Nests Revealed
Ever since the trees lost their leaves with the autumn, I’ve been poking about and mentally cataloguing the nests around the farm. Over the weekend I had the opportunity to capture a few during a lovely sunrise to share with you today.
I'm not sure which nest belongs to which creature, but there are quite a few small birds' nests in the hedge, snuggled happily in the thorny Multiflora rose canes. The larger and higher nests of the latter two images likely belong to the gray squirrels.
While you’re enjoying these pictures from my walk, I’m working on drafting up what I learned during my interview last week with Director of the Open Space Preservation Department in Chester County. I can’t wait to share!
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Lovely photos...yes, winter can be very revealing in its own way, can't it!
ReplyDeleteRevealing is exactly it - I think that many deciduous trees are even more beautiful in winter, when you see their elegant understructures! :D
ReplyDeleteInteresting to think about the aesthetic merits of deciduous trees in the winter as oppopsed to solar (leaves shading things in the hot summer falling to let in the warming rays in the winter). Sycamores. Definately a winter favorite of mine. The amazing smooth bark of Beech as well. Contrasting with the ruddy, worn and weathered character of the mighty oak in all its variations.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice post - I've been doing the same on my little one acre and it is indeed amazing what you find after the leaves fall! I'm especially after finding smaller nests - I have painted buntings each year nesting here, but I've yet to find their nest. I'd love to!
ReplyDeletewdg, greetings, and welcome! I have always loved the chance to see the understructure of trees in winter, but moving to the East Coast has made it so much more exciting! The Black walnuts are simply outstanding, and I heartily agree with you on the Sycamores and Beeches... there just seems to be so much LIFE in the dormant season!
ReplyDeletePam, I have robins who nest in the White pines next to our house, but I just can't seem to spot their nests. But you know who's really elusive - the owls! I hear them, and I've seen a couple flying at night, but I REALLY want to spot one during the day. For all the times I've heard them call, I often wonder how many times I've walked beneath one quietly watching me without any indication that s/he is there! ;)
JB, it's wonderful to hear from you. Joyous solstice to you as well! I wish you happy writing, teaching, and adventures!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
JLB
You have a good eye! We take the winter landscape esp. trees for granted sometimes since they're not as glorious as they are in the summer. But a walk in the woods does reveal amazing things.
ReplyDeleteHappy winter solstice!
Caroline, a happy solstice to you as well!
ReplyDeleteWhen we first moved here last December, I was especially struck by the elegance of the leafless Black walnuts around the farm. I think falling in love with our new home in Pennsylvania in the wintertime has made me even more partial to the season. :)
Trees do have a way of mysteriously revealing themselves to us.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is like poetry, JLB.
Wishing you a happy holiday!