This is Bird Noir. I'm Private Eye, Michael Stein.

Spring was in the air when I got a call from my neighbor, Ms. Wiganwax, about a frightful sighting.

Oh, Michael, I was just sitting on the porch when I thought I saw a snake flying into my new nest box.

Maybe my mind has played tricks on me, but I'm worried about the birds.

That does sound shocking, Ms. Wiganwax.

Now, do you know if any birds are using the nest box?

Why, yes, a lovely pair of great crested flycatches.

Aha!

Well, those great crested flycatchers aren't being attacked by a snake with wings.

They're building a nest.

And using shed snake skin to scare away intruders.

Cavity nests are often raided by hungry rodents. But a little bit of snake skin,

may trick would be egg eaters into thinking that they're on the menu instead.

Oh, thank you, Michael.

It's good to know that my flycatchers and their chicks will be safe.

If only home security were that simple for humans.

Well, for more bird mysteries, go to our website, birdnote.org.

I'm Michael Stein, Private Eye.