I keep my branches as low as possible without touching the ground. That makes sense to me. If I can't mow under it anyway, why not just have a shrub rather than a tree. I might have to bend over more to pick fruit but that can't be any worse than moving a ladder around. Does anyone else keep the branches low like that? Fruithack - What IS under your trees if you don't mulch?

That would be so exciting to see a nest! Your zoom lens did an excellent job capturing the 'tiny knot' Thanks for posting. Ruth

Pankhi...This year was the first nesting in our pine tree that I have ever seen.This Mama Hummer is on her second batch! She made 2 nests in 2 different pine trees about 20 ft apart, so I guess I can say they like large pine trees and some bushtits are about 5 ft from her in the same tree!! The nest have been within 10 to 12 ft off the ground in the lower branches so we can see the nest real well. The first babies did great despite all our rain and hail the last of Feb.I was worried.I will try and post a picture in the gallery!I have a small pond that has been in about 6 years, so you have to be patient. I have a feeder and other plants that attract hummers.I am not too sure how many species you have in your area and the likelyhood of them breeding in your area. Check out hummingbirds.net it has ALOT of hummer info! Happy bird watching! Pam

According to the Migratory Bird Act, it is illegal to remove nests of any native migratory birds. "Unless permitted by regulations, the Act provides that it is unlawful to pursue, hunt, take, capture or kill; attempt to take, capture or kill; possess, offer to or sell, barter, purchase, deliver or cause to be shipped, exported, imported, transported, carried or received any migratory bird, part, nest, egg or product, manufactured or not." "Birds protected under the act include all common songbirds, waterfowl, shorebirds, hawks, owls, eagles, ravens, crows, native doves and pigeons, swifts, martins, swallows and others, including their body parts (feathers, plumes etc), nests, and eggs." There are over 800 species of bird protected by this act. My understanding is that the only birds whose nests it is legal to destroy are House Sparrows, European Starlings, pigeons, and a few odd others (escaped parakeets, e.g.). Even house wrens are protected. http://www.sialis.org/mbta.htm Here is a link that might be useful: Migratory Bird Treaty