In the last week I’ve noticed evidence of something nesting in a relatively low to the ground hollow – approximately 6 feet off the ground. The hollow seems to have recently been refurbished with carefully shredded pieces of bark and small sticks. I’m not sure how long this has been occurring, so I will make this one of my regular stops to see what is happening. There were no obvious signs of an animal, bird or reptile being in there. However, I didn’t go poking around in it, so there could have been something quietly hiding inside, underneath or behind the nesting material. I’m not tall enough to see right to the back.
If you have any idea which species might find this a cozy home, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Last year we had a quick look in the hollow, and there appeared to be two soft reptile eggshells in there, so could it be a lizard of some description? Do they build nests? Perhaps it is something that feeds on reptile eggs? Or maybe the egg shells were there to line the nest… I have no idea.
The hollow is at least 30 cm in diameter – probably bigger.
Fifteen Acres 
Lisa, Your book on Fifteen Acres has parts of poetry, action, mystery, science, forensics, etc. Your regular scripts keep us glued to your blog. Now I am very curious to know which animal refurbished (loved the term that you have applied chosen!) the hollow. Looking forward to reading the next chapters… 🙂 Take care!
Unfortunately, I think this chapter might sit in the drawer for a while as I have no idea what is in the tree hollow. Nothing seems to be visible, nor does it smell. I’m reluctant to poke around in the hollow for a number of reasons. Partly safety for myself, and partly wanting to give the occupant a sense of safety in the space it has created for itself. In Spring it may become clear… I’ll keep my eye on it. Lisa
Yes, Lisa, no rush. That’s the best way to approach the situation. We had bad weather over the weekend, but with some much needed rain. Monday, a workday for me, has a big sunshine, but I have to give thanks! 🙂
Sorry it has taken so long to post your comment, Fabio. I’ve had a busy week and haven’t got to the blog for a few days. We had weird weather at the end of last week – it actually snowed here. Not enough to settle on the ground (it wasn’t cold enough for that) so small snow flurries in the air, where the snowflakes melted as soon as they hit the ground. I tried to photograph it, but not very successfully I’m afraid. Have a good weekend, Lisa
Hopefully not a rat nest though I suppose you could argue they have every right to “their space”.
I have no idea what a wild rat’s nest would look like. It didn’t appear to smell, and those strips of bark look very precisely torn – I wondered if it might be a possum, but it is very low in the tree for one of those. Also wondered if it might be a parrot or a duck, both of which seem to be nesting now, but again, it seems way too low. I hoped someone would recognise the bark-tearing technique. Oh well 😦 Lisa
Love the detail of your work. I am a keen artist just starting out too, wishing you all the best and following your progress xx
Thanks Becky – I’m interested to know how you go about promoting and selling your work. Starting out, it is a bit of a minefield, however, I’m still enthusiastic to give it a go. 🙂 Lisa
So far I’m on Facebook, got a blog, on Etsy (not sold) I speak to everyone who stands still long enough. I sell in a local cafe along with other crafters, I’m starting to do craft fairs. I’m learning as I go along. I’m meeting with a marketing man Thursday (free I hope) so I can look at ways that can help me to ‘Stuff work and play’.
I basically take any opportunity to talk, show. I have also started an online portfolio of my work on BEHANCE after talking to an illustrator. I’m sure there is lots more we can both do so I will share what I learn on Thursday xx
Similar to the things I’ve tried. Currently I am in the process of setting up on Etsy. Yes, marketing is my next thing to investigate too. Thanks for sharing. 🙂 Lisa