March 31 - The hunt for the pebble nest

"Nests are built in exposed riverbanks, holes in the soil, sand dunes, or among plant roots (Wilson and Carril 2016). Nests are also built above ground in preexisting natural cavities in wood, hollow stems, or rock crevices, as well as in exposed areas on rocks or twigs (Wilson and Carril 2016). Nests are composed of pebbles, sand, and occasionally pieces of plants with resins. Nests consist of one or more cells in a single chamber or as separated clusters of cells and sometimes with a parchment-like membranous lining (Grigarick and Stange 1968)." [source]

Local supporting observations

Two-celled cluster made of sand and possibly plant matter, "parchment-like" inner layer obvious with a little probing, estimating roughly 10-15mm tall by 5-10mm wide. Thumb for scale, and an earwig can be seen in the first photo. Roughly 1.5ft above ground level.

Partner observation

"Nests are built in exposed riverbanks, holes in the soil, sand dunes, or among plant roots (Wilson and Carril 2016). Nests are also built above ground in preexisting natural cavities in wood, hollow stems, or rock crevices, as well as in exposed areas on rocks or twigs (Wilson and Carril 2016). Nests are composed of pebbles, sand, and occasionally pieces of plants with resins. Nests consist of one or more cells in a single chamber or as separated clusters of cells and sometimes with a parchment-like membranous lining (Grigarick and Stange 1968)." [source]

Local supporting observations

Two-celled chamber made of sand and possibly plant matter, apparent visible "parchment-like" layer between cells, estimating roughly 10-15mm tall by 5-10mm wide. Roughly a foot off the ground.

Partner observation