For the birds!

Have you ever heard of yarn crafters leaving scraps of yarn out in the yard in the Spring for birds to build nests with? Apparently, if you leave yarn scraps out in the yard birds will pick them up and weave them into their nests. Even the colors matter. Sometimes they tend to go for the brighter colors because they feel they are more durable.

This is a fascinating discovery to me. I have been searching for an image of a nest that actually has yarn woven into it. I think that would be so amazing to see.

In the meantime, visit Juniper Moon Farm's blog. They posted about The First Day of Spring and putting out a bird suet feeder filled with colorful yarn scraps. So fascinating. I'm definitely going to try this in the Spring.

Colorful yarn placed in a bird suet feeder not only aids in building a bird's nest 
but a bird can differentiate the colors. Do an experiment this spring, place neutral colors 
in one pile and colorful, bright colors in another and see what kind of nest gets built 
That is if you can find it!                                  
http://www.fiberfarm.com/2011/03/the-first-day-of-spring 
(Photo from Juniper Moon Farm blog)

So now that we're on the topic of birds, how about some bird patterns. I stumbled across this pattern this afternoon from the Welcome to the Nest blog. So cute!

This pattern is a Lovebird Book Thong. http://turtledovecoo.blogspot.com/2011/03/bird-book-thong-crochet-pattern.html (Photo from Welcome to the Nest Blog)

Here's a picture of one of the most colorful birds in the world, the Lorikeet, a tree parrot. So bright and beautiful. There is definitely inspiration within this color palette for an afghan or scarf.

This color scheme could inspire any project. Nature never lies!

One more bird item - take a look at this beautiful bird jewelry dish from Pottery Barn.

This is so lovely. Here's a direct link to make a purchase! http://www.potterybarn.com/products/bird-jewelry-dish/?catalogId=63&bnrid=3380801&cm_ven=Google%20Base&cm_cat=Shopping&cm_pla=Feed&cm_ite=Google%20Base-1844034

Last but not least, coming to you from the Sunshine State I'm posting a beautiful Audubon print that sums it all up. This print of the American Flamingo is vibrant and just plain captivating. This color is so inspiring and makes me want to go buy all of the pink, coral and red I can get my hands on and create something spectacular.

This American Flamingo print from the Audubon Collection is spectacular. 
Downright breathtaking and inspiring. (Image from Princeton Audubon)

If you're a bird watcher here's a picture of a Rough-Legged Hawk which is one of the top 5 birds to look for in the months of January and February according to Birdwatching Daily Magazine.

Flying high the Rough-Legged Hawk. More inspiration in these neutral colors.

Speaking of birds, don't forget to follow me on Twitter @crochetingconv

Let the birds inspire you on your next project!