>As a beginner (60+ male, semi-retired), I'm fascinated by the wealth of
>knowledge I read here every day. I've spent a lifetime in the
>out-of-doors, but birds were just birds accompanying my study of aquatic
>insects and trout.
>
>With the leaves gone from our trees, I am discovering a number of nests
>which make me wonder what builds them. Of particular interest are several
>which are hanging several feet above the water in Lake Sacajawea here in
>Longview. They appear to be woven, are about 4-5 inches long and about
>three inches across the top. In one tree there are three nests clustered
>closely together. In another tree, only one. Since they are hanging out
>over the water, it is impossible to get a really close look.
>
>Can someone suggest what builds this type of nest?
>
>Grant Hendrickson
>ghendric at esd112.wedned.edu

They could be (Bullock's) Northern Oriole nests. They are typically
whitish, although I'm not sure what material they use produces that color.
They are often in cottonwoods or willows. Are they attached just around
the opening of the nest?

Dennis Paulson phone: (206) 756-3798
Slater Museum of Natural History fax: (206) 756-3352
University of Puget Sound e-mail: dpaulson at ups.edu
Tacoma, WA 98416