The Wren

I love wrens. I think it's because

I read the sweetest story about their

nesting habits and then got to

witness it first hand in from our back porch a few

years ago. The male wren builds several nests before

even meeting his mate ~ he can build up to ten nests,

each consisting of around 400 tiny twigs!

It takes him days, but he is a scrappy little guy and

hard working. Singing the whole time!

Then he calls for a mate to come ~ calls and calls ~

so loudly that it is amusing to watch all that sound

coming from such a tiny bird!

He calls and calls! We were beginning to feel sorry

for the little guy as no lady wren came for days.

Then ~ finally! The female comes! Instantly, his

calling becomes this sweet, soft, courting song!

A lovely little tune! He coos and takes her around

to see the nests that he has built for her!

She inspects the nests, picks a favorite and begins

to tear it apart! She tears it all apart and

arranges it how she wants ~ and he helps her ~ the two of

them working together until it's finished!

Then the female adds her own special

touches ~ softness of grass, hair and feathers.

Now it's ready to start a family! I smile every time I think of that bird couple! And what a sweet little guy to let her

redecorate after he worked so hard!

He gives the part that makes it structurely sound

and she adds the beauty and softness for the coming brood More birdwatching stories to follow this spring!