Wren Nest in Upright Bottle

by Lee Schwall
(Winston Salem, NC)

I used a large plastic bottle to fill my birdfeeders this winter. I left it by the back door which is under a wide awning.

I noticed something in the bottle a month or so ago. I put my hand on the handle to pick it up, as I looked inside.

Out shot a Carolina Wren! She startled me! I peeked inside and saw her four beautiful eggs.

We have enjoyed and marveled at her hard work to feed the babies. We love hearing them chirp in excitement of their meals. Also, its fun to watch the mother hunt insects.

My concern is that the babies may not be able to get out of this bottle. Its much wider at the base.

The opening is about 4 inches in diameter. Does June seem too late for baby wrens to still be in their nest?

If so, should I turn the bottle on its side?

Has anyone else encountered this? Please advise!