It’s a beautiful sunny morning in the drumlins and I decided it was a good day to try to capture the Amazing Nest. Donning my brand new Professional Strength YakTrax, I set off. I didn’t have far to go, but there was climbing involved.
I first saw the Amazing Nest in the fall when the leaves came down. Before then it was well hidden and well-defended, high in a maple in front of the Writing Studio and Bait Shop. It balanced far out at the end of a slender branch, where no cat or squirrel or raccoon could reach it. With the trees bare, it looked like a dry leaf caught in the branches. Surely the autumn rains would knock it out of the tree. But no. The sturdy little nest hung on. Every now and then it would catch my eye. Huh, I would think. It’s still there. Imagine that.
If you recall, we have had some pretty interesting weather here this winter. Howling gales and ice and snow and more snow and more howling gales. Whole trees came down. Power lines came down. But the Amazing Nest remained. I have developed a healthy respect for the tiny builder. I would like that builder to do some work on my house, which is also situated precariously. Today’s post honors tenacity and craftsmanship.
The Amazing Nest
The Amazing Nest in context
What I would like to know, should any of you be talented naturalists, is what bird accomplished this feat?
Torch Lake Views 
Jack Bodis
January 6, 2009
Hi Gerry –
I would think it’s an Oriole’s nest. They attach and hang like that so it blows in the wind without getting torn apart.
Nice blog by the way and see you at the Market.
Gerry
January 6, 2009
Thanks, Jack. I always thought all the orioles stayed at Cora Stoppert’s bird B&B down the road, but it appears that at least one family has been tenting out at the Writing Studio and Bait Shop. The least I can do is put out some orange sections in the spring.
Glad you enjoy the blog. Ah yes, sooner or later all roads lead to the Market.
uphilldowndale
January 6, 2009
A very clever little bird…… I’ve had my eye on a little nest for a week or two, thinking it would make a nice little photo, it’s on the edge of the road though and I’ve been waiting for a gap in the traffic
Katherine
January 6, 2009
Our friends Shirley & Sue have an oriole’s nest in the willow tree behind their house that’s been there for a couple of years and when the wind blows it just waves and bounces and somehow hangs on. It is amazing!
Leslie
January 6, 2009
Love your nest picture – it reminded me of mine. Mine is of a magpie lark that I photograped in November.
http://lesliesmyers.blogspot.com/2009/01/magpie-lark.html