Recently,while out for a run, I came across the most amazing piece of little architecture. It was a lichen covered Ruby-throated Hummingbird nest, or no larger than a small teacup. It was lying next to the bike path on which I was running. The fact that I spotted it at all is testament to just tedious I am when I jog.
We get Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in this area but didn't realize that they nested here,so I was quite excited even beyond it just being a ravishing thing. This is the time of year when they begin emigrate back south, so I will be putting out a hummingbird feeder in my backyard for the first time. Fingers crossed I will get some tiny, and feathered visitors.
The little nest cup is entirely covered in lichen and it's one of the few lichens with which I am familiar enough to identify: Star Rosette Lichen. We own quite a bit of it around here on the trees. It's a pale green-grey foliose lichen. I care for that silvery sage green color. If you want to see a photo of the nest,check out my Instagram feed. Above is the portray I made in the style of Francis Orpen Morris.
Off for another jog, but not holding my breath that I will find something this amazing nowadays ; )
Source: blogspot.com