Spring is nesting time for lots of birds. Carolina wrens are one of those nesting now.
Wrens are interesting little birds. When unobserved, as far as they know, the males have a pleasant song. Most of the time they scold.
These are easy birds to recognize. They have longer beaks and a short tail that sticks up. Although there are several kinds of wrens, the Carolina wrens are the ones around here.
These birds are always looking for places to build a nest. Buildings are a favorite haunt. I’ve had nests in my milkroom. The workshop is another favorite place, usually on a shelf.
This year the chosen spot is on top of the unplugged air compressor in the garage. A blanket is tossed over the top and the nest is tucked in under it. I guess I will check my tires in town for the next few weeks.
A Carolina wren nest looks haphazard, but isn’t really. They like to use long pieces of straw so the ends sticking out make it look messy.
These birds got noticed as they kept going in and out of the garage. They carried something in and came out with nothing.
That is understandable as it takes thousands of insects like caterpillars to raise up those baby birds. And this couple has five mouths to keep stuffed.
These baby birds won’t be there long. That isn’t due to the four cats living here. It’s due to growing up fast. These will fledge or take off in only a couple of weeks now.
Once this family is grown and off on its own, the Carolina wrens will be looking for another place to build a nest. All it takes is an open door and the birds feel they have been invited in.
We’ll have to be careful to keep the house screen doors closed.
How well do you know vultures? Read about them in “Exploring the Ozark Hills“.
