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New England Gardening

LOOK Before You Prune This Spring

9 years ago

This article is pertinent to all NE Gardeners - had to share.

Look Before You Prune

Jane

Featured Answer

Persimmons

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

I had one family move into the Norway Maple in my backyard. She chose an inconspicuous crotch on a downward pointing branch. I wondered what kind of growth was occurring on the tree branch until I finally saw her returning home! It was a hummingbird nest, after all!

The nests are well camouflaged and resemble mossy caterpillar webs. If you're trying to judge a nest from afar, use binoculars. Without actually seeing the bird fly to the nest there would have been no other way to identify it from the ground.

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Comments (6)

aak4
9 years ago
Jane, thank you for sharing such an interesting read (and beautiful pictures). I will certainly be more mindful when doing my spring cleaning chores.
corunum z6 CT thanked aak4
homegrowninthe603
9 years ago
Lovely photos and great information. The nests are so tiny. I've never seen one that I know of, but will be on the lookout for sure. Thanks, Jane. Susan
corunum z6 CT thanked homegrowninthe603
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moliep
9 years ago
Thanks for this, Jane. I also posted it on FB for my gardening friends on that site.
corunum z6 CT thanked moliep
erin sos (5b/6a) Central/West. Mass
9 years ago
oh my goodness, I will! I hope someday I have hummers nest in my yard!!
corunum z6 CT thanked erin sos (5b/6a) Central/West. Mass
NHBabs z4b-5a NH
9 years ago
I know I have them somewhere nearby, but I've never found one. I will keep an eye out.
corunum z6 CT thanked NHBabs z4b-5a NH

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