Wren Nesting In Fireplace Gas Tank Lid

by Mark Mathosian
(Advance, NC)

It is the beginning of summer in North Carolina and we noticed birds building nest in several trees around our home. One day while sitting on our back deck we heard little tweets coming from the lid of our gas tank that sits near our master bedroom window.

Closer observation revealed twigs sticking out from under the lid. I carefully opened the lid and a small bird flew out. Closer observation revealed that this was in fact a bird's nest. I carefully closed the lid so as to not disturb the nest any further. Then I worried that my tampering with the lid might have scared the bird away for good.

I told my wife about the nest and the small bird that flew away. Because many types of birds visit our yard, including blue birds, doves, blue Jays and others, we couldn't be sure what kind of bird it was based on my quick encounter. We decided to be pay attention over time to see if the bird returned and then figure out what it was.

We watched and waited for several days and sure enough one day we spotted the small bird returning to the nest. I obviously did not scare it away for good. My wife thought she recognized what type of bird it was and said it looked like a Wren. She thumbed through the pages of bird watcher's book we often refer to and sure enough she located the drawing of a familiar bird, it was a Wren.

We first noticed the nest about two weeks ago. Now the tweets have become louder. This morning I carefully lifted the lid again and photographed the baby Wrens in their nest. We are proud grandparents of at least 3 healthy baby Wrens. There may be another in the back of the nest but I am not sure. Attached is a photo collage of our new extended family.

Mark Mathosian, Advance, NC