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February 24th, 2012 What in the Woods is That?

What in the Woods Is That?

Play our biweekly guessing game!

Whatever draws us into the forest—be it birdwatching or logging, hiking or hunting—all of us are unified by the sense of wonder we feel in the outdoors. The forests, fields, and streams of our region are full of mystery, and if you stop and look closely, you’ll see all sorts of oddities.

Below find a picture of one such woodlands curio. Guess what it is and you’ll be eligible to win a Northern Woodlands woodpecker magnet designed by artist Liz Wahid. A prize winner will be drawn at random from all the correct entries. The correct answer, and the winner’s name, will appear when the next column is posted and in our newsletter (sign up here!).

On the Wing

To tell you where this nest was found would give away the answer. So, without knowing this nest’s place of origin, do you know which bird built it?

On the Wing Image

Answer

A chimney swift’s nest.

This nest was found in a homeowner’s fireplace after having fallen from the chimney. Chimney swifts use bits of twig and their own saliva to build nests that secure to the inside of chimneys (or hollow trees, or other structures). You’ll notice the flat edge on one side of the nest; that’s where the nest was attached to the chimney. Unfortunately, these nests can fall, sometimes with babies still in the nest! Be sure to read more about the rescue of chimney swift babies and the work being done to save this declining bird here.

This week’s contest winner was Tim DeCerbo of New Haven, CT

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