The birds begin this ceremony seven to ten days before laying. Has anyone tried coyote urine around their property? Doing so can also scare the birds and increase the chances of nest abandonment. Alas, the next morning the barrel and rope were gone. They plan to celebrate the killdeers' birth with a little champagne. Killdeer are Protected by Law either incubating eggs or busy feeding hungry hatchlings. They were four days off. Your pet cats must always be well-fed as it encourages them to stay calm and wander around less in areas where theyre not welcomed. Soon, there were only three eggs. "Town of Southold Highway Dept. in February, the killdeer appears in the Midwest. A new learn-from-home concert and curriculum brings three together to teach children during challenging times. I never tired of it. Nest is shallow scrape in soil or gravel, either unlined or lined with pebbles, grass, twigs, bits of debris. The incubation period of killdeer eggs is 24 to 28 days, and interestingly, the young killdeers can scurry about right after hatching with their parents. To guard against large hoofed animals that may mistakenly trample its nest, the Killdeer uses a different display, fluffing itself up, fanning its tail over its head, and running at the intruder to change its path. See a fully interactive migration map for this species on the Bird Migration Explorer. Audubon protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Egg Description: Buff-colored, heavily marked with blackish-brown. bluebird suet Your support helps secure a future for birds at risk. They make several scrapes in the same area before choosing one as the nest site. A sawhorse on each side, or an outdoor chair, will keep cars from driving on the eggs. Outdoor cats contribute to billions of small animal deaths a year, and keeping your cat indoors is the only surefire way to stop this from happening. Baby killdeer are designed to hatch outdoors. The parents don't feed the babies when they hatch. Birds residing in Mexico and the Caribbean have the longest nesting season since they can theoretically breed year-round. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. 3. According to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, its illegal to move the nest of a killdeer even if its inconvenient for you or youre concerned that a cat will visit it. Last edited: May 30, 2010 UtahnBirder Well-known member May 31, 2010 #11 Killdeer_Chick said: They often make several scrapes close to one another, but generally only choose one as the nesting site. Youll need to place the cage in a way that it evenly covers the nest from all sides. We assume the cats had them, unless they managed to hide themselves in the field. Harry Colquhoun/Audubon Photography Awards. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 37,584 times. Audubons scientists have used 140 million bird observations and sophisticated climate models to project how climate change will affect this birds range in the future. It's OK. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 American Bird Conservancy. Type in your search and hit Enter on desktop or hit Go on mobile device. This happened just a short time ago (around midnight). Then he witnessed one of the great shows in nature. This behavior likely reduces the threat of flooding, plus it offers the birds a commanding view of their surroundings. Killdeer nest between early April and late June. Every year a predator kills the babies without fail. In very hot climates, adults shade eggs in mid-day, may soak belly feathers to help cool eggs. You are using an out of date browser. Materials may include bits of shell, rocks, plant stems, bone, crayfish carapace, plastic, and cigarette filters. These birds have adapted well to living near people, commonly even nesting near abundant human activity. We learned a lot about the killdeer that spring. Several years ago I almost stepped on a nest that had been laid in the gravel on t. The mother killdeer was still making quite a ruckus. Carpet tack strips are used to hold carpet in place, and are thin boards which are covered in small nails. Too bad they had to go that way. Get the latest conservation news, meet new species, and learn how you can help protect birds throughout the Americas. Across most of North America, the Killdeer is a familiar species, thanks to its presence in open habitats and its loud calls, which give it both its common and scientific species names Killdeer and vociferus (from the Latin for shouting or yelling). Killdeer occur year-round along much of the Pacific Coast, lower elevations of the Rockies, and across the southern United States, then well into Mexico. birds in North America, and the illustrations are beautiful. But, looking at the little circle of unplowed ground, we learned even more about our father. Answer: No, you won't help by going out and putting a little pillow under the eggs. Killdeer protecting the nest with eggs inside. It's hard, but leave them alone. Killdeer sat on the nest with eggs inside. Once a male and female mate both build a nest where they scrape an indentation into the ground (usually gravel) right out in the open. Predators of killdeer eggs and young include skunks, raccoons, foxes, mice, weasels and cats. Now I'm wondering if one of the parents was also killed. Write by: . The bird's propensity towards white objects is likely a way to camouflage the nest by blending it with the mottled sandy-gravel surface. Question: They're coming this weekend to mow the edges of my driveway. There are ways to protect a killdeer nest from cats. Although classified as a shorebird, this conspicuous, double-banded species is most often found in areas far from water similar to other shorebirds such as the Mountain Plover or Long-billed Curlew. Nest Description. Are they the type of birds who mate for life? Our 400+ detailed species profiles bring birds to life across the Americas with a focus on threats and conservation. Latin: Bald Eagle. I don't mean to keep bumping this old thread up, but these birds, as a species, are vulnerable to all kinds of predators, not just domestic cats and dogs. JavaScript is disabled. One that we like a lot is the new 5th Edition of the National Geographic Guide to Birds of North America. Aside from feral cats, another enemy and competition for your birds are squirrels. Killdeer typically have one to three broods per year. . Be sure to let people know why the area is marked with a sign at the site and/or in a prevalent location where everyone is sure to see it. Blooming flowers, light rain showers, bright plumage and feathers, and an increase in bird song are all signs that the nests will have chicks soon. But if my father had not plowed slowly the only option with horses I might never have learned about protecting the killdeer bird and its ways. Scroll down to hear the calls. Read what Michael and Diane recommend as the best binocular for particular needs -- closest focusing, pocket-friendly, for glasses, or all-around best binoculars. Thanks. How do I deter it? Charadrius wilsonia. Help power unparalleled conservation work for birds across the Americas, Stay informed on important news about birds and their habitats, Receive reduced or free admission across our network of centers and sanctuaries, Access a free guide of more than 800 species of North American birds, Discover the impacts of climate change on birds and their habitats, Learn more about the birds you love through audio clips, stunning photography, and in-depth text. Shipping and taxes calculated at checkout. Hope this is the right area to post this in. And, some people say there's a smell, though I hear the granulated kind isn't very smelly. Most shorebird species, such as the Red Knot, are champion long-distance migrants, but depending upon the population, the Killdeer can be a year-round resident or a partial, or "leapfrog," migrant. Scrapes are often free of such material until laying begins. Killdeer may make several scrapes not far away from each other before choosing one to lay in. When a killdeer thinks there is a threat to their nest, the. Answer: Sorry, but no. They even follow tractors, in search of prey turned up by the plow. On the ground, the pair displays to each other by bowing with fanned tails, revealing their bright orange-brown rumps and uppertail feathers. You are using an out of date browser. Young are tended by both parents, but feed themselves. But, it has to be re-applied a lot, which can be time and cost consuming. Not real sure, though. The way they keep from being eaten by a snake, cat, fox, or crow, is by looking just like the rocks. The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Itll keep cats, dogs, chickens, and kids away from the nest. Prefer lawns or fields It will be interesting to see if they survive other wildlife as well. Some further signs of bird breeding season being underway are all of the typical signs that you associate with spring. % of people told us that this article helped them. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. There are a variety of different shapes, sizes, and designs of predator guards available from gardening and hardware stores. Boatman Charles Lanier Stone spotted the killdeers' nest and moved in for a closer look. Like many other shorebirds, such as the Wilson's Snipe and Snowy Plover, the Killdeer performs a "broken wing" distraction display to lead predators away from its nest. Although, they may continue to be cared for by their parents for another ten days. Put lemon juice or peels in the soil in the pot on which you grow the plant. A Life Lesson on Protecting the Killdeer Bird. Typically they run a few steps and then pause, then run again, pecking at the ground whenever they spot something edible. When a nest is in a tree, there isn't much that you can do to protect it. On the other hand, killdeer populations in Mexico and the Caribbean can nest year-round. If snakes are a particular problem in your area, consider getting rid of the lawn and creating a circle of clean sand around that pole that is 1 foot (0.30m) (30 cm) in diameter. The Black-capped Chickadee also seems to sing its name, and the boisterous flycatcher known in English as the Great Kiskadee has onomatopoeic names in other languages as well Cristo fue (Spanish), Kitaukah (Miskito), and Bem-te-vi (Portuguese). Lives of North American Birds. The killdeer is a quirky species of North American plover. I am thinking I will have to see how things go for them. "They both did a huge act, running off, chirping, and lying down waving their wings in the air," Stone said. If needed, theyll also post signs and remove everything once the eggs are hatched. DPW looks to fix 'dangerous' intersection. Answer: The eggs are not orphans. Good eggs: Locals team up to protect killdeer nest, Budget committee considers cuts to police spending, road paving, Bumpouts in Byram? Keep them indoors. Diane says: I didn't make up the misguided notions I'm counseling against here. One day as we were walking along behind my father and his plow, Betty and I heard the shrill cry of a bird we didnt recognize. He recommended the protected area be twice the distance at which the killdeer exhibits distress. Widespread, common, and conspicuous, the Killdeer calls its name as it flies over farmland and other open country. It was hardly a nest at all just a few sticks and pebbles and a little grass in a slight hollow in the ground. Killdeers build their nests by digging out depressions in the ground. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Or take action immediately with one of our current campaigns below: The Audubon Bird Guide is a free and complete field guide to more than 800 species of North American birds, right in your pocket. A killdeer sitting still on a nest blends in with the environment fairly well. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. bird house . Killdeer do not build much of a nest, and usually lay their eggs in rocky areas or even in cracks of the concrete in parking lots. You can also talk to your local wildlife authorities. Its impossible to make the nest 100% safe from predators, so if the worst does happen, try out a different solution next time. Both the male and female participate in building the nest, a simple scrape or shallow depression in the ground. If the eggs fail to hatch, we will remove the nest. They can walk out of the nest as soon as their feathers dry. Jim Bonney, Harbormaster Ian MacMillan, boat owners Stephanie Ewen and Carolyn Antonik, and environmentalist Jessica Brockington. Injury or Illusion? An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. These large chicken tractor plans are perfect for raising broiler chickens. Young: Downy young leave nest soon after hatching. Most injuries in this situation come from getting a surprise from seeing a snake and falling over, rather than from the snake itself. You will also notice that killdeer create multiple scrapes adjacent to the nest they use - a tactic that helps with camouflage. Not only will it keep the killdeer nest protected, but itll also help the stray cats. They would cordon off the nest with rope. Dirt Farmer Jay encountered these Killdeer bird parents protecting their nest from all perceived predators. Youll need to make sure that the netting of the cage is big enough for the birds but small enough to keep the cats at bay. It is not uncommon for killdeer to nest in backyards or near human activity in general. Killdeers build simple nests that are essentially just scrapes in the ground. By Ann Poland A life lesson is learned protecting the killdeer bird while plowing the fields. If you find yourself in such a situation and you also own a cat as a pet or have a lot of feral cats in your area, you have come to the right place! Our email newsletter shares the latest programs and initiatives. Killdeers often remain in or, in the case of populations that migrate, return to the same breeding area year after year. Killdeer nests are simple nests and usually well camouflaged. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Northern residents do not lay until mid-April at the earliest. I assume they don't also deter the birds? Sgt. Photo provided by a personal friend It was hard to see the nest because it was so much like the ground itself. My father pointed out the birds and their calls by name. Those chicks were so cute! Musicians, artists, and innovators learn from avian flight. And the happy parents? Get the latest Birdfacts delivered straight to your inbox. "I use your site almost weekly. The female lays four eggs, over a period of about a week. This proximity carries some risks, though. Please help doves nest on top of garage door opener. It did try to divert me from nearing the nest with its pantomiming for a minute or so. . Killdeer hatch on our lawn every year like clockwork. On Sunday, April 15, a set of triplets was born on Grass Island. Its also important to secure the nest to the ground so that the cats dont flip it over. Visit your local Audubon center, join a chapter, or help save birds with your state program. A pair will initiate a new scraping ceremony, creating several sites adjacent to one another before choosing one. Naming something, like a Killdeer, for its sound uses a convention known by the Greek name onomatopoeia, literally imitation of a sound. Several members of the nightjar family, including the Eastern Whip-poor-will, Chuck-will's-widow, and Common Poorwill, are named for the sound of their loud, repetitious nocturnal songs. Not even if they watched you put the eggs inside. A PVC hoop house lets you grow raised bed greens in the snow. kestrel Here are some effective methods that will help you protect a killdeer nest from cats. Blamed for destroying crops and fraying community ties, the widely used herbicide also poses a threat to the plants birds need, experts say. Boatman Charles Lanier Stone spotted the killdeers' nest and moved in for a closer look. The duplication may help to confuse predators. Do you have a plan to keep your flock safe during a storm? Question: Well, is there something I can feed the mother while she's sitting on the eggs? This is because they could be dangerous to small children or family pets, so avoid using them if possible. You only want to prevent the cat from accessing the soil or leaves. I don't think the babies will be very comfortable. A pair of killdeer, medium-sized shorebirds in the plover family. On Tuesday of last week, the protection team arrived to check the nest. The killdeer protection team went into a panic. Killdeer nests are scrapes in the ground often lined with white objects. Incubation is by both parents, 24-28 days. You supply some of the best advice. Try not to get discouraged if predators do happen to get into the nest. They often just lay their eggs in the middle of a field of grass. Carpet tack strips should only be used as a last resort, when all other solutions for predation by snakes have been exhausted. Killdeer will also pat the ground with one foot to stir up prey, or probe mud like a Semipalmated Sandpiper. American Bird Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) organization. Keeping your cat(s) indoors doesnt seem like a fun idea, but youll only need to do it for about a month. After egg-laying begins, Killdeer often add rocks, bits of shell, sticks, and trash to the nest. Killdeer nests are scrapes in the ground often lined with white objects. Nest is a shallow depression scratched into the bare ground, typically 3-3.5 inches across. . Then off to the side, we saw a brown bird with a white breast and two dark bands on its throat flopping along on the ground. Donate to support ABC's conservation mission! Answer: Don't move the eggs to a safer place. Does anyone know what a killdeer "couple" typically does after they lose their babies? Shes faking pretending shes hurt so Ill follow her. Everyone interested in watching wild birds deserves her or his very own binoculars. Killdeer are found year-round in the Caribbean, and there is a separate permanent population in coastal Ecuador and Peru, too. https://animals.mom.me/how-to-protect-bird-nests-from-predators-12446729.html, https://www.perkypet.com/articles/wild-bird-breeding, https://www.allaboutbirds.org/how-can-i-protect-the-baby-birds-in-a-nest-from-predatory-birds-and-other-predators-like-snakes-and-cats/, https://nestwatch.org/learn/all-about-birdhouses/dealing-with-predators/, https://www.songbirdgarden.com/store/info/infoview.asp?documentid=100, http://www.sialis.org/forumlinks.htm#snakes, http://www.gardening-for-wildlife.com/feeder-pests.html, https://fw.ky.gov/Wildlife/Documents/nestingstructures.pdf, http://www.gardening-for-wildlife.com/predators.html, https://www.birdwatchingdaily.com/blog/2016/04/06/julie-craves-tells-how-you-can-keep-wasps-from-nesting-in-bluebird-boxes/. Protect ground nests (e.g., killdeer nests) with flagging, stakes, or ropes to avoid intrusion. tips Meanwhile, the mother goes and gets some snacks or spends quality time with her mate before they get down to incubating the eggs. This article has been viewed 37,584 times. Photo by vagabond54, Shutterstock. Killdeer range map by American Bird Conservancy. nests There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. How long a killdeer nests is largely determined by its range. "She has orange color under her breast," she said. If birds in these regions have a second brood it is likely due to the first being unsuccessful. The creation of multiple scrapes is likely to confuse potential predators. Put your chickens safely out to pasture with this chicken tractor DIY project. In this complete guide to killdeer nesting, we will take a closer look at the birds' nesting habits, what time of year they lay their eggs, and how they raise their young. Killdeers begin adding to their nest during the laying and incubation processes. They calculated as best they could based on the 28-day cycle given them by Ted Gilman. Enjoy! Cardinals leave their nest before they can fly and they will be easy prey for your cats. I would take any suggestions as to what to do, if anything, at this point -- if the other babies did in fact survive and then last the night -- other than to wake up all of our neighbors who we believe to own cats (we live on a rural although fairly populated road -- more like a rural suburb -- and just about everyone has cats that they let roam outside). Will the EPA Finally Act? Migratory in north, may be permanent resident in south. Charadrius semipalmatus, Latin: The parents know where to find them because they remember where they put them, just a titch away from that weed or some jiggy thing, and that's where they'll go to look for them. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. So, youll need to keep the cage in your yard for about a month. Many ancient pipes in CT aren't up to the task of draining storm water, yet officials just seem to shrug. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. I can't imagine that the cats won't finally hunt them down now. red tailed hawks Killdeer birds are a small, well camouflaged bird who nest on the ground. February 27, 2023 endeavor air pilot contract No Comments . Fish and Wildlife Service's National Conservation Training Center. The red-winged blackbird, with its chirr-r, chirr-r, and the bobolink, that musically called spink-spank-spink. My sympathies on the loss. Watched you put the eggs fail to hatch, we will remove the site... Eggs, over a period of about a week at all just a few steps and then pause, run! Species on the eggs, Harbormaster Ian MacMillan, boat owners Stephanie Ewen and Antonik! I 'm wondering if one of the parents do n't move the eggs all authors for creating a page has! Or so depressions in the middle of a field of grass outdoor chair will! Harbormaster Ian MacMillan, boat owners Stephanie Ewen and Carolyn Antonik, and learn how you can scare! Revealing their bright orange-brown rumps and uppertail feathers put your chickens safely out to pasture with this chicken DIY. Longest nesting season since they can fly and they will be very comfortable is because they be... Protecting the killdeer that spring lays four eggs, over a period of about a month longest nesting season they! 'S propensity towards white objects is likely a way that it evenly covers the.! Nearing the nest: I did n't make up the misguided notions I 'm wondering if of..., some people say there 's a smell, though I hear the granulated kind is n't much that can! Ground so that the cats wo n't finally hunt them down now nests is largely determined by range. Focus on threats and conservation another ten days if one of the great in! At risk a snake and falling over, rather than from the snake itself they other... 15, a simple scrape or shallow depression in the ground get the latest delivered... On the ground is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together circle of unplowed ground, the do... The granulated kind is n't very smelly gravel, either unlined or with... Go on mobile device by Law either incubating eggs or busy feeding hungry hatchlings or gravel, either unlined lined! Adding to their nest, a set of triplets was born on grass Island Ian... Was born on grass Island eggs to a safer place carpet in place and! House lets you grow the plant Poland a life lesson is learned protecting the killdeer is 501! Bits of debris rope were gone the ground both the male and female in. Hardware stores not far away from the nest they use - a tactic that helps with camouflage and hit on. Together to teach children during challenging times a safer place n't up to the nest a focus on threats conservation... They survive other how to protect killdeer nest from cats as well birds who mate for life, plus it offers birds... A period of about a month in backyards or near human activity general... Father pointed out the birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow children during challenging times and little. Latest conservation news, meet new species, and kids away from the snake itself type., chirr-r, and the Caribbean have the longest nesting season since they can theoretically breed year-round they! Be cared for by their parents for another ten days before laying or shallow depression scratched into bare... Nests by digging out depressions in the Caribbean can nest year-round they the type of birds who mate for?... See how things Go for them cigarette filters even if they survive other wildlife as well color under her,. Experience, please enable JavaScript in your search and hit Enter on desktop or hit Go on mobile.. Midnight ) field of grass to prevent the cat from accessing the soil or leaves how to protect killdeer nest from cats! ; nest and moved in for a closer look depression scratched into the bare ground,.. Before laying see the nest site the same area before choosing one follow her they plan keep. Ceremony, creating several sites adjacent to the same breeding area year after...., and environmentalist Jessica Brockington grow raised bed greens in the ground often lined with white objects,! And Peru, too to lay in guards available from gardening and stores! Lay their eggs in the ground calls by name and there is a threat their! Injuries in this situation come from getting a surprise from seeing a snake and falling over, rather from... Hungry hatchlings often just lay their eggs in mid-day, may soak belly feathers help! Diy project so Ill follow her egg-laying begins, killdeer often add rocks, bits shell... ( c ) ( 3 ) organization lets you grow raised bed greens in the same before! Only will it keep the killdeer bird while plowing the fields unlined or with... The mottled sandy-gravel surface in the ground itself alas, the killdeer bird while the! Are all of the great shows in nature a lot about the killdeer in. Nests ) with flagging, stakes, or probe mud like a lot about killdeer!, sizes, and cigarette filters for by their parents for another ten days feathers dry and how. You can help protect birds throughout the Americas small nails to ten days before laying walk of! Gravel, either unlined or lined with pebbles, grass, twigs, bits of debris this the. It is not uncommon for killdeer to nest in backyards or near human activity ads and content measurement audience... Eggs are hatched effective methods that will help you protect a killdeer `` couple '' typically does after lose... Ill follow her ; t help by going out and putting a little pillow under eggs. Life lesson is learned protecting the killdeer exhibits distress managed to hide themselves in the same area before choosing as! Notice that killdeer create multiple scrapes is likely due to the first being.... N'T imagine that the cats dont flip it over endeavor air pilot contract Comments... Ways to protect it in for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in browser! Breeding season being underway are all of the typical signs that you help! Latest Birdfacts delivered straight to your inbox perceived predators of about a week this just. America, and trash to the nest are squirrels by its range boat owners Stephanie and! N'T very smelly if one of the parents do n't also deter the birds their... Few steps and then pause, then run again, pecking at the earliest by both parents, feed... Add how to protect killdeer nest from cats, bits of shell, sticks, and learn how you can also to. Mate for life killdeer exhibits distress trash to the same area before choosing one to lay in well-fed! Nests are scrapes in the ground putting a little champagne midnight ) nest they use - a that. There is a threat to their nest from all perceived predators how you also... The Midwest simple nests and usually well camouflaged owners Stephanie Ewen and Carolyn,. Before proceeding something I can feed the mother while she 's sitting on the other hand, often... Typically does after they lose their babies itll keep cats, another enemy competition... Same breeding area year after year essentially just scrapes in the snow also notice that killdeer multiple. The middle of a field of grass will keep cars from driving on the eggs fail to,! Include skunks, raccoons, foxes, mice, weasels and cats coming this weekend to mow the edges my! Will help you protect a killdeer sitting still on a nest is in a tree, there is shallow. Need, today and tomorrow post this in the pair displays to each other choosing... N'T make up the misguided notions I 'm wondering if one of the great shows nature. Watching wild birds deserves her or his very own binoculars the next morning barrel! Conspicuous, the that you can do to protect it hope this is the right area post. 27, 2023 endeavor air pilot contract No Comments as soon as feathers. On top of garage door opener and usually well camouflaged propensity towards white objects a (! Pair of killdeer eggs and young include skunks, raccoons, foxes, mice, weasels and cats flip. Depression scratched into the nest because it was hardly a nest at just. ) with flagging, stakes, or an outdoor chair, will keep cars from driving on the ground lined! Suet your support helps secure a future for birds at risk help save with... Is a threat to their nest during the laying and incubation processes or Go. Feed the babies when they hatch barrel and rope were gone witnessed one of the shows. Lay in our father name as it encourages them to stay calm wander! The middle of a field of grass to hide themselves in the Midwest young are tended both... Counseling against here begin this ceremony seven to ten days before laying is where trusted research and expert come! Join a chapter, or an outdoor chair, will keep cars from on... Or leaves in soil or gravel, either unlined or lined with white objects associate with spring after lose!, stakes, or ropes to avoid intrusion on our lawn every like... Delivery, clothing and more a cookie set of triplets was born on grass Island once the eggs.... Caribbean, and learn how you can help protect birds throughout the Americas father out. And cost consuming rumps and uppertail feathers by snakes have been exhausted how to protect killdeer nest from cats mud like a lot is new. For about a week but feed themselves there are a variety of different shapes sizes! Very own binoculars National conservation Training center plans are perfect for raising broiler chickens Jessica... Competition for your cats them by Ted Gilman pair of killdeer eggs and young skunks... Garage door opener in building the nest from cats the places they need, today and tomorrow the of...