(pop)

(bird calls)

(Robyn Bailey) Nests are where birds come to life!

(uplifting music)

They can be intricately woven, plain and simple, expertly camouflaged, large and obvious, and almost anything in between!

There’s so much to learn about the complexities of nest building, egg laying, and keeping eggs warm and safe until they hatch.

As the chicks emerge from their shells, a new phase begins. It’s fascinating to explore how bird parents persevere while tirelessly feeding their nestlings, protecting their young, and guiding their chicks to fledge and make their way in the world. All while facing tremendous challenges.

(music continues)

Hi, I’m Robyn Bailey, Project Leader of NestWatch at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. I’ve been studying nests for nearly two decades, and I’m endlessly fascinated by the beauty of eggs, the marvels of nest engineering, and of course, the cuteness of baby birds.

(chicks peeping)

For me nests have it all!

In this self-paced, online course, we’ll explore the hidden world of bird nests and eggs. We’ll travel the globe to discover the most jaw-dropping examples of nest adaptations and parenting behaviors that help chicks survive against the odds.

You’ll gain new insights into the fascinating natural history of nesting birds, with captivating videos, informative lessons, and engaging interactives. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for life in the nest.

I hope you’ll join me for the Hidden World of Nests and Eggs.

(music ends)

End of transcript

Enter the World of Baby Birds

Get a window into the secrets of nests and eggs with NestWatch leader Robyn Bailey as your guide. You’ll learn the incredible science of nesting, egg laying, parenting, and so much more.

  • Take a journey through the worldwide diversity of nests
  • Explore the gem-like variation in egg patterns & colors
  • Learn the strategies & behaviors of effective bird parents
  • Get tips on supporting nesting birds in your neighborhood

The Hidden World of Nests and Eggs

$59.99
Enroll Now
About This Course
  • Lessons inside: 5
  • Topics inside: 24
  • Completion time (estimated): 3 hours
  • Instructional videos: 9
  • Total instructional video time: 47 minutes
  • Level: Beginner
  • Categories: Bird Biology, Nature Appreciation
  • Discussion groups to keep you learning
  • Self-paced, no expiration date, 100% online
  • 60-day refund guarantee
Three Barn Swallow nestlings in a nest
Image: Laure Wilson Neish | Macaulay Library
Barn Swallow chicks tucked in at their nest

Why I Made This Course

"I get asked all the time about how birds manage to raise their young against all the odds—and my answer? It’s a truly remarkable journey! I made this course to share the journey of how birds come to life, and help you learn all the fascinating biology that transforms a freshly-laid egg into a healthy chick, all ready to fledge. I hope you’ll join me!"

Robyn Bailey—Robyn Bailey, Course Instructor
Egg diversity mosaic
A sampling of egg diversity from around the world

What's Inside

This self-paced course includes instructional videos, photo galleries, and interactive learning tools to help you unlock the biology of how birds raise their young. With NestWatch leader Robyn Bailey as your guide, you’ll learn how and why nests and eggs develop to take on so many colors, shapes, and sizes, how chicks get their parents’ attention at every developmental stage, how parents help baby birds survive and thrive, and so much more. Designed for anyone interested in how birds come to life, this course delivers a fun and comprehensive look at some of the most fascinating science on the planet.

Take a Free Peek Inside the Course

Includes a video about nest diversity, an egg interactive, and our baby bird flashcards.

Preview now

Course Overview

Lesson 1:
Welcome to the Hidden World of Nests and Eggs

Learn all about nest structures, the nesting cycle, and adaptations for nesting success.

Lesson 2:
The Art and Science of Making a Nest

Explore worldwide nest diversity and how to categorize nests by shape and materials.

Lesson 3:
All About Bird Eggs

Understand egg anatomy, development, and diversity—plus amazing egg adaptations.

Lesson 4:
Nesting Behaviors and Parenting

Discover the science of egg laying and incubation—plus incredible parenting adaptations.

Lesson 5:
Supporting Nesting Birds Near You

Get ideas on how to protect nesting birds and contribute to science.

Meet the Course Instructor

Robyn Bailey
Robyn Bailey
Project Leader, NestWatch
I manage the research, education, and communication initiatives for NestWatch, the Cornell Lab’s participatory science project focused on nesting...
Buy The Hidden World of Nests and Eggs Now!
$59.99
Satisfaction Guarantee

Our educators and birding experts take pride in the courses they create. If you're not satisfied with the material for ANY reason, contact us within 60 days of the start of the course or purchase for a full refund.

Alternative Course Access

Birds can inspire people accross boundaries to build a more sustainable world. At Bird Academy we want to share the love and knowledge of birds! If you would like alternative access to this course, please take a look at our Take Flight Program

Chinstrap Penguin parent and chick
Image: Bryce Robinson | Macaulay Library
Chinstrap Penguin parent and chick

This Course is Entirely Online

There’s nothing to be shipped, and no additional material is necessary. Bird Academy courses are online, self-paced, and have no deadline to complete the course. You can return to them for reference or practice as often as you want. All course material, practice tools, instructional videos, and interactives are available through your web browser. Learn anytime, anywhere.* Gain the skills and understanding you’re looking for.

*Requires an internet connection and a modern web browser.

CREDITS
Course Instructor: Robyn Bailey
Course Developers: Marla Coppolino, Jill Leichter,
and Samantha Hauser
Executive Producers: Samantha Hauser and Mya Thompson
Producers: Chris Foito and Shayna Muller
Studio Production: Domenick Zerilli, Shane Smith, Kyle Carr, Marcus Terry, Ben Wendel, and eCornell
Field Videographer: Chris Foito
Video Editors: Chris Foito, Shayna Muller, and Julianne Watson
Graphic Designer: Jill Leichter
Illustrator: Marla Coppolino
Animator: Shayna Muller
Copyeditors: Jill Leichter and Emily Belle
Promotion: Katherine Welch and Nia Mitchell
Software Team: Jeff Szuc, Josh Pelrine, Frances Steen
Customer Service: Lee Ann van Leer and Connie Kinter
Special Thanks: Kevin McGowan, Lee Ann van Leer, Robert Hummel, Holly Grant, David Bonter, Matt Medler, and Cornell University Museum of Vertebrates.

Give the Gift of Learning

Gift certificates are a great way to give the bird enthusiasts in your life something that supports and encourages their passion.

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