Ovenbird Nest

This time of year, be careful where you step if you take a walk through the forest. Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla) make nests on the forest floor that resemble a Dutch oven, like the one in this picture.

This worm-eating warbler species prefers to make their nests on steep forested slopes, like the ones available at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. The female ovenbirds craft the nest from the inside, weaving the cup, side entrance, and roof as one piece. She then adds leaves and twigs to the top of it to camouflage it from predators. Watch where you step!