Home»Birds»Blue-gray Gnatcatchers

May 2. 2011
On this glorius sunny spring day, I went looking for one of my favorite birds of Massachusetts, the Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. The spring migrants may be found along streams and other wetlands from April into the early autumn months. In spring if you follow where they go, you may find their fascinating nests. The nest are constructed with plant fibers and spider webbing and covered or camouflaged with lichens. I found one such nest along Water Row in Wayland and the following photographs document the birds' progress. The male was doing most if not all of the nest building, while the female would come in to test and inspect the construction. I plan to follow the nesting to hopefully see the young develope.
May 5
The nest has become a larger structure. Eggs have not been layed yet. No start of consistant incubation seen.
May 8
The nest has gotten substantially taller and has a good lean to the left. Maybe they have relatives in Pisa?
May 13
Bird observed consistantly on nest - eggs are laid.
May 16
Observed both adults sitting on nest. Chilly raw day. 49 degrees and drizzly and forcast to be more of the same for days. I'm concerned about the family...
May 19
All looks well. Both parents are taking turns siting on the nest. No sign of young yet. It was warmer and somewhat dryer today, lower 60's, and the weather looks like its going to get better.
May 21
Parents on nest. No sign of young yet... It should take at least 11 days for incubation which would put the due date at Tuesday May 24, or maybe as long as 15 days at Saturday May 28.
May 31
Both parents observed feeding young bird, 18 days after consistant incubation. Maybe there will be more young, hopefully Gnatcatchers....