This house wren has taken up residence outside my kitchen window. He's a mere mite of a bird, falling in size somewhere between 'larger than a hummingbird' and 'smaller than a goldfinch'. I had to identify him in Stokes Field Guide to Birds because, while I am adept at identifying all the obviously marked birds, this lovely guy fell into my embarrassingly large category of birds named 'Little Brown Bird'.
His subtle tawny markings and camera-shy habits first made me think him a timid bird but I've been observing him daily and now realize my first impression is an injustice. He-wren is diminutive in size but colossal in spirit.
His subtle tawny markings and camera-shy habits first made me think him a timid bird but I've been observing him daily and now realize my first impression is an injustice. He-wren is diminutive in size but colossal in spirit.
He-wren found the old gourd hanging from the witch-hazel branch and set to making it a home. From my kitchen vantage point I watch him tuck in tiny twigs, dried grass and whatever other flotsam he finds nest-worthy. What I read about the nesting habits of house wrens is that the male builds a nest, often more than one. Once ready, he begins the serenade for a she-wren. She-wren answers the call and takes a look at the proposed nest site. If this is to her liking, well, that's where the 'birds' part of the birds and the bees comes in.
So, nest ready, He-wren starts to sing. For a tiny bird he demonstrates operatic range and Ironman endurance. He sings and sings and sings and sings and sings.
And then there are two wrens in the witch-hazel. I am delighted for him!
Sadly, his gourd nest is located outside the kitchen window, also directly adjacent our brick walkway. It's not a secluded spot for wooing she-wrens. It's late spring; we mow weekly. There are water-fighting kids in the yard and a sun-basking dog. The gourd hangs within 15 feet of the gas grill and not far from the fire pit. In real estate terms, He-wren built on a busy street. But he only needs one buyer, right?
And so the advertising continues. Occasionally I see a female, and then she's gone. Still, he sings, and sits, ever hopeful. Each morning as I prepare my coffee, I tell him I am hoping today is his lucky day. He's putting serious vocal effort into this pursuit. He flits from branch to branch and the He-wren version of a Craig's-list advertisement, home for occupancy, is posted again and again.
And then there are two wrens in the witch-hazel. I am delighted for him!
Sadly, his gourd nest is located outside the kitchen window, also directly adjacent our brick walkway. It's not a secluded spot for wooing she-wrens. It's late spring; we mow weekly. There are water-fighting kids in the yard and a sun-basking dog. The gourd hangs within 15 feet of the gas grill and not far from the fire pit. In real estate terms, He-wren built on a busy street. But he only needs one buyer, right?
And so the advertising continues. Occasionally I see a female, and then she's gone. Still, he sings, and sits, ever hopeful. Each morning as I prepare my coffee, I tell him I am hoping today is his lucky day. He's putting serious vocal effort into this pursuit. He flits from branch to branch and the He-wren version of a Craig's-list advertisement, home for occupancy, is posted again and again.
So, on to my lessons learned. I begin with the obvious. Taking the easiest route to something you really want (in He-wren's case, a mate) is not, perhaps, the best route. There's a reason I've never had birds nest in the old decorative gourd next to the busy pathway. I'm guessing the first rule of successful nest building is probably location, location, location.
But on a positive note, I am encouraged, daily, by the persistence and optimism of the He-Wren. He has a goal: Get a She-wren. He has a plan: Build a nest by taking one step, one little twig and strip of dried grass at a time. Then, advertise.
He-wren didn't get stuck at, "What if ?" He didn't stop because of the possibility he might fail or his house (or he) would be rejected. He took action! He did his best. Now he sings out for the whole neighborhood and every she-wren to hear. I just love He-wren's spirit!
Perhaps I'll post a future picture of tiny house wrens with hungry beaks poking out from the entrance of the gourd nest. Perhaps there will be none. If he doesn't succeed this year, He-wren will likely build a more secluded nest next year and in his years to come. All is not lost in failure.
These are my lessons from the house wren. There are so many things I'd like to accomplish. I am inspired by the he-wren in the witch-hazel. And, incidentally, in the fall I'll move the gourd to a more secluded spot!
But on a positive note, I am encouraged, daily, by the persistence and optimism of the He-Wren. He has a goal: Get a She-wren. He has a plan: Build a nest by taking one step, one little twig and strip of dried grass at a time. Then, advertise.
He-wren didn't get stuck at, "What if ?" He didn't stop because of the possibility he might fail or his house (or he) would be rejected. He took action! He did his best. Now he sings out for the whole neighborhood and every she-wren to hear. I just love He-wren's spirit!
Perhaps I'll post a future picture of tiny house wrens with hungry beaks poking out from the entrance of the gourd nest. Perhaps there will be none. If he doesn't succeed this year, He-wren will likely build a more secluded nest next year and in his years to come. All is not lost in failure.
These are my lessons from the house wren. There are so many things I'd like to accomplish. I am inspired by the he-wren in the witch-hazel. And, incidentally, in the fall I'll move the gourd to a more secluded spot!
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