Strange Nest

We have Great Crested Fflycatchers use a nest box in our yard in central Fl. every year. When we clean the box during the winter, we find a snake skin woven into the nest.

That's interesting. Every year?
I have them visit my yard and have seen them perched near the veg garden, swooping down onto something. I like GCF.

Yes. Can it be the same pair? Seems unlikely. Maybe the box is just right.

I remember reading somewhere that they, and Kingbirds too, like to decorate their nests with a snake skin. If I remember rightly, the suggestion is that it might help scare away some potential nest predators.

Resin

Fascinating. Amazing that they can reliably find a skin!

Maybe this is how they choose where to nest; snakes are in the area. ?? Just a big guess on my part. :)