Inside the world of weaverbirds' stunning nest creation | BBC Global

It can take a couple of years to perfect this task, and so far this novice has only succeeded in tying his foot to the papyrus. As the Blue Nile leaves its sacred beginnings, it transports its rich waters across Ethiopia. Its banks are some of the most fertile land in Africa, making them the perfect place for a bird who relies on the greenest plants to win a mate. Male village weaverbirds build intricate nests and display their skills to scrutinizing females. The freshest, greenest nests are the most alluring. Females fly from nest to nest, giving everything the complete once-over. Brown, older nests are of little interest, so these males will have to undo all of their hard work and start over. Whilst other males will use every trick in the book to avoid a rebuild, disguising the brown with fresh strands of vegetation. Not that every female is so easily deceived. This young weaver is trying to build one of his first ever nests. It can take a couple of years to perfect this intricate and delicate task, and so far this novice has only succeeded in tying his foot to the papyrus. A neighbor has particularly impressive building skills. He makes trips to the water to get the very best nesting material that the Blue Nile can provide, and he has got the art of tying knots down to a tee. He's clearly a hit with the ladies. This romantic interlude is the perfect opportunity for the novice to steal some nest material. But however hard he tries, he can't seem to get it right. Perhaps next year he'll be more successful in using the Blue Nile's fertile waters to his advantage.