Nature Calls

We have so many species and varieties of tree, plants and flowers in our yard that sometimes I think my husband ought to give nature tours.  I don't know much about the plants. It is his hobby. He on the other hand can tell you all the names and many interesting facts. One of the most interesting facts is that he often manages to grow plants that aren't supposed to be able to survive in our area. I think he takes it as a personal challenge.
Along with plants come many birds, small critters and bugs that like to make their homes in and around them.
Today Dave took me on a walk around the yard.  Here are some non-plant highlights.

These birds look old enough to leave the nest to me. This nest is not at all high in the tree. Even a child could look right into it. 

This bird sneaked a nest into the greenhouse so we have to keep the greenhouse door propped open all the time now. The nest is located on a shelf that is only a little above waist high. I thought birds were better at hiding their nests.

Does this remind you of the Sesame Street song. "One of these things just doesn't belong'?

I wish I knew what lazy bird laid it's egg in another bird's nest.  Does the surrogate feed and raise all of them?
This last photo is also in the greenhouse.  The Praying Mantis egg case stays but the wasp nest has to go. There were approximately 10 of these wasp nests of various sizes in the greenhouse. They are all gone now.
I have limits.

Stay tuned for another bird story from my past, coming soon.
PS If you click on the nest pictures, you get a much better view of the birds.