What is "empty nests"

Usage examples of "empty nests".

This is the season: the young are almost on the wing, and a little small thin midshipman like Reade or Harper could be lowered down the cleft on a rope, and collect half a dozen empty nests.

But Joseph found nothing in the coop except empty nests and a scattering of feathers.

Sorrow had gathered to Tahquil-Rohain from all its hiding places in the woods of Darke: from empty nests and buds untimely shriveled.

I was fain to open the Barrels of Powder, and bring them by Parcels, for they were too heavy, being large Casks, I went to work to make me a little tent with the Sail and some Poles which I cut for that Purpose, and into this Tent I brought every Thing that I knew would spoil, either with Rain or Sun, and I piled all the empty nests and Casks up in a Circle round the Tent, to fortify it from any sudden Attempt, either from Man or Beast.

In the northernmost realms of Prydain many trees were already leafless, and among the branches clung the ragged shapes of empty nests.