Birding/Mud nests

Advertisement

Expert: Julia Booth - 8/18/2009


Question
We recently returned from a trip to California; we stayed in Oakhurst, near Yosemite, for five days. The arches of the hotel were festooned with mud nests, clustered together. The nests were not round, but more oval, with a fairly large opening. I have photos of the nests but did not see any birds nearby during our entire stay.
We are trying to find out what kind of birds may have built those nests. I can send JPEG photos if that would help.
Thank you for sharing your expertise.
Cordially,
Brooke

Answer
Given your description and the location, I'm thinking either barn swallow or black phoebe. The cliff swallow's nest is also made of mud, but has a much smaller opening.

Phoebe images:

http://www.sialis.org/nestsphoebe.htm

Cliff Swallow nest image:

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m223/SomeStones/CliffSwallowNests.jpg

Barn Swallow images:

http://www.wbu.com/chipperwoods/photos/barnswallow.htm


Let me know if it was not one of these,

Julia

Birding

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Julia Booth

Expertise

I can answer questions about bird identification (by sight or sound), behavior, distribution, population, conservation, mating, nesting, fledging and feeding. I do have some practical knowledge about foreign species, but identification skills are limited in that arena. Bear in mind that as much as I know, it's possible that at least some of you will ask a question that I am unable to answer. At which point I would direct you to wherever or whomever I thought could provide you with that information.

Experience

I have 15 years birding experience in Southern California.

Organizations
Audubon Society

Education/Credentials
My education is in art and photography -but I have a substantial portfolio of nature related work.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.