This unexpected encounter came about on a leisurely nature walk along a slightly overgrown trail. The branch hosting the home of the mother Red-eyed Vireo and her eggs was hidden under an umbrella of leaves at about waist height. As I walked past, the mother was startled, not expecting to see me, and flew off to an upper branch. She chirped briefly and kept her eye on me as I walked past. I wondered why such an architect of a bird would build this intricate nest at a height where it seems vulnerable to predators. After snapping a quick picture, I was sure to replace the protective cover of leaves and hope that her young would hatch safely.