- published: 01 Sep 2015
- views: 169304
A nest is a place of refuge to hold an animal's eggs or provide a place to live or raise offspring. They are usually made of some organic material such as twigs, grass, and leaves; or may simply be a depression in the ground, or a hole in a tree, rock or building. Human-made materials, such as string, plastic, cloth, hair or paper, may be used.
Generally each species has a distinctive style of nest. Nests can be found in many different habitats. They are built primarily by birds, but also by mammals (e.g. squirrels), fish, insects (e.g. wasps, termites and honey bees) and reptiles (e.g. snakes and turtles).
The urge to prepare an area for the building of a nest is referred to as the nesting instinct and may occur in both mammals and birds.
Most species of birds build some sort of nest, though some lay their eggs directly onto rock ledges or bare soil without first modifying the area.
Nest types vary from the very simple scrape, which is merely a shallow depression in soil or vegetation, to the elaborately woven pendant or sphere. Some birds will build nests in trees, some (such as vultures, eagles, and many seabirds like Kittiwakes) will build them on rocky ledges, and others nest on the ground or in burrows.
An old king sits upon an oaken throne.
His posture noble, regardless of the toll of times.
Now weary, but once a mighty warrior.
Strong by form, just by heart.
He has sailed the myriad seas.
Fought the elements at the barren north.
Life's misfortunes were just new challenges
to experience and to learn from.
In his reign there was no blame,
nor did he evade his duties.
But to rule was never his passion,
though a task he had to honour.
The old king sits upon an oaken throne.
A grin still visiblöe on his weathered face.
When they come to carry him away