On our Lake Mountain ride last week, a little bird flew up out of the sage and wildflowers. Steve thought she might have a nest, so we stopped to investigate. (Boss's zebra-striped leg on the left shows the size of the vegetation.)
At first glance, we saw nothing.
Then we lifted this sage branch,
And found that Mom had been busy.
She had built a fine nest under the small sage branch for shade and the protection of invisibility.
The bird we saw flitting away was about 4-5" long, with white bars on the lateral aspects of her tail, and otherwise gray-brown in color. She was nesting in a meadow at 10,000 feet with an aspen grove nearby. Any ideas as to what she is?
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I have not a clue of what kind of bird she is...but she may be part of the 'carpenter' family. That is a fine nest!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is a perfect little nest! Must have taken quite a while to build it.
ReplyDeleteIf you try www.whatbird.com you might have some luck at identifying the bird. I tried for you, but was limited since I didn't know shape and a few other details.
Good luck! :)
great find :)
ReplyDeleteHow very observant you both are to find this well concealed and lovely made nest. No idea to species.
ReplyDeleteAw! I love discoveries in the wild! I am just not so sure what Sheba would do with if the nest had live chicks. How does Daisy react to wildlife?
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful treasure discovered! Mom was busy and what a gorgeous nest. If you get the bird identified, let us know.
ReplyDeleteYou two make great detectives to find that nest. It's very well built.
ReplyDeleteMama bird had indeed been busy! Great shots.
ReplyDeleteHi Janie, I don't know western birds much --especially ones above 10,000 feet. BUT--my first guess would be a Gray Flycatcher... Unsure though!!!
ReplyDeleteHopefully, someone can help you identify it.
Have a great weekend.
Hugs,
Betsy
Suz: She's definitely a great builder!
ReplyDeleteEsther: Daisy responds to the "back" command if we're right there. On her own, though, she'd probably kill the chicks if she found them.
Betsy: I looked up the gray flycatcher and it looks like a possibility. I haven't found any info on its nesting habits or egg color, though. Will have to check into that a little more.
I have been looking through all your shots. What beautiful country you live in and the horses are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGreat find. I believe the bird would be a Lark orVesper Sparrow or a Junco as they are the three small birds in Idaho and Utah that have the white side bars on the tail. It was probably a junco as they nest high in the area mountains.
ReplyDeleteYou two have to so observant to find this little nest. Indeed, she has been very busy and a very accomplished nest builder too. I wonder does the father help in building the nest.
ReplyDeleteWow!! I hope she is successful in all of the eggs hatching.
ReplyDeleteBill, I looked up the Junco, and I think you're right! The nest description and pics of the bird in flight all fit.
ReplyDeleteLovely well made nest, in this country it would be a Lark as they nest on the ground.
ReplyDeleteVery observant of you to find the secret nest! It's amazing how a little creature can build something so perfect.
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