The nest of the Western Wood-Pewee is so elegant. It is tightly woven out of fine plant fibers and held together by spider webs. It is a work of art. I love watching the parent sitting on the nest as the branch gently sways in the breeze.
As I sit and watch this nest, it all seems unbelievable. This little bird flies all the way from South America to nest here at the arboretum! The range maps have them breeding in Western Canada and up into Alaska. The migration of birds is truly miraculous. I can’t even imagine all of the landscapes and obstacles this bird had to navigate to get here. And by the end of the summer, they will be on their way back along with the new hatchlings! That is a long way from here. This blows my mind!