Messy builder at my cabin

I have a small cabin way back in the woods. I walk at least twice a day and last night walking with my DH, the weather was so nice I though we should sit on the porch at the cabin for a while. We walked in front of the cabin to see a mess on the porch. The bear lantern (heavy and very steady) was overturned, and there was woven grass and birch bark paper in large pieces all over. (about 2 plastic grocery bags full),
DH looked at the peak of the cabin and there was the beginnings of a nest in the moose antlers. He climbed up and removed the mess. I wanted him to leave it, but he said that anything that could overturn that lantern could attack and not let me in my cabin. Of course I did not have my camera with me. I kind of hope it comes back. I am curious now.
I guess I found it odd that a bird would make such a mess on the porch below where it was making a nest, and that it could turn over the heavy bear/lantern. We have Raven and Crows. Do you think it was one of those? Why the mess?

I have no idea, but do be careful!

it's possible that the lantern was knocked over by something else. Robins can make a huge mess at my mom's, when the stuff doesn't stay where they put it they keep bringing more and more!
You might find a web site that tells what ravens and crows nests would look like.

Any chance there are raccoons - or even bears around?

All of you were correct. Seems like I had 2 messy critters. First the messy builder was a Robin. I found it hard to believe. I wonder if the male was putting the supplies on the porch for the female to build with. They have made a fine towering nest. I am waiting to sweep the porch until they are finished.
There is no way a robin could have knocked the bear over, so it must have been a raccoon. There is a nest of them in the area and it is about time for them to come out and cause mischief, although except for a porky chewing on the siding, most wildlife has left it alone. I can picture them waddling all over and examining things.
We have had many robin's nests by the house and I never noticed how messy they were. I don't usually see them that deep into the woods, but then...you have to look.
Thanks for the help everybody. I will get a picture of the nest and post it.

Just wanted to finish this thread off with a picture of the finished project. Looks like the builders have not been back. I was told over the weekend that Robins sometimes make a dummy nest to lure preditors away from the real thing. I don't know, but I think it sure is a pretty addition to my cabin....maybe they are just decorating critics?

i agree its a nice touch!

I should put a bird in it.

That sounds cute- plus maybe it would prevent any other live birds from messing around there and causing more loose stuff.

Maybe....I have recieved a nice plant holder as a gift. It is a chair and the back has a birdhouse with grapevine and these little birds. It was made for outside, so I put it on my deck. The bluejays pecked at the little birds until there was nothing left. I think they were mad that the little birds were not scared of them.

LOL!!

HA! that would be funny to watch

What was funny, was me banging on the windows and chasing them with a broom....of course to no avil. The planter still looks nice, if you don't know how it looked before.

Great story!

Thanks.
The cabin faces the ridge and the back is towards the trail that I walk every day. I do not see the robin leave the nest as I walk around to the front of the cabin, but yesterday I was below the ridge looking up at the cabin. There was mrs robin sitting proudly on her little high-rise nest. Sooooo, I guess the fake bird will have to wait.

Wonderful!!!

I'm so envious. What an idyllic little place. When I was a kid we had cabin in the woods on Spider Lake, up by Traverse City. Don't know where you are, need to google it, but if I ever left California it would be for Michigan to a similar place as yours.

Edited to add that I looked it up and, yup, close enough to the place of my dreams. You're even close to the 75, that's helpful for getting around when you need to. Again, I'm envious.

This message was edited Jun 2, 2007 3:37 PM

Hi Stella,
Yes close enough to 75, but still far enough from civilization. You would probably not know TC now as it has expanded and become "hot". (meaning a 5 acre plot on the lake with a 100 year old one room no water no elec cabin is selling for 12 million dollars).
Ca must be quite a shocking difference from here. I am not sure I could take that much change.
I used to vacation in Gaylord and found this area is much like Gaylord used to be in the 60's. Same woods, ferns, and swamps. I love it. My cabin is just a little retreat (and hunting shack) There is no water, electric etc, but a nice stop on a walk, or to read or paint or vegitate.
Mrs robin is sticking to her nest pretty good now. I am going to try to get her picture. It looks quite cute, and the overhang is keeping her dry in all this rain.

I got this picture of the messy one on her nest. It was not easy, but I think it completes the thread.

Thats funny!

Wonderful photo!

The lighting is terrible back there, plus she was not to happy to be having her picture taken. I was lucky to get any shot. You can see her though and I think that she looks pretty cute on her "throne".

Mrs Robin .. or 'Aunt Leer' (heehee), looks mitey comfy there on her established 'pedestal'.

And you're right, cparts - - tis a wonderful and most beautimous lil contribution she's made to your darlin' lil cabin!

- Magpye