So today I’m finally getting around to checking on those noisy orioles nesting in the backyard maple tree. Grabbed my notebook and binoculars – cheap pair from years back, honestly. First thing? Climbed up the ladder real slow, trying not to shake the branches too much. Last time I startled ’em, they dive-bombed my head.
The Setup Process
Propped the ladder against the thickest branch, careful not to crush the early tomatoes below. Had to squint against the morning sun – forgot my dang hat again. Pulled out my phone for photos but the nest was way higher than last week. Stretched my arm till the shoulder popped, barely got two blurry shots. Phone almost slipped into the hydrangeas below. Again.
Observations & Headaches
- Saw both parents taking turns bringing bugs – mostly caterpillars I think
- Heard constant chirping from inside the nest – sounds like three chicks at least
- Wind picked up suddenly, nest started swaying like crazy
- Ladder wobbled when I shifted weight – white-knuckled the branch for dear life
Noticed something odd though. The male kept returning to the same birch tree across the yard before coming back. Went to check later – found a second partial nest! Messy construction, abandoned halfway. Wonder if they tried building there first?
Conclusions & Next Steps
After an hour of neck cramps, came down covered in pollen and spiderwebs. Main takeaway? Nest looks secure despite the wind, chicks sound healthy. But that male’s constant back-and-forth makes zero sense. Maybe he’s stealing materials? Couldn’t prove it though.
Gonna try infrared cam rental next week – these binoculars are worthless for dusk observations. And absolutely buying a hard hat after nearly getting nailed by falling twigs twice. Those birds got terrible aim but great enthusiasm.