Cactus Wren saying Happy Valentines day

by Cindy
(California high desert mtns.)

Just look at the bottom inside of this Wrens tail feathers!

The Cactus Wren can be one of the most annoying birds, to have around your house. They are destructive, mischievous, and LOUD. But then they are one of my favorites!

I always know when something is in and around my house, that shouldn't be.. by the way they squawk.. at trouble. They are, my little watch birdies.

They always seem to get into trouble. I've had to let one out of my wood burning stove, just opened my living room door.. and then opened the door to the stove.. and out it flew.

I heard something flopping around and then saw it in the stove hitting up against the window. Poor little thing.

I didn't even know how long it'd been in there! What if I'd had a fire going in there?? Yikes!

Another time, I heard something scrambling in a bag of trash I'd set near my back door, before taking it out. I was afraid to take a close look.. I did, and there was a Wren.

It'd gone in the bag after something, through the tiny little loops at the opening, and was panicking because it didn't know which way was out. I just ripped the bag open and off it flew.

They've given me some great pictures.. one of which was this one.

When I took a close look at the markings on the inside of its tail feathers, I just about choked!! How awesome!! Hearts!! I since have many pictures like this, that show their hearts.. such a neat find.