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A Closer Look at Winter Damage

But first, take a look at this gorgeous rainbow that we had on Friday! The five-day stretch of warm temperatures last week really jump-started the garden. Now that plants are putting out new growth, it is easier to see what kind of damage the winter left. Back in mid-January, we experienced five straight days of below-freezing temperatures. This caused much damage in Portland and areas where frigid winds were a factor. Here, we were fortunate to not get the wind and the cold temperatures were dampened by a blanket of snow. That said, it was a tough time for the garden and there are noticeable casualties but no outright deaths that I have seen. The bottlebrush ( Callistemon 'Woodlander's Red') did not like the cold at all. It was planted six years ago, in the north-facing garden no less, and I've not experienced die-back on it until now. A local expert said to cut it all the way back so that is what I did. If it doesn't make it, I won't be too distraught. It is

Empty nest

Yesterday I going to cut some branches off the possumhaw to bring in and enjoy and I noticed this cute little nest hanging from one of the lower limbs. I don't think it was there last week but I'm not positve. I have no idea what kind of nest it is or whether or not it has just been built or is leftover from last year. I think I would have noticed it earlier, so I think it is new. It is close to the ground, about two or three feet, which is low considering there are cats around. Do birds build nests this time of year? And what kind is it? Inquiring minds want to know!




Comments

  1. I love it! That is a true treasure as you could never duplicate it. Is it a hummingbird nest?

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  2. Absolutely perfect. Phillip I am loving your new camera and the great photos you're taking! Gail

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  3. Oh what a treasure to find. And it is so beautiful. Don't think I have ever heard of that kind of tree. Beautiful red berries.
    Debbie

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  4. Is it really tiny? It looks like a hummer's nest. I didn't know they would build so low though. Maybe some other kind of bird, but quite unique. Maybe a google search?

    Frances

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  5. It's hard to tell how big it is, but I agree that it might be a hummingbird nest.

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  6. Beautiful berries. I don't know what would build a nest like that so close to the ground. But it isn't a hummer nest. They place their nests on top of a limb and use different materials to make it.

    The berries are beautiful.

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  7. Thanks for the comments! The nest is about 3 inches from top to bottom so I think it is too big for a hummingbird nest.

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  8. That is sweet, as are the berries on that tree. Love your photos.

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  9. Ah ha! Looks like an American Goldfinch nest to me! :-) Love those little guys! We have hundreds of them here.

    Cameron

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  10. What a pretty nest. Orioles make hanging nests similar to that but they usually use grasses. Hummers use moss and spider webs. In the past I've found it difficult to research bird nests also.
    Marnie

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  11. Thanks Gardeness!

    Marnie, I would love to get Orioles in my garden but I've never seen them here.

    Cameron, you are probably right because we have a lot of goldfinches.

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  12. My guess is vireo. Red-eyed and White-eyed are the most common.

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  13. That litle nest is adorable. Great photo with the berries.Keep us posted on future activity.

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  14. I don't know, Philip, but I'm always touched when I see an empty nest.

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  15. It is always so exciting to find something like this in the garden. It seems a little early for nesting, but you never know. Keep an eye on it and let us know if anything sets up house in it.

    Jan
    Always Growing

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  17. Beautiful photos, Phillip. I just love the berries. That bird knew what it was doing! I always think of an empty nest as one that held a family together and now they've flown away to create ones of their own.

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  18. I'm no ornithologist, but I'm sure that some winged friend treated you by building its haven in your garden. Lucky you! Cheers!

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  19. Phillip,
    I would guess orioles made the nest as it looks just like one they made last year in our backyard pecan tree. I never have seen an oriole nest so low to the ground though. Whatever...it looks mighty nice with those red berries in your sharp photo!

    Jon at Mississippi Garden

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  20. Hi Phillip,
    Just stopping by, and I see everyone is taking guesses about what kind of nest you have there! It's late and I don't have any idea but I'll take my guess tomorrow! Meanwhile, I want to say how beautiful the photos are, someone said a new lens? A macro, perhaps? They look really nice. I'm jealous of your warmer weather:)

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