There was a slight chill in the air and I couldn’t wait to get outside. When the weather is cool,  I like to take a walk along city and suburban roads, up and down hills and crossing a few streams.

It is a route I have taken since I was a teenager and each time I still see and hear things to marvel at.

The day’s high temperature was 57°F.  Gnats and small flies were whizzing around. An earthworm crawls along the pavement. And it is December 5th. This is a new one, gnats and worms up and about in December.

I spied this nest just above my head in an oak tree. The bottom is a platform of twigs and small sticks, but then the thing gets weird.  I see yellow caution tape, a plastic bag, polyester stuffing, a cigarette pack (Salems) and aluminum foil all tucked in together making the top of the nest.

The sticks are a good size. I don’t think a small bird could successfully carry them and fly at the same time. I am guessing this is a Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polygottos) or Gray Catbird (Dumatella carolinensis) nest. Both of those birds are known for adding odd items to their nests.

I noticed this squirrel eating a large nut while seated in a tree. She (or he) “froze” as I stood and watched it. I moved along and let her keep eating.

Some other things I saw on my walk…

A nice relaxing late fall/early winter walk.