I was thrilled yesterday when I managed to spot a tiny Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) in a nest at Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge. These little birds use lichen and spiderwebs to make nests that blend in amazingly well with the trees on which they are found and it is unlikely that I would have been able to spot the nest if the bird had not been initially sitting in it.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Great shots, Mike. If these guys are named for what they do, they might be my new favorite bird. Now I just need to figure out how to attract them to my yard.
What a wonderful find, Mike! That nest is a work of art and a treat to see the Gnatcatcher popping out.
Wow, this is such an incredible and rare find, Mike. Fantastic photo.
I am surprised how well this bird is camouflaged this shows as it is – down to you good images
Benjamin says “WOW, it looks like a humongous bee’s nest!” It does very closely resemble the one in my tree from last year. This nest is a masterpiece. Thank-you, Mr. Mike!!
I suspect that the bee’s nest was bigger. The gnatcatchers are really small, about 3-4 inches in total length and the nest looks to be pretty compact.
Great find Mike and well imaged.
That’s quite a nest and great shots of it!
Good camouflage
Lovely shots. Thanks for sharing.
[…] years ago I spotted a gnatcatcher’s nest (see my 2018 posting Gnatcatcher nest) and I am hoping to find one again this year. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers make their nests in a way that […]
Amazing workmanship – it blends in with the tree so perfectly!
I agree with you, Eliza. I couldn’t create a nest like that with my hands, so I find it unimaginable that the gnatcatcher can make it with just its bill.