You can see from the title photo that the Red winged Black bird nest is made of grasses that are woven around the stems of Cat tails. Here is the stand of Cat tails where the picture was taken. Last year there were as many as a dozen nests in this one acre stand. There were just as many nests of other bird species in the bordering Black Willow trees. Those nest had foundations that incorporated other base materials
I started looking at nest constructions while the leaves are still off the trees and birds have not returned to old sites or selected new ones. Numerous nest were built in layers of durable materials as a base, then lighter materials (leaves, twigs, pine needles) with linings of soft materials (feathers, moss, animal hair, etc). I will focus on the first materials used in nest building of my local feathered friends.
The Daily Bucket is a nature refuge.
We amicably discuss animals, weather, climate, soil, plants, waters and note life’s patterns.
We invite you to note what you are seeing around you in your own part of the world, and to share your observations in the comments below.
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A lot of trees in Mississippi have bark that sloughs long flat strips of bark. I have noticed that these strips soften when wet and can be shaped. Once dry, they will stiffen. The base of a nest is ready to receive the next layer of materials once these bark layers are in place.
Here are some of the trees and a look at the bark this month before birds have collected sections.
Cedar bark can become long, almost string like, strips as well as flat wider pieces. The resins of the tree harden as they cure. I find Sparrows and Wrens use Cedar often.
Crepe Myrtle usually has long flat strips of bark peel away from the tree. These strips stay rigid and decay slowly. I find them in the base of nest that have return occupants such as Blue Jays, Cardinals, and crows.
Cypress, like Red Cedar, discard long strips of bark. Since these trees thrive near or in water, the bark is used by fowl and other animals that nest in the same environment. The resins provide a bit of water proofing for the nest also. Ducks, Herons, Kingfisher and Woodpeckers use Cypress.
The bark of Oak Leaf Hydrangea is like Crepe Myrtle in texture but is much thinner and lighter. The bark will often roll into a tube when drying. This makes the foundation sturdy when in place. Mockingbirds, Thrush and Thrashers like this material.
Both River Birch and sycamore produce long flat thin segments of bark that slough off in large flakes. larger birds and animals use the bark of these trees for their nest. The wood is thicker and heavier. These barks take longer to decay and are good for nests that are used over a number of years. I seen hawk nest with this as a base layer.
The last plant does not slough bark for nest foundations. However, as you can see from the photo, Money Plant produces seed pods that survive well into the winter. These are thin, light and pliable items birds use to line nests. When wet, the seed pods mold easily to shape and dry to form, like papier mache behaves. I would gladly chose this as my nest liner if I were a bird.
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It is time to continue last year’s extra feature. Here is the bug of the Day. The mosquitoes have been active for about two weeks and annoying as ever. But Just this week I saw my first Crane Fly. I admire these gangly insects. The air should be full of them as the temperatures rise and Spring rains begin.
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What’s up in nature in your area today?
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