A Hudson Valley winter may be bitterly cold, but it does have a silver lining. The absence of leaves on trees allows us to notice things that would otherwise go unnoticed. However, appearances can often be misleading.
New York State boasts over 18 million acres of forests, providing a lush and vibrant ecosystem. Normally, the bustling life of the treetops remains concealed beneath the verdant canopy of leaves. However, as autumn arrives and the foliage gracefully descends to the ground, an enchanting opportunity emerges for residents to peer into the captivating world that thrives above their heads.
When autumn arrives in New York, residents are treated to a captivating spectacle—the secret life that unfolds in the lofty branches of trees as the leaves fall.
Hidden Nests in New York State
The hidden world of tree-dwelling animals revealed itself to me during the week we relocated to our home in Newburgh, NY. A close encounter with a family of birds left me with a near-eye injury when I unintentionally startled them while approaching a massive bush in our front yard.
During the onset of winter, it unveiled not just one, but two concealed nests nestled within the tree (below). However, the question remains: what about those clusters of leaf balls found high up on the branches?
When the leaves fell from this bush, it revealed two bird nests concealed within.
Who Makes Those Leaf Balls in New York Trees?
I couldn’t help but wonder about the bird responsible for such a disorganized nest. Up until now, I had only come across meticulously built nests, and the sheer size of these leafy dwellings hinted at the involvement of a much larger creature.
Residents of the leaf nests, surprisingly, lack feathers altogether.
The animal responsible for constructing this structure exudes the same level of energy as the haphazard nest it builds. However, the seemingly disorganized ball of leaves actually conceals a meticulously structured home within. Let’s take a closer look at the architect behind this remarkable creation.
What’s With The Big Balls of Leaves In Your Trees?
The abundance of leaves in your tree during this time of year holds more significance than we initially realized.
Credit for the gallery goes to Mateo from 103.5 KISS FM.
Frolicking Beaver Family Swims in the Hudson Valley
A lovely family consisting of a mom, dad, and two adorable baby beavers decided to spend some quality time together on a lake in Orange County, NY.
