July 29, 2011
The Old Ranger noticed that the robins
stayed in camp this year. At least two pair stayed around the
dining hall and infirmary. Usually they visit a spell and then
move on. This year was different. Perhaps all the snow
convinced them not to move farther north.Last week the Old Ranger noticed a pair of robins flying purposefully around the camp office. Often they had lichen in their beaks. After a bit of surprise at seeing robins still in camp, the Old Ranger set out to watch them. In a lodgepole pine, a robin sat with "Tree Hair" lichen, apparently displeased with the closeness of the Old Ranger. After a bit the bird flew closer to the end of the office. There it was. The pride of "Birdhood" - a nest of twigs, chartreuse wolf lichen and dark stringy tree hair lichen resting on the telephone box outside the office. It was a terrible place for a nest because so many camp staff and helpers walk by. But it must be the most beautiful nest ever.
The Old Ranger was sad to see the nest abandoned this week, but it is still a thing of beauty.