‘They’re Outsmarting Us’: Birds Build Nests from Anti-Bird Spikes Strips of sharp metal pins are meant to keep birds away from buildings. Some birds are stealing them to build their nests. Author: Emily Anthes Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)MoreClick to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)