Nor do all ground nesters forsake a nest. The females of both Canada geese and mallards build nests on the ground, usually in dense vegetation, though geese readily build in washtubs set out for them. Both birds line their nests with grass, cattails and reeds, eventually adding down from their own breasts. The female ovenbird builds her nest among the leaves of grasses, moss and even root fibers. Its arched top made of leaves and surrounding plants completely hides it from predators above.
Female meadowlarks build similar nests.
The spring frenzy of nest building is fascinating. Birds are especially active, and their comings and going for nest materials can lead you to their building sites. Yet nests should be left undisturbed during nesting season. Poking around too close may keep the birds from their nests or cause them to abandon them. Eggs left unattended for even a few minutes can die.