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So often simple things are best, aren’t they?

We came home from the park one sunny day last spring and created these bird nest collages.

It was unplanned.

But we had the loveliest of times.

Sitting out in the garden.

Painting with our watercolours.

Sticking on bits and bobs of stuff we’d found for nests.

And chatting non-stop about the crazy coots and their nest building antics.

They’re such funny little birds.

Never quiet

And ready to cross the pond to squabble with geese and swans 5 times their size!

BUT they do work hard on their nests.

Each pair diligently helping each other.

Collecting sticks and reeds.

And weaving them together.

If you fancy creating something similar, it’s very simple.

Creating Bird Nest Collages

To make our bird nest collages we just painted water colour backgrounds of sky, ponds and reeds.

And painted our coots in place.

Then cut up and stuck on bits and bobs of stuff we’d found by the ponds.

We had sticks, straw, seeds and reeds …

Plus some feathers we added to our coots …

Creating the collages was a lovely way to paint and craft with nature.

But also to capture our observations.

And the little things we’d noticed about the coots’ habitat.

And how they exploit it in their nest building.

Our collages felt like fitting tributes to the hard work – and craftmanship – of these funny little birds when they build their nests

For more simple ways to enjoy nature with kids, do check out my other nature notes.

And follow my new Facebook page. It’s ALL about kids and nature.