A pair of Black-headed grosbeaks (Pheucticus melanocephalus) successfully raised two babies in this nest. It was right above a trail and low enough that as I walked under it I could have reached up and touched the bottom of the nest. The grosbeak parents were always cautious when approaching the nest. They usually waited nearby for a moment before flying up to the nest. When they decided to go to the nest, they swooped in quickly. The babies reached up with open mouths to receive food, but I didn’t hear them make any begging calls. They were always quiet or at least quiet enough to where I couldn’t hear them.
I took these photos primarily to show you how airy the nest is. When I walked under it and glanced up, I was always amused that I could see the birds. That said, this nest is sturdier than it looks. This twiggy conglomeration usually stays in the tree for a year or more. Even after this winter’s devastating ice storm that took down so many trees and branches, I saw a grosbeak nest in an osoberry shrub that was still there. It seems remarkable considering how loosely constructed they appear to be.
Nature is an inexhaustible source of wonder. I look forward to seeing you out there.