Nest masters brought the news of spring to Gargždis

On the first Saturday of spring, nests attracted the attention of buyers at the Gargžda market. Decorated and simple, but beautiful, for everyone according to taste and pocket. “Many birds have already returned – it’s time to take care of them. We offer “houses” for starlings – we brought them mainly for them”, said Laima and Andrius Pečiuliai from Plungis, who make nests.
Even offers “hotels”
Shoppers walking around the Gargžda market on Saturday did not pass by the lined up nests, priced from 13 to 30 euros. Decorated and simple, but beautiful – for everyone according to taste and price. If they didn’t buy, they at least smiled when they looked or paused to ask how much the sellers were asking for them. A mother walking by with her son asked him if he knew what these houses were for. The boy answered without hesitation that it was for the birds. “What hard-working, intelligent young people,” a market visitor admired after looking at the beautiful products.
Laima and Andrius from Plungiški brought their nest boxes for the first time this spring, and in winter they offered buyers beautiful bird feeders. “We brought mostly the starlings,” they said.
Gargždiškė Zina chose a nest for titmouses who liked her garden in one gardeners’ association. “They make nests in the bushes – now they will be able to settle in the nest,” smiled the buyer. – I asked why there is no shelf or stick near the nest for the bird to perch on, he replied that magpies or other predators would not use them, or catch the chicks.” Zina found out that there must not be a starling’s nest within 50 meters of the nest of the titmouse, so that they do not invade her “hunting”. areas – there would be no competitive fight for food.
Plungiškai Pečiuliai make nests not only for these birds – they also make nests for bats and offer “hotels” for squirrels. Different dimensions and nest sizes for different birds or other animals. Smaller nests are needed for chickadees, bats – specific interior equipment.
He has been mastering for the seventh year
A. Pečiulis communicates with ornithologists from Kaunas who advise on the best nests for birds. According to the craftsman, earlier it was recommended that these be as natural as possible, and now, he says, the birds are not afraid of colors. Nest sellers warmly communicated with buyers and curious people, answered their questions.
L. and A. Pečiuliai have been making nests for the seventh year – they brought the idea back from Norway, where they both worked. “Andrius saw a tree with many simple nests and when he returned to Lithuania he had the idea to try, although he doubted the success,” revealed Laima. “We started with a handsaw.”
Now it has improved, it has acquired equipment. Both her and her husband work together – they need to make 200 nests during the season. It is a leisure activity as both are employed. So he cooks after work or even at night. They are not only trying for income. “The most important thing is that people like it. It tickles my heart when, passing by, they smile and say that our products are beautiful, L. Pečiulienė admitted. – It happens that a person buys 20 nests at once. Buyers come to our house in Plunge even from the capital.”
L. and A. Pečiuliai make not only feeders and nests, but also decorative wooden flower pots imitating various animals. This is a summer item. “Some people ask for a shape that reminds them of their breed dog or cat, others would like something similar to a cow or a horse, but we haven’t made them yet,” the interlocutors smiled. – We are testing new products – this year we offer spinners that spin beautifully in the wind. We started producing small architectural elements – decorative millstones.”
Virginia LAPIENĖ
Author’s photo.