The Secret of the High Nest

  High up in a pine tree in a tangle of smilax vines, there sits a tightly woven bird nest.  The nest is one that has been used for the past several years.  What started as a blue jay abode has now changed hands and has been reconstructed to suit the new residents.  While I could tell that the nest was being redone and is now occupied, I had no idea what type bird claimed the living space.  Then, for the past week, strange sounds have been emanating from said nest.  When Son and I first heard the sound, he made the remark that it sounded a lot like a hoarse squirrel albeit an hoarse, angry squirrel.  This made me giggle but I disagreed with him. Nope, it was definitely a bird.  What kind of bird eluded me but, still, a bird...perhaps an angry, hoarse bird?

  Every day as I worked the gardens, I heard the sounds.  It frustrated me that the identity remained a secret but I was not about to climb a thirty foot tall pine tree just to lay claim to the fact that I knew what bird was nesting there.  I did notice, however, that the sounds were part of a protective stance.  Each time another bird flew over the nest or a squirrel scampered up the tree, the raspy sounds were loud!

  Then today, I made quite the discovery and have about decided that the secret of the high nest has been solved...tentatively.  As I was easing my way around the marsh line, a Green Heron flew to the remains of an old pier.  This is nothing more than a couple of broken posts and a few boards but is a prime spot for the herons to hunt in peace.  They can sit on this perch and not feel threatened by land mammals.  This time, however, the Green Heron was more interested in my doings.  The bird eyed me cautiously as I neared the pine tree with the mystery nest.  It then let out a few strange squawks!  The unusual noises from the nest immediately answered!  Oh, my!  Do I have a pair of Green Herons nesting in the front yard?  

  I did a bit of research and, sure enough, Green Herons will reuse other birds' nests and do, indeed, use a threatening series of "kuks" to frighten other critters from the area.  I listened to recordings of the heron's calls and I do believe they are a match.  Tomorrow, when I hear the sounds coming from the nest, a comparison shall be made.  Hopefully, the secret of the high nest will be solved, once and for all!  Green Herons!  Imagine!