be approved by the Volunteer Geocache Coordinator Sarah Straub (DTISarah@gmail.com) and adhere to the guidelines set by the park for geocache placement.
Vehicles are not permitted to park on any roadway within the park boundary. All vehicles must park within designated parking areas. The park is open from 8:00AM until sundown, 365 days a year. The admission fees are as follows: $6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle. $4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle. $2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass. Camping is available in the park as well.
Highlands Hammock State Park's Website
For more information about accessing cache locations please visit the ranger station to view a copy of Essential Eligibility Criteria for Geocaching at Highlands Hammock State Park.
Please remember to cache responsibly and stay on designated trails.