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Wool Nest Starter
Wool Nest Starter

Special and personal gift!

5 stars out of 5
Ddor

Uncommon Goods Nest Starter

Wool Nest Starter

Created by Derek Martin

Derek Martin's steel spiral spheres hold wool scraps and other materials birds can use in their nests.

$44.00

Unique gift Well-made Attracts birds Sturdy design Functional Beautiful colors Encourages nesting

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Handmade

Independent Maker

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What Makes It Uncommon

Strictly for the Birds

Metalwork artist Derek Martin's unique piece of functional art was inspired by repeated thievery. Birds used to swoop off with the knitting yarn his wife tied to garden stakes to mark the rows. Thus was hatched the idea to make an elegant sculpture to supply birds with nest materials. Derek welded steel wire into spiral spheres and stuffed them with wool bits, cotton from an old futon, even their pets' fur. Do the same, and enjoy spotting nests made with your donations. During winter, put bird seed balls inside, instead, and help flying wildlife all year. Handmade in Canada.

Derek Martin

created by

Derek Martin

location

Canada

With a degree in design and ceramic arts, Derek began making handmade items from his home studio outside of Barrie, Ontario. After many years working with clay Derek transitioned to welded steel which opened up a bigger market and created greater latitude to pursue works which could be used and enjoyed outdoors year-round.

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Sadly, we are unable to ship to APO, FPO, or DPO addresses at this time. We are working towards a solution that will allow us to resume this type of shipping.

Need to return? Free returns are accepted forever—no time limits. Within 30 days of delivery, refunds to the original payment method will be available. After 30 days, refunds will be processed to a digital gift card. See our return policy for more details.

Made from

mild steel, natural wool

Measurements

8.5" H x 5" dia.

Care

Clean with damp cloth if needed. Wool will need to be replenished over time, we recommend using natural wool to refill, as any long fibers can be harmful to birds.

Notes

Steel will rust over time and comes filled with natural wool. Do not fill with pieces longer than 6 inches.

Item ID

50604

Still haven't found the details you're looking for? Check out our Product Q&A!

Also by Derek Martin

similar categories
Unique gift Well-made Attracts birds Sturdy design Functional Beautiful colors Encourages nesting

People love this product for its unique design and functionality, making it a perfect gift for bird lovers while also attracting birds to build their nests.

AI generated summary

  • 5 stars out of 5

    Exceeds expectations

    • Emily
    • Massachusetts

    read full review

  • 5 stars out of 5

    The item came exactly as pictured and even had some fluff already in i…

    • Legare the birder
    • Charleston, SC

    read full review

  • 5 stars out of 5

    Gifted to my outdoor enthusiast friend, he's obsessed. Can't wait to s…

    • Lauren
    • Undisclosed

    read full review

4.51
4.51 stars out of 5
based on 129 reviews
91%
of respondents would
recommend this to a friend
5 stars
100 users rating this 5 stars
4 stars
16 users rating this 4 stars
3 stars
1 users rating this 3 stars
2 stars
3 users rating this 2 stars
1 star
9 users rating this 1 star
  • 1 star out of 5
  • Bird lover
  • Northeast U.S.A

I was gifted this item. If I had purchased it I would demand

This item rusted almost immediately upon putting it outside. The material inside was covered with rust. I observed multiple birds trying to pull this horrible fiber out of this rusty thing to no avail. Upon inspecting the material I found it to be synthetic and dangerous for hatchlings.

Response from merchant

We're so sorry to hear about your experience! The holder is made of steel, which will naturally patina and rust over time outdoors — however, rusting almost immediately is not expected and doesn't sound right. We'd love to look into this further for you. We also want to reassure you that the material inside is 100% natural wool— it is safe and commonly recommended for birds and their hatchlings. That said, we completely understand your concern and want you to feel confident in the product. We'll be reaching out to you directly to see how we can help. Thank you for sharing your feedback!

  • 4 stars out of 5
  • danimae0205
  • verified buyer
  • verified reviewer
  • Loveland, CO
  • Submitted as an incentivized review

Very cute but leaves metal residue on everything

This is a great item and it's built very well. However, the artist does not finish it with a clear or colored coating so the raw metal leaves dirty marks on hands, clothes, etc.

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • Emily
  • Massachusetts

It works!

Exceeds expectations

  • 1 star out of 5
  • Birdwatchee
  • VA

Completely rusted

I purchased this back in Dec for my mom and it's completely corroded and full of rust

Response from merchant

Thank you for sharing your feedback. While steel will rust over time, it should not happen this quickly, and this is certainly not the typical experience with this product. We have not observed any widespread issues with defects or rust on this item, and we are confident this is an isolated case. We want to resolve this for you; we have contacted you directly to provide support.

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • Legare the birder
  • verified buyer
  • verified reviewer
  • Charleston, SC
  • Submitted as an incentivized review

Cutest Addition to My Mother's Garden

The item came exactly as pictured and even had some fluff already in it so we could put it up the moment it was unboxed. It was made super well and made my mom so so happy! This is an amazing gift to give the bird loving gardener's in your life that is unique and personal!

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • Lauren
  • verified buyer
  • verified reviewer
  • Undisclosed
  • Submitted as an incentivized review

Great gift

Gifted to my outdoor enthusiast friend, he's obsessed. Can't wait to see the birds and what they do this spring. Another friend liked the idea so much she requested the link.

  • 4 stars out of 5
  • Jenni
  • verified buyer
  • verified reviewer
  • Nebraska
  • Submitted as an incentivized review

Ready to hang.

Based on other reviews, I sprayed it for outside use. It's a bit hard to open and close. It's pretty.

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • Mere
  • verified buyer
  • verified reviewer
  • Houston
  • Submitted as an incentivized review

Fun gift for bird lovers

My elderly parents love having bird feeders in their yard. They tell me about all of the different birds that show up. This nest starter will be another way to attract birds to their yard. A really unique gift idea.

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • BusyMom
  • verified reviewer
  • Raleigh, NC

Great addition for a bird-loving garden

I purchased this for my mother-in-law whose garden is teeming with bird feeders, bird baths, and so much more. She put it up immediately and reports her winged friends give it a 5-star rating.

  • 5 stars out of 5
  • Becky
  • verified reviewer
  • Portland, OR

Makes a wonderful gift!

I got this as a gift for my parents who are bird lovers. It's tough to find gifts for people that seem like they already have everything they need! They absolutely loved this gift. It was very unique and different from anything else they'd gotten before. Highly recommend! #sweepstakes

customer photos

Wool Nest Starter from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.Wool Nest Starter from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.Wool Nest Starter from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.Wool Nest Starter from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.Wool Nest Starter from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.Wool Nest Starter from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.Wool Nest Starter from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.Wool Nest Starter from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.

photos from reviews

  • Wool Nest Starter from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.
  • Wool Nest Starter from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.
  • Wool Nest Starter from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.
  • Wool Nest Starter from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.
  • Wool Nest Starter from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.
  • Wool Nest Starter from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.
  • Wool Nest Starter from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.
  • Wool Nest Starter from Uncommon Goods. Customer submitted image.
  • undisclosed

Would it be acceptable to fill with lint from the dryer?

Verified reply from Allison

According to the Audubon Society, '...dryer lint quickly loses its fluffiness and structure when wet. Dryer lint is unsustainable in the rain, crumbling and leaving holes in an otherwise solid nest.'

  • Bellingham, MA

I have read that it is recommended to treat the metal with something so it will not rust. What do you recommend please? I received the nest starter for Christmas. I love it!

Verified reply from Amy

Hi Becky! The artist suggests using a clear metal paint, if anything. They no longer do this themselves in an effort to keep a greener environment, but you are welcome to do so and it would not harm the metal itself!

  • Mississippi

Does the product come with wool or is it just the Nest Starter itself?

Verified reply from Allison

Yes, it arrives with wool. You'll be adding your own as well as your little friends make their nests!

Verified reply from Rachel

Wool is included.

  • Rhode Island

Hello! I would like to know how this bird nesters is packaged because I would like to give it as a gift. Does it come in a box? Are their instructions? Thank you

Verified reply from Norma

Yes, the Wool Nest Starter comes boxed and there are instructions.

Bird lovers and nature enthusiasts deserve thoughtful gifts that speak to their passion. Our gifting team recommends exploring our curated collection of Mother's Day gifts and Father's Day gifts that celebrate their connection to the outdoors.

For more inspiration, browse our selection of gifts for her and gifts for him that go beyond the expected—handpicked finds that feel as personal as they are creative.