It's winter. The hardwoods have shed their leaves, exposing the birds' nest high in the air, that are ordinarily hidden. I try and note each visible nest while I walk near Bethany Lake, west of Portland Oregon. I hope to check those nests again this coming Spring, and confirm their occupants.
Squirrel? Hawk? Perhaps I'll know by Easter.
The Backyard Science group regularly publishes The Daily Bucket, which features observations of the world around us. Insects, weather, meteorites, climate, birds, flowers and anything natural or unusual are worthy additions to the Bucket and its comments. Please let us know what is going on around you in a comment. Include, as close as is comfortable for you, where you are located. Each note is a record that we can refer to as we try to understand the patterns that are unwinding around us.
I notice something else. Thorny thickets of non-native Himalayan blackberries dominate the Park's untended areas.
Yet in other areas, Park staff have rooted out the blackberries and planted a variety of native species, including dogwoods and Oregon Grape.
The Himalayan blackberry thickets seem vacant; no nests, no critters rustling around, and very few birds even pausing there for a rest.
In the replanted areas of native plants, however, I can readily see critters' homes high in the air. Since the pictured nest site is next to the water, I'll guess it will house a red-winged blackbird couple and their progeny in the welcoming red arms of this dogwood.
The Camera Gods have decided I am only allowed to upload two pictures for this Bucket, so now it is your turn to share sightings and thoughts of your own.
"Spotlight on Green News & Views" will be posted every Saturday at 1pm and Wednesday at 3:30 pm Pacific Time on the Daily Kos front page. Be sure to recommend and comment in the diary.
Now It's Your Turn What's interesting to you? Please post your own observations and your general location in the comments.
Thank you for reading. I'll work this morning so I'll respond to comments before lunchtime.