Robin Nest Video: Mr. Strunck's Journal

The Bird Dilemma
By Ted Strunck (7th-8th grade teacher, Upland Hills School)

In the middle of our group?s project of building a geodesic dome green house, a robin decides to build her nest and hatch her young. Should we halt all construction or continue on as before? That?s our dilemma.

I believe we should take notice of her being there. We should ask ourselves about its significance. We should think about what we can learn from this unforeseen occurrence. I believe to the truly aware human, all things present a significant lesson. What can we learn from her?

Having the incredible opportunity to observe her from 4? away due to the ingenious bird cam project, we should take advantage of it. We should watch with open eyes and hearts and learn what we can about this process of nature's continuance and expression in the form of this robin and her eggs.

She found us. Of all the places she could have built her nest, some would have been much better, she chose this spot. We must listen and watch.

Today, we tried an experiment. We went to the dome and took some measurements. She flew away. We came back in. We saw her return within a minute and a half. Next time we went out for 15 minutes. She stayed away but returned after we left. She did not abandon her nest with that level of invasion. We were learning a dance.

I think we can do our work on our dome with some modification and not disturb the bird. I believe we can accomplish what we need to and still be able to watch this robin bring her brood into the world and perhaps they will return next year to build their nests somewhere near here.