How do you get a bird’s nest down in rdr2?

There are a few different ways to get a bird’s nest down in Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2). Birds will often build nests high up in trees around the map, and these nests can contain valuable items like bird eggs, jewelry, and more. However, reaching these nests can be tricky. This article will go over some methods you can use to get bird nests down from trees in RDR2.

Using a firearm or thrown weapons

One straightforward way to get a bird’s nest down is to shoot it out of the tree using a firearm like a rifle or repeater. Move close enough to the tree to get a clear shot, take aim, and fire at the nest. This should dislodge it, causing it to fall to the ground where you can collect any items from it.

You can also use thrown weapons like throwing knives, tomahawks, or fire bottles to hit the nest and knock it loose. Get close and line up your shot just as you would with a firearm. This method works best for nests that are low enough to reach with a thrown weapon.

Climbing the tree

You may also be able to climb up the tree itself to reach a bird’s nest. Look around the base of the tree for any low branches or rocks you can use to start climbing up. Use the interaction button to grab onto branches and shuffle up the tree.

Once you get high enough, move toward the branch the nest is on. Be careful not to fall! When you’re close enough, interact with the nest to collect any items inside.

This method can be tricky, and may not work for very tall trees. But it can be a viable way to reach nests that are too high to shoot down.

Using a lasso

Using a lasso can be an effective way to pull bird’s nests down from heights. Equip your lasso, move under the tree, and use the reticle to target the nest. When you have it lassoed, simply back up while holding the lasso to pull the nest off its perch in the tree.

This method takes some practice, as you’ll need to release the lasso at precisely the right moment once the nest is dislodged to avoid destroying it when it hits the ground. But with good timing you can successfully pull down nests.

Knocking the tree down

For nests in smaller trees or weak branches, you may be able to simply knock down the entire tree or branch they are resting on. Equip a sturdy melee weapon like an axe or hatchet, and strike at the base of the tree or limb repeatedly.

After a certain amount of damage, the tree should start to lean and eventually topple over, bringing the nest with it. You may then have to deal with the nest being partially smashed once the tree hits the ground. But this can be an effective brute force method in some scenarios.

Using Dead Eye

Using Dead Eye can make dislodging nests much easier. Activate Dead Eye manually or use a Dead Eye ability card. Then target the bird’s nest while time is slowed. Take your shot with a firearm or thrown weapon to precisely hit the nest with perfect accuracy.

This will maximize your chances of cleanly knocking the nest loose in a single shot before the Dead Eye meter empties. Just be ready to catch the falling nest!

Challenges retrieving nests

While the methods above will work in most cases, there are some challenges you may encounter when trying to retrieve bird’s nests in RDR2:

Nests on thin branches

Birds will often build nests on very thin branches toward the tops of trees. These branches can be flimsy and may simply snap when you try to shoot or lasso the nest, sending it plummeting to the ground. Take care to use finesse when targeting nests in these locations.

Nests hidden by foliage

Some nests are obscured by leaves or other tree foliage, making them difficult to target accurately. You may need to reposition yourself in multiple spots around the tree to try and get a clear shot through the greenery.

Shooting the nest by accident

Use caution not to accidentally shoot or destroy the nest while trying to dislodge it. This will reduce its value or cause it to disappear entirely. Be precise with shot placement to simply knock the nest loose.

Nests in tall trees

For nests very high up in large trees, even Dead Eye and ranged weapons may not be able to reach. These nests essentially become unobtainable without using glitches or exploits. Focus your efforts on nests lower down.

Aggressive birds defending nests

Some birds like crows may become aggressive and attack you for threatening their nest. Be prepared for dodging incoming birds if they become hostile. You may need to kill or scare them away before retrieving the nest.

Falling damage to the nest

Even if you succeed in knocking a nest down, it can still take damage or break open when hitting the ground. Try to position yourself or your horse under the nest’s falling path to “catch” it and avoid damage.

What to do after retrieving nests

Once you manage to get a bird’s nest down intact, here are some things you can do:

Take any eggs

Many bird’s nests contain valuable bird eggs that can be taken. These eggs can then be sold or cooked into food at campfires. Different species of birds have differently colored eggs.

Look for other loot

Nests can contain a variety of other random loot in addition to eggs. This includes items like jewelry, arrows, premium cigarettes, tonics, and more. Always check a nest thoroughly.

Sell the eggs/loot

Many general stores and doctors will buy bird eggs, especially those from predatory birds. Likewise for other loot like jewelry. Prices vary based on the item. Sell excess goods for money.

Craft improved ammo

Eggs combined with regular ammo at a campfire let you craft improved, distinct ammo types with added benefits. For example, owl feathers and eggs make dynamite arrows.

Progress the story

Retrieving certain bird eggs can fulfill item requests for NPCs that advance side stories and missions. Bring requested eggs to complete objectives.

Ethical considerations

While looting bird nests can be worthwhile in RDR2, there are some ethical points to consider:

Impact on ecosystems

Over-disrupting bird habitats and populations for loot could have negative impacts on the surrounding ecosystems that depend on those birds. Be mindful of sustainability.

Cruelty concerns

Destroying active nests with eggs or hatchlings could be viewed as unnecessarily cruel, as you may be killing young birds. Only target old or abandoned nests when possible.

Legal protections

Many bird species are protected under laws and regulations that prohibit disrupting their nesting areas. So in real life, do not disturb actual wild bird nests or eggs.

Table of Ethics Summary

Conclusion

Retrieving bird’s nests in Red Dead Redemption 2 takes skill but can provide huge rewards. The key is using finesse and the right tools for each nest based on location and accessibility. Consider both game progression benefits and ethical impacts before looting every nest you see. With practice, you’ll be able to collect rare loot while being a responsible inhabitant of the wilderness. Just be ready for angry birds defending their domains!