skip to main content

Carolina wren question

9 years ago

I have a Carolina wren nest just outside my kitchen window, in a flower pot that's fairly low to the ground. She must have growing babies, 'cause she's always bringing food to the nest. But what's weird is she spends a lot of the day perching on a fence close by, giving the alarm call. Wouldn't that draw too much attention to the nest that is so close by?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

susanzone5 (NY)
9 years ago
Go take a look at the nest and see if there's a problem. Here's a story that might be helpful. A wren had a nest in my flowerbox next to my kitchen door. One day it came to the window of my sewing room where it knew I was, making its alarm call. I went outside to see what was going on and found the wind had blown over the flowerbox and the eggs were on the ground. I put the box back, put the eggs in the nest, tied the box to the railing, and she flew back into the nest. That bird knew where I was and knew how to get my help!!
Pat Z5or6 SEMich
9 years ago
Wish I could help you, catherineT. CW is one of my very fave birds and have not seen one this summer yet. Maybe someone will chime in here with some help.
Related Discussions
Carolina Wren Question?
Q
Comments (6)
I think Carolina Wrens can easily fit through a 1" hole, but will probably pick a site other than a nice nesting box for their nest. I have a nest of them right now in my garage. They come and go through a crack at the bottom of the garage door. The nest is in a box that has the lid cracked open just a bit. Once the babies are ready to go, I'll leave the garage door open a few inches so they can follow their mother out into the world. Carolina Wrens are creative nest builders. I have had them nest in nail aprons hanging on the wall and buckets. I have had them nest under the house, in the crawl space. They try to nest in my gas grill and lawn mower if allowed to. I have seen them checking out parked cars for possible nesting spots.
...See More
House wren in the neighborhood?
Q
Comments (13)
I'm really sorry your babies were taken and the nest destroyed. Is the nestbox on a metal pole with a baffle? If not, that could be the problem. Raccoons are everywhere, even if you haven't seen one. If the box is mounted on a wooden pole or a fence it is easy for a raccoon, a cat or any other climbing animal to get to it. If you haven't already looked at the sialis.org website you should spend some time reading and make sure you have a proper setup. You know, even when you are being really careful sometimes tragedy just happens. I don't put out any feeders at all because I'm afraid of bears coming around for food. I know the birds have plenty of natural food and if they can't make it out there then maybe they shouldn't.
...See More
carolina wren question
Q
Comments (1)
You can go ahead and clean out that nest from the birdhouse. It's probably pretty nasty and if they decide to build there again, the nest will be too high as well. Whenever they build in a birdhouse, I clean it out once the young have fledged.
...See More
Questions concering Carolina Wrens
Q
Comments (1)
I am no expert, but most birds feed nestlings whole bugs and worms. When I have Carolina Wrens nesting in the area, I provide meal worms for them and they shove them in the babies as fast as I put them out. My blue birds also feed them whole to thier babies. The white sacs that you see are fecal sacs. After the babies are well fed, they will "poop", it is contained in a sac, easy for the parents to carry off far from the nest so that no preditors find the nest and the nest stays clean also. Carolina Wrens are so much fun to watch. They usually have two to three broods a season here, maybe you will be lucky to see them nest again!
...See More
catherinet
Original Author
9 years ago
Hey Susan.....I went out and carefully checked on the nest and the little ones seemed fine. But they next day they fledged. So I'm thinking the mom was yelling at them to get going! Your experience was really cool! It must have made you feel really good to help them!

Pat......hmmmm....isn't that curious that you haven't seen any yet? They are pretty neat birds. They're always finding funny places to nest. One year, we had a table saw on our covered porch with a tarp over it through winter. We went to use it in the spring and there was a nest of baby wrens under the tarp! So we had to wait until they fledged to use the saw. haha

I'll tell some of mine to come your way!
susanzone5 (NY)
9 years ago
Catherine, it was a surreal experience I haven't gotten over to this day. I truly felt like a part of nature. Well, the birds are my pets...no maintenance necessary except for bird feeders and flowers. Bird watching around my house is my tranquilizer. The fact that they nest near my door tells me they see me as protection. The fact that it knew where to find me indoors was the coolest thing I've experienced. I also saw that touching birds' eggs doesn't make them abandon them. That's a fairy tale we tell kids so they'll leave the nests alone! Birds have a poor sense of smell.

I'm glad to see it all worked out for your little ones!
catherinet
Original Author
9 years ago
Hi susan....Your story reminded me of an article (I think in Birds and Blooms) I read awhile back. Somehow, a man realized that a hummingbird was in trouble and he helped it. A short time after that, a hummingbird came up really close to his face and just stayed there for a few seconds. He was sure that it was the same bird that he had helped and it came back to thank him. It's all so cool!! I'm glad you had that experience too.

Related Stories

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Country-Chic Farmhouse in North Carolina

By Adrianna Beech

An open, contemporary layout and an expansive, picture-perfect site sit pretty with a family from the West Coast

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: A Storybook Cottage in South Carolina

Whimsy and color rule in this children’s book author’s home

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Classic Style for a Southern Belle

By Vanessa Brunner

Marble counters, white finishes and even a pair of chandeliers give this South Carolina kitchen a timeless feel

DECORATING GUIDES Rooms We Love: A Mountain Retreat Made for Cold Winter Nights

Ample linen and Ushak carpets put a contemporary twist on cozy Appalachian style in a North Carolina show house

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Rustic Space Opens to Herb and Vegetable Gardens

By Jeannie Matteucci

Well-chosen recycled and repurposed features create a North Carolina cottage kitchen with a distinctive look and personality

INSIDE HOUZZ Houzz Prizewinners Take Their Kitchen From ‘Atrocious’ to ‘Wow’

By Mitchell Parker

A North Carolina family gets the kitchen they always wanted — and not a minute too soon — courtesy of the Houzz sweepstakes

CONTEMPORARY HOMES Houzz Tour: Strong Enough for Storms, Comfy Enough for a Family

By Becky Harris

Hurricanes won’t faze this contemporary waterfront home in North Carolina — and mixed reactions don’t faze its owner

TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE Houzz Tour: Lowcountry Style With an Eye on Entertaining

By Becky Harris

Flexible rooms with great flow make this South Carolina home intimate yet ever ready for a soiree

DECORATING GUIDES Hot Looks From the Spring 2013 High Point Market

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

Get an eyeful of some of the colors, textures, materials and more taking a big stand at North Carolina's huge furnishings trade show

PORCHES Porch Life: Step Into a Backyard Addition With Breezy Coastal Style

By Becky Harris

Comfortable furniture, a dining area and a grill make this new porch a North Carolina family’s favorite spot

Sponsored

Wannemacher Interiors

26 Reviews

Customized Award-Winning Interior Design Solutions in Franklin Cnty OH