Two years ago, wrens decided to nest in our clothespin bag. We let them be.
Chicks were born; they were very cute. Then the unthinkable happened. Our seemingly old and sleepy headed cat (who’s indoors 90% of the time) took interest in the cheeping. So, we started keeping him inside full-time. Somehow he snuck out and took out the “nest”, which was in his reach and at that point not movable. We were very upset and pledged to not let a repeat occur.
So, as a cub scout project, we had the boys make nest boxes (also we got rid of the clothespin bag). A couple of boys dropped out so we had extra kits. I built the extras and we set them up all over our yard. Two in particular seemed to be popular with the local wrens. One on the side of our house (about 6 feet from the tragedy site, but elevated), and one underneath the window sill of our son’s bedroom (also well elevated and sheltered).
Yes, we were successful. We have chicks galore. They don’t seem to mind the activity in my son’s room, which was a small concern. Anyway, we’re pretty excited. The only thing we can’t do is see the little birds, but that’s a small price to pay for keeping them safe. We can sure hear them.
I wish. Like I said, the nest boxes are at a good height to keep predators away. I’m also fearful of getting out the ladder and peeking in because I do not want to frighten off the parents ( or get pecked for my troubles).
Do you know what kind of wrens they are? When I was a kid the main kind we had in KY were Carolina wrens and I think they were trying to sell used cars since they always got on the phone wire and yelled “It’s a deal! It’s a deal! It’s a deal!”
Out in NM we’ve got cactus wrens, canyon wrens, rock wrens (which do a funny song and dance routine) and bewicks wrens, plus a couple other species I’ve forgotten.
But cardinals are much cuter. We have a nest in an azalea bush on one corner of the house (not a good choice IMHO). The two eggs hatched last week. But it wasn’t until yesterday I got a good look at the 'rents. (The momma bird would fly off in a blur when I came around the corner.) The kids are Britta and Jeff. The parents are Shirley and Pierce.
