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Another Wren Question

16 years ago

This year is the first year in over 10 years that I have ever noticed Wrens. I have been doing everything I can to discourage them from nesting in my boxes but nothing has worked.

Last weekend I went into my barn and the three baby Pheobes that were just hatched were on the stall floor looking pretty much gone. It was cold and windy here. I scooped them up and warmed them up and when they were very active again I put them back in the nest that is above the light fixture in the stall. Mom and dad are back sitting and feeding thankfully.

I have no idea how these babies got tossed out onto the floor. The nest was undisturbed and in a hard place for a predator to get at it. I suppose the parents could have accidentally knocked them out but I don't think so.

I have a persistent Wren right now and I wonder if he could have been the one? I hear him outside the barn most mornings now. Does anyone have a feeling for the Wren theory of mine. They really are devils!

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Comments (3)

ken3592
16 years ago
If you have been hearing a wren singing nearby, then he was probably the culprit. There might be a nest nearby, but even if there was, you can't really do anything about it since wrens are protected by law. I would just keep an eye on the babies, as wrens are very persistent. If you see any wren dummy nests nearby, remove them. After the babies get to be 5-7 days old, they should be safe from the wrens, because they become too heavy. I hope they hang in there! Good luck.

Ken
chinamigarden
16 years ago
House wrens are cavity dwellers. They will remove whatever is in a cavity so they can make a nest. Even if what is in the cavity is another bird, they will do what they can to take the space. However, that said, they do not fly around looking for nests to bust up, or babies to kill. Birds sitting in open cup nests or on shelves or light fixtures are none of their concern, they are not on a mission to take over all nests, just nesting cavities. My guess is the babies fell out of the nest. Sometimes it happens.
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nhsuzanne
Original Author
16 years ago
I think it's very odd that three babies fell out at once. Plus the Phoebes have three broods each year and never has one fallen out. I think it's odd that mr. wren is singing right outside the stall door. I want him to go away and leave us all alone.

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