The Nesting Tree

~ beetleypete

When I first started walking Ollie ten years ago, I spotted this tree across the river, on Hoe Rough. I could see many nests in the branches, of varying sizes.

(You can enlarge the photos on Flickr. Click on them to be taken there.)

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In all this time, I have never seen a bird on any of the nests, and despite some storms and gales, few if any have fallen off the tree.

**Update** Thanks to Henry, (see his comment below) I have discovered that these are not nests at all, but a fungal plant parasite that causes what is known as ‘Witches Broom’. I found a photo of this online.

Similar to my own close-up photo today.

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It felt suitably Spring-like today. Blossom was out.

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Daffodils standing proud on the riverbank.

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I may have to change my plans this week. The weather forcast for Wednesday has changed to the chance of heavy rain. So tomorrow afternoon might be the best day to go to the Bird Park and Nature Reserve at Pensthorpe.

50 thoughts on “The Nesting Tree”

    1. I think that is a ‘nature discovery’ area for children. They don’t let dogs in because they might chase the birds. Pensthorpe was actually closed on Tuesday, so we will try again on Thurs/Fri.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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    1. We are definitely planning to go this afternoon, all being well. I will take photos if we do. Unfortunately, some birds are currently ‘unavailable’, due to an outbreak of Avian Flu in Norfolk. Just my luck. 🙂
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  14. They almost look like the air plants that attach themselves to trees here.
    I do have a nest in the bush outside my kitchen window. The parents are in and out all day long, singing, but no eggs yet.

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  17. Funnily enough Sam and I were talking about the rooks’ nests in our road. We said through rain and storms the nests never blow away. It’s amazing. Sam also wonders how the birds make the first twig stick when they start to build a nest.

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    1. I used to think the largest ones might be Heron’s nests. But I have never seen any birds on them, or flying back and forth from them. Not even on the much smaller nests close to the ends of the branches.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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