On my last expedition to the Falls, I spotted this oddity about twenty feet off the ground on a terminal branch of a cottonwood tree. I had a feeling I knew what this is, but clicked-off a couple more close-ups for more information. The day was very cold, but bright and clear.
I believe this to be a hanging basket nest from a Northern or Baltimore Oriole. I had seen one other similar nest years ago at the Falls that incorporated waste fishing line and long-stemmed grass. This one is different in that it is made mostly from synthetic fibers teased out of a discarded barge cable along with fishing line. These cables are very large, thick ropes that are used to tie-off and secure the barges used in commercial river traffic. Here is a recent picture of just such a cable that was lost and wound around willow roots. This one has blue and yellow fibers instead of orange like the oriole’s nest has.
As these ropes slowly break down, it’s interesting to think of nest-building birds preferring to use this material as opposed to strictly natural ones. I know of other birds (more in an urban environment) that will use other bits of artificial litter in their nests. A month or so a go in the western section of the park I came across another synthetic nest created by a different species and featured that in a post about rare birds. Here is that nest reproduced again along with a close-up of the oriole’s nest.
Since a nest made of these materials will last longer…I’m wondering if the oriole or another bird will attempt to reuse it? I will have to wait until spring to find that out.
Artist at Exit 0 Riverblog 
Oh wow–I have never seen an oriole’s nest; it’s a mysterious little construction, isn’t it? Thanks for these great shots. This reminds me of an artist named Maura Doyle who seeks out beaver constructions that incorporate man-made materials; then she makes sculptures based on them. 🙂
Yes, I think it’s cool too. I will check out Maura’s work. I frequently use beaver-chewed sticks in the work I make.
wow, these are really amazing, Al! These Orioles are quite artistic little architects!
Innovative nests eh! The birds are showing us how to recycle:) These are probably equivalent to Movie stars home in the bird world:) It will be interesting to see if the orioles reuse their holiday home (or if they get ‘squatters’)
Yes, I suppose these would qualify as deluxe digs even for a bird! I need to see if I can find that oriole’s nest again! Thanks for checking out this other story from the river. I think this is one of the more interesting discoveries I have made out here.
I took a picture this weekend of an “innovative nest” made of discarded fishing line. Unfortunately, the bird, when exiting the nest, caught a loop of line around its neck and strangled itself. Innovative, yes. Sturdy, yes. Deadly, yes.
That is sad to hear. What species was using the artificial nesting material? It will soon be nesting time at the Falls of the Ohio for the Baltimore Orioles and I will be on the lookout for more synthetic nests. Thanks for reaching out.