Nesting on the open tundra is a challenge – both birds and their eggs are exposed to any predator that passes by. Instead of trying to hide, snow geese and tundra swans have taken the opposite approach, building large nests that stick up above the ground, forming good viewing points from which to scan the surrounding area. Although their nests are easily located, the geese and swans spot approaching predators at a distance, and drive them away. Snowy owls also build their nests on raised hummocks. This gives them a better view of the area, but is also advantageous because these "tundra bumps" are often the first areas to be free of snow in the early spring.