Hugin & Munin

I love it when a MOC teaches me something. I’m not super knowledgeable about Norse mythology, but admiring these wonderful ravens by builder birgburg lead me to read the caption on the photo. According to it “In Norse mythology Hugin (thought) and Munin (memory) are Odin's two ravens. At day they fly over Åsgard and Midgard. At night they sit on Odin's shoulder and whisper in his ear what they have seen.” I was never aware of this and I love it. And to think I was just going to make a stupid “attempted murder” joke, shame on me.

Hedwig

Owls were fascinating to me before I became a Potter fan, so you can imagine how much they are now. I would love to have a pet owl, especially one that could find my friends and deliver mail, how cool would that be? But I’ll have to be content to dream, and admire them in photos, an occasional terrifying flyover in the dark (it’s pretty unsettling), and this excellent brick version by builder Simon NH.

For The Birds

The Pixar shorts have become practically as big a draw as the films they proceed. Through the years there have been many, but few have charmed me and made me laugh as much as For the Birds. Builder Yatkuu captures the essence of the mocking and bullying birds very well (don't worry, they get what's coming to them).

Nevermore

OK, the "nevermore" is really connected to ravens, but most people don't even know the difference between crows and ravens. Since this stunning sculpture is called "Crow" by builder Felix Jaensch, we have to assume it's a crow. Either are intertwined with Halloween, like it or not. Fun fact, all the crows in "The Crow" and it's sequels are actually ravens. According to the trainer on part 3 they're easier to train.

Rainbow Lorikeet And Superb Wren

"Nature" isn't probably the first thing you think about when considering everyone's favorite building bricks. But as you can see from this marvelous sculpture by builder qi_tah, nature is not only quite possible with LEGO, it's positively gorgeous. The color palette allows for everything from the rustic earth tones of the scenery to the eye popping colors of these fantastic birds. 

Birds From Bricks

One of my friends is into birds, big time! His name is Thomas Poulsom. You might recognise the name from the Lego Ideas set 21301, Birds. Well he has written a book showing how you can build another 15 different birds from all around the world. And I have been lucky enough to have been sent a copy to review. 

I was totally amazed by the original birds Thomas made and so when I heard that there was going to be a book full of bird instructions I was very excited. The book arrived recently and as soon as I opened it up I was blown away by how clear the instructions are laid out. Each bird has a parts list so its easy to get the bits together before you start. The steps are small and the sometimes complicated SNOT techniques are clearly explained. The book is in full colour and there is even a colour key for each bird. 

I thought I would build a bird and see how easy it is to follow the instructions in real life. I chose the Canary (Serinus Canaria), collected up all the parts and built it. It was easy to follow and didn't take too long to finish!. Here is where I found a couple of weak points in the construction. However by adding a couple of plates I was able to strengthen the bird considerably. More an oversight than a fault. Overall the bird looks stunning. The half a stud connections in the wings are delicate but as this is a display model, thats not too important.

I can recommend this book not only if you are into birds but also if you like Creator style builds and are looking for more realism in the finished model. I plan to build a few more birds in the future.  The book is published by Quarry and has a retail price of $24.99/£15.99/$29.99 CAN. Its available at Amazon (use the link on this page!) and is even available as a Kindle download. Nice work Thomas, now where are the instructions to that Hedgehog?

*Squawk*

Fun Facts About The Parakeet

• The parakeet is the most commonly kept bird in the world.
• Parakeets have as many as 3,000 feathers on their bodies.
• While they cannot speak like some other breeds, they can write.
• When angered they can grow 600% and shoot flames from their eyes.
• They don't "fly south for the winter" but most own a time share in Florida.
• They're droppings can be used as an improvised explosive.
• While you can name anything you want, they are all actually named Roderick.
• When built in LEGO by AnAnctionfigure they get blogged.

The Grand Duke

As cool as the Birds set from LEGO Ideas was, I think this owl from 6kyubi6 is way better (especially compared to that dreadful hummingbird). And the coolness doesn't stop there, the leaves on the branch are actually almost cooler than the owl, almost. Combine those with some excellent photography and you've got a winning MOC. 

Steamy Owl

I don't know how much of the mechanization of this way cool steampunk owl from madLEGOman is functional, and that's part of the brilliance of this build. It's apparently inspired by set 70164 Hurricane Heist but for me the transformation is complete. And I have to say, this is heads and tails (see what I did there?) above the set.

Holy Avian Doppelgänger Batman!

Well, he won't fit in the Batmobile, and cleaning up after him is going to be a nightmare, but imagine how handy it will be to have flying ability without the Batwing! Builder Cake in Milk has reimagined one of LEGO Idea's latest offerings as a super hero sidekick, and the results are remarkablarious. 

BrickNerd LiveBuild - LEGO Ideas 21301 Birds

Join BrickNerd Nerd-In-Chief Tommy Williamson and Mrs BrickNerd as they build the latest LEGO Ideas set, Birds

Guaranteed 10% more exciting than watching grass grow.

Build starts at 9am PST, Join us!

LiveBuilding Birds Tomorrow

Yes, it's been a little while since we've done a LiveBuild, hectic schedules is my only excuse. But we have the latest LEGO Ideas set in possession and we're dying to build it and share with you. Join me and Mrs. BrickNerd tomorrow at 9am PST while we build some birds!

Beautiful Plumage

I wish to complain about this parrot what I purchased not half an hour ago from this very boutique.

Oh yes, the uh, the Norwegian Blue...What's uh...What's wrong with it?

I'll tell you what's wrong with it my lad, he's dead, that's what's wrong with it!

No, no, he's uh...he's Bionicle.

Look, matey, I know a dead parrot when I see one, and I'm looking at one right now.

No no he's not dead, he's, he's LEGO! Remarkable bird, the Norwegian Blue, isn't, ay? Beautiful plumage!

With all due respect to Monty Python and Rhymes_Shelter

Craving Fruit Loops

LEGO artist and all around swell guy Bruce Lowell completed this toucan as a commission for Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens in Rockford Illinois. I love the contouring on this, notice there's no slopes or obvious SNOT techniques. Just a good old fashioned solid building.

Rainbow Lorikeet

This beautiful bird sculpture comes to us from qi_tah. With the exception of perhaps fish, birds are the most colorful creatures on the planet, and this MOC captures that perfectly.