Wren Antics

Two small bits of feathered birds have been very busy continuing their seasonal presence at a north Valentine space which is their particular place. They are an established pair of House Wrens that have been together for weeks since an early spring arrival. He still sings from a horse shed roof while she feeds the young and might gather one twig or more for a nest in a medium-sized pipe with a nice suitably-sized entrance to a sheltered haven where eggs were laid because it was a safe-space to raise young.

For some weeks now the pair has been caring for their family of this breeding season. Mr. Wren is being attentive to making sure their birdly home is safe from any adjacent wrens that have any intent to impose on his seasonal residence. He sings, especially in the morning, as that is when so many birds express their presence, and as the day continues, he gets busy during foraging efforts to find some bit of an insect to provide to incessant and hungry youngsters. Mrs. Wren is especially very active in the neighborhood and has been very busy all day to make certain that eggs were kept warms and then nestlings are well fed from results of local forays.

The dynamic duo tend their nest all day, as obvious from my short distance away vantage place near where they fly with extent here and there. Activities are prominent these tiny mites search for forage, while other nearby wild birds are also taking care of demanding young.

Was it the same pair that nested at this same place last year? No matter, another generation was the result of such attentive care for their progeny this breeding season.

Most recently the nest builder of the duo found a nice bit of a stick to add to the nest. It was thought to be the right size, yet there was a problem that became readily apparent. While carefully grasped in the beak, multiple efforts were made to get the woody thing placed at home. Various angles did not work despite one turn or another of the wren’s head. Finally the too long stick was dropped to the ground.

Mrs. Wren did make sure to dart into the family abode until quickly departing on the day’s tasks. The antics of the morning of 29 June, after a mid-night bit of rain were a wonderful expression of a fresh morning as the wrens were attentive as they continued efforts of this particular wild bird season.

Joys of the Carthage Wrens

A colorful bird house placed for decorative purposes has hung from a great oak tree for many months. It is hanging from a tree branch, near the big window at the back of the house so it can be enjoyed by an elderly mother. The wooden construct provided by a sister.

During the winter any potential residents was far away. As May weather of spring arrived, the song of the House Wren burst forth in a wonderful expression amidst an urban neighborhood. Wrens soon found the house. One kept singing virtues for the pending breeding season. The bubbly song can't be ignored by any sort of a bird aficionado, as its song is readily heard each of these spring days, closely or in another yard among the blocks.

The little songster found the vacant house and so got busy getting it ready for a nest. Twigs were gathered and songs were sung from the branches and other prominent places nearby. Mr. and Mrs. Wren visited, according to an observer with a realized intent. There were additional times of appreciation. The times of songs were not always when the song of the little wren was bubbling forth within the yards of north 49th street, both a bit north and across the block to the east.

Twigs of various sorts, as found nearby, were carried into the place. Some too lengthy to fit through the "door" were dropped once the little mite realized there was a limitation on size, due to the diameter of the house entrance. The antics of effort were a joy to watch.

There were numerous days of abbreviated moments of observation, which were something. Wren sounds became an attraction of interest, whenever. This was the situation one day after another as the early days of spring arrived at Carthage. Activity by a little bit of feathered mite about the wonderfully decorated bird house became excitement to appreciate, once and again.

To facilitate the efforts of the active wren, one morning, notably the 12th, the first minutes of the morning were devoted to finding sticks. Those of a suitable size were broken into short pieces which could be of interest to a wren intent on furnishing its house. The twigs were closely placed on one corner the deck in the backyard, within just a few feet of the wren house locale.

With the birds interest, it seemed to be a time for urban renewal to promote the birdly residence. During an evening when the wrens were not about, the work was done. It involved a stepladder, tools and associated necessities. The bird house had to be placed sufficiently for the season. The evenings effort involved moving the house a few inches downward along the branch so it would have a better place of origin. The single wire used to attach the house to the branch was supplemented by a hefty string wrapped multiple times around the house attachment, then anchored to the mighty branch of the oak tree several times to make certain that the house would not fall in any sort of stormy breeze conditions.

The singing wren arrived soon thereafter, flitting into the place with its own intent. It always bounced about the oak branches just prior to darting through the hole of a place it prefers, once and again.

Many of the shortish twigs left upon the deck are gone. The mother of the house mentioned this, as she appreciates having wrens singing and active at a birdhouse of her origin. The wooden construct might have been placed further back in the yard, but the wrens accept the situation. It is all good for multiple residents at the place on North 49th Street.

Late in the evening of May 13, the singing wren arrived to enjoy its house, darting in and out of the place, once clinging upon the bark of the oak, until going once again into the painted house. The bird then took care of necessities and carried out its pellet of excrement for disposal.

The little bird was obviously appreciative again, though in an obtuse manner.

As May goes along, the singing wren continued to be busy in its gathering of material to make a suitable nest within the painted house at the oak tree.

Outside, the wren sings. It is wonderful as appreciated. Giving some attention to the birdly activity, it's obvious that one of them was looking for smaller twigs of a length that could be gotten into the house. Several times the itty-bitty twigs were moved in one manner or another so they could get within. Multiple moves by the wren were obvious. Eventually the force of the little mite turned its cargo in a direction that worked for another addition to the nest box.

While the active bird was doing its best to create a suitable nesting place, another wren was languishing on a nearby branch.

The results are not known but the endeavors are obvious, and certainly appreciated amidst one household.

It would seem that the little house in the yard is a secondary nest, as there is not enough activity to denote it as a primary nest place. Perhaps adding a ready source of food to the setting would help, though it is probably too late for a buffet to make a difference.

Maybe the nesting cardinals would also appreciate some bird food, close to their home in the nearby flowery bush.