The Entertaining House Wren

by Dave Shorrocks
(Calgary Alta)

I'm calling my lil house wren, 'THE INNER CITY MEADOWLARK'. The voice is such a sweet melody, that stops you in your tracks.

As soon as the dawn breaks,the sun hits the tiny hole of the nest box, head held high in the air, throat pulsating, the harmonious song begins.

What a happy little bird, energetically hopping from fence to ground in its never ending search for insects.

I was lucky because I placed the nest box by some lattice work where there are some berry bushes and a pond, I also have lots of spiders.

Finding out later thats exactly what they love.

Not for the life of me did I think I would get anything, putting up a box. Just from observation I think it's a good idea to face it east as this is a sun worshipping, early morning bird.

They are so vastly entertainig, it was hillarious to watch as they tried to fit long twigs into the small nest hole.

All the neighbours are extremely delighted with their antics.

I was fortunate also that the week before I had 4 baby chickadees fledge from the same nest.

Someone had told me wrens normally eject them I almost put up a wren guard,but am now glad I didn't. It was thrilling seing nature work out that way.

Soon i will have wren chicks. Its been an exciting spring.

I'm calling my pair lil lulu and the knight, because he was gallant bringing her twigs and insects and she was so cute and in charge.

To anyone lucky enough to have these great little birds nesting in you back yard,you are in for an awesome time!

Dave Shorrocks Calgary