Strange Nesting Place

by Elaine
(Millbury, MA)

We've seen one or more Carolina Wrens around our yard for the past three years or so, even though we're pretty far North for them.

I think that they have been nesting in the trees that border the yard; however, this year a pair decided to make the top of our propane tank into home, sweet home.

My husband noticed a dead leaf sticking out of one of the holes in the cover of the tank and pulled on it. Out shot a bird!

After watching the area for awhile, I determined the identity of our "tenants". The tank is situated at the back of our house only a couple of feet away from a hanging bird feeder and a bird bath.

My husband commented that it must be prime real estate for a small bird.

I happened to stumble upon a parent and fledgling out on a flying lesson a week or two ago. Very cute.

The baby bird seemed somewhat lacking in the length of its tail, but that might be because it had yet to learn to hold its tail at the characteristic cocky angle.