Thursday, June 18, 2009















The adorable little bird is the House Wren (Troglodytes aedon). I look forward each year to their return. Their beautiful song brightening up the landscape (picture 3). We have numerous bird houses throughout the yard and we are never disappointed. Early in the spring we start noticing the male busily going from house to house carrying with him various nesting supplies. Soon after Jenny Wren shows up and does an inspection of each abode. She will decide which one meets with her approval then she finishes the nest and later will lay her eggs. The one pictured here built in a bird house designed for larger birds (Picture 1). Unfortunately her eggs we eaten by a garter snake which was able to enter the hole on the front. I was relieved when I noticed the male resume nest building and this time they chose an actual wren house on the end of the clothes line. No snakes allowed! She must have babies now, as I've seen her making numerous trips back and forth with juicy insect pieces. These tiny birds have the heart of an eagle. They are quick to scold anyone or anything that dares to get too close to the bird house (picture 2). They can be very aggressive towards other birds. All of this intimidation must be necessary when you are so diminutive in size. Kind of like the Chihuahua who thinks he is a Great Dane!

2 comments:

  1. Fabulous!!! I am a bird box tender too. We have tree swallows and blue birds nesting. I love to know other folks are helping the wild creatures too.

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  2. Thank you for stopping by Julia. I've been so excited this year to have over 21 species of birds stop by for a visit. Some eating from the feeders, others just taking a drink from the birdbaths. The ones that hold a special place in my heart are the ones who stay and set up home. I discovered a cardinals nest in the backyard inside a Honeysuckle bush. I have chipping sparrows nesting, barn swallows have built a nest on the shutters above our dining room, bluebirds and the wrens are nesting in boxes. I think I have a pair of catbirds nesting in an Elderberry. I love to sit outside and just watch the birds. Let me know how your bluebirds make it.

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