Suspicions confirmed

After long observation and consultation with The Naturalist, we agreed that the chickadee nest had been abandoned.  Therefore, I could do some gradual disassembly of the dying rowan in our side yard.

In the course of which, the nest stub broke. just from the general disturbance.  Extremely fragile, about a half inch of rotted wood and peeling bark still around the cavity, holding it in place.

Broke just above the nest, a cup of dried moss about three inches across, with seven eggs.  One of them was cracked.

So now Wife has a new exhibit for the nature center.