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.

A cactus Wren's SNOW experience

by Cindy
(Desert Mtns. CA)

I have Cactus Wrens all over the place here in the high desert Mtns. I used to get so frustrated with these little buggars, tearing up my patio furniture, pecking at the rubber lining on the windows of our automobiles, etc.

But have since come to respect the little ones, as they are like little watch dogs, with there screeching warnings of unwanted critters, slithering on the gound, etc.

I always know when somethings a muck, by the change in their sounds. I've grown fond of these annoying little ones!!

We had a huge unexpected snow storm last year. Non of the critters were prepared for it. WE had a small clearing under our patio table, so I sprinkled some food under it. They were so happy.

As the skies cleared and the sun came out bright, I sat observing this little one jumping through the snow-covered tree branches, hoping that a big clump of snow wouldn't fall from above, and take it down.

No sooner did the thought run through my mind, did it happen. Buried on the ground for a brief second.. he rustled through the clump.. shook it all off... went back into the tree and hollered for all his might, at what he'd just gone through.

I was lucky enough to capture this, but then went out and about, knocking as much snow as I could off our big Pine tree. I watched it after that.. looking up above itself, ever so cautiously.

Poor little guy!! I haven't seen any of their nests though. Maybe amidst the Cactus?? ha. They're nesting habits must differ some from House Wrens.