If you build it they will come.

At least that's the theory if you are a male Bowerbird. There are as many nest building techniques as there are species of birds. One of the most unique and dare I say, artistic nest builders is the male Bowerbird, a native of Australia and New Guinea. He builds an elaborate 'bower' of foliage and twigs and decorates the 'yard' with miscellaneous collected articles, usually consisting of one color. The bird with the most pleasing arrangement wins the girl. Some country bowerbirds gather neutral monochromatic displays consisting of shells, bones, rocks and other items that appeal to them. While birds dwelling closer to humans can come up with a large variety of same colored items, like toy figures, toothbrushes, bottle caps, clothespins and any other item that suits their artistic palette. So while I've been busy gathering items I need to create assemblage art, I find that there birds that have been doing it for ages. Guess the saying "there is nothing new under the sun" applies here. Check out the article at Zymogyphic Museum for more info.