This is a nest built out in the open with little or no material used in construction. I've seen both snakes and raccoons raid BNS nest but amazingly most make it. In the 20 plus years I've been monitering these nest, in only one season did I find a Mississippi Kite that took newly hatched young. Black-necked Stilts normally pay little attention to the numerous kites. Needless to say that year they would cause a stir as they circled over the area.