Community Chat

[Kachina624]

In this very unusual photo, a pair of Magpies have built a nest on the antlers of a bull elk, apparently sharing his life with him, going where he goes, sleeping when he sleeps.  Life must be a challenge when he runs or shakes his head.  They're in trouble if he sheds his antlers as they'll find themselves on the ground floor and no longer mobile. 

They probably pick ticks off the elk, a true symbiotic relationship?

[Mindy D]

Yes, this is an example of mutualism. Mutualism is the type of symbiosis in which both living things benefit. 

[deepwaterdotter]

Very unique and interesting.

[Kachina624]

It's hard to distinguish the birds amid the twigs and antlers. I took this screenshot from a video where both adults were jumping in and out of the nest. 

[kindred cats]

That is amazing!  Learned something new today Kachina! 

[ValuSkr]

Reminds me of the fascinators they wear in England.  

[BlueFinch]

Oh, no. That can't end well. Crazy to see, though.

[luvzchiz]

Wow.  Just love Mother Nature!

[spumoni99]

Mother nature is very smart, there must be a reason, the magpie's are probably not going to have an issue with predators?

[On It]

I hope they abandon ship before rut season. It could get dangerous in that nest.