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To Those Birds Whose Nests Were Blown Down Last Night
In the windy storms that mark the winds of March, your efforts count — and teach all we need to know
Roaring Rivers
Torrents, currents, and ripples by Christyl Rivers, PhD.
Keep watching the skies
March was not yet here, but the winds blew in anyway. Coming in like a paw-swiping lion, and hopefully, going out like a gentle lamb.
The birds were upset.
There is much scolding and complaining in one hirsute cedar. I think the many downed branches and protests indicate someone’s nest is blown down. There are jays, crows, and several small song birds each adding to a loud and lamenting chorus around this particular tree.
When I documented this, it was still late winter, but a few species are braving the blustery gusts to begin mating and nest building. Nonmigratory birds do this, and chickadees, as chattery as the wind itself, are among them.
Everywhere we turn, there are thousands and thousands of branches sweeping across lawns and driveways.
I could not find a downed nest. But, I am certain that there are more than a few around Seattle and Tacoma, when you consider…