We are delighted to post this series of pictures by prize-winning wildlife photographer Janet Kessler. They were taken a few days ago in Glen Canyon, where nesting season is in full swing.
“I found the tiny little Bushtit — 3.5 inches from tip of the beak to tip of the tail — searching for, finding, and testing building materials for its nest,” she writes. “The materials did not pass muster and were abandoned. Birds have very high standards.”
Stringy lichen? Anyway, nesting stuff – maybe
Gotta run a quality check
Pulling the ball apart
Hmmm. Maybe it’ll do.
Get some more
Still testing -dubious
Abandoned stuff
Nah. I don’t think so.
San Francisco Forest Alliance 
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Nature is wonderful!
Fabulous photos!!! Thanks for sharing.
I’ve seen 2 nests in MA completely lined with something very similar …. The prettiest nests we’ve ever seen…. made with fur from a big white Great Pyrenees! We have lots of tufts like this stuck on the little fence in our back yard from our big guy just walking by.
I’ just forwarded this to an elderly shut-in friend who used to walk her Samoyed @ Fort Funston….and just made her whole week! Thanks again!!!
Jane
Sent from my iPad
You’re welcome! We’ve heard that dog fur combings are popular as a nesting material for small birds – if anyone has photographic evidence, we’d love to have it.