For this week, we have a new theme in [**_SMAP_**](https://peakd.com/hive-106444/@nelinoeva/feathered-friends-show-me-a-37fab2070924a) contest: *bird houses*! As in the human kingdom, bird houses come in many shapes and sizes. For sure, when we hear bird houses, we normally think of the usual ones we see hanging in a tree, or in a wall, a human creation for our feathered friends. ![IMG_0358.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/pardinus/Eo6LN1VhTaCAqxFLpS76i6Y4A3tGoe9o8pMJ9xE3xQTt1FYyVnePVjAwYhtmHvpRedx.JPG) Like this one, one of the many in *Parque Natural da Ria Formosa*, a gorgeous park in southern Portugal. Honestly, I prefer the bird-made instead of the human-made. It's amazing how intricate some of these "houses" can be; some are hidden from the curious eyes, both human and predator ones... and some are in plain sight! ![IMG_0085.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/pardinus/EowG7Fs97jDKbVuHdxLVAhLwdjfxmLEdMrXQmmi4DtnairVJph747LPk4dydn77gfoj.JPG) This black-winged stilt, for instance, choose to build its home right next to a nature trail! ![IMG_0086.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/pardinus/EoyP3A7uufPrAqeFnnyQMSJfh4hHooxBV3ex1CGu7iuECCAQzERqVG8UqsEv9fMzvLE.JPG) It was a surprise, but I'm not complaining: just felt lucky for being able to see a nesting bird so clearly! ![IMG_0088.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/pardinus/EopsNYuECwhsg8E88Z5EqNs3zbBb3TWC4YCqMuBPHUE4fso8qou2G5LJt59snf8oSqt.JPG) Soma animals are a bit more lazy/practical, and choose already a pre-made house, instead of going through all the work of building it from scratch. ![IMG_0064.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/pardinus/EoCj1PUFJ4cGN1WhXGt9RVD3Z7pDz4bGusZF587YMNpLcKHmdfMEjkS24YBw4Ehpqtq.JPG) A common wall in a Moroccan building? Yes. But looking closely... also a loft for the common sparrow! ![IMG_0063.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/pardinus/Eo8XfGPsQ1Z4L89Ng7kU7rHoUX4PmHvGRwfkPzNfDV25ARyzqeKY8rRdTQ3JsXwrJET.JPG) Well, this wall could almost be called an apartment building, since sparrows weren't the only ones to take advantage of the built-in holes. Looking closely, the pigeon on the far right seemd to enjoy the location too; although I'm unsure wether the hole was home or just a small refuge of the scorching Moroccan sun. Also in a sunny place, but going back to the bird-made houses, this was one I particularly enjoyed. The construction itself seems a bit sloppy, for sure. But spotting a newborn bird resting there? Priceless! ![IMG_0097.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/pardinus/Eo4CXcheeiWbas2XJh6EDRGHLAFGS3whT5Q2tYBpqTgirvAj3Haf6LGjraPT1rNmxxs.JPG) Even the feathers weren't fully grown! If my memory serves me right, this was a baby black kite. There were a ton in the area, but this was the first time I saw a juvenile in the nest, and so young! ![IMG_0098.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/pardinus/EoAaGdw2HFNfdcGUU9oQEBdfp2g4zasspavEhhNszZRMAkuLSMZapXkPkesME7LoNuU.JPG) As you can see, the house construction doesn't seem to be the best... but was providing the necessary support for sure! :) ![rgazlbwpwi.png](https://img.esteem.ws/rgazlbwpwi.png) ![Hive divider by doze.gif](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/pardinus/G3BmTHaG-Hive20divider20by20doze.gif) Still haven't joined Splinterlands? In what planet do you live in? Click the banner below and join the fun! (*It has my referral link; you can go directly to the website if you don't want to use it; either way... join in*! 😎 ) [

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