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Carolina Wren Nest close to front door

6 years ago

I have a wren couple, yearly, creating several nests around my small home until they decide which one is suitable. This year they built a nest, 1 foot from the front door, in a Christmas Cactus. I thought that they had chosen another nest to lay their eggs. This morning I walked out the door and a frightened bird flew from the nest. I looked and there was one egg in it. Its been 2 hours and she has not returned. Should I be worried? Any advice is appreciated. I'll be using the kitchen door for the next two weeks.

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Comments (5)

gyr_falcon
6 years ago
I wouldn't worry yet. Some birds don't settle on the nest to incubate until several, or all, of the eggs have been laid. They make you wonder sometimes, the nesting places birds choose. But if you have been using the front door while they were selecting, they may not be as sensitive as you fear. But if you do have the kitchen door alternate, that will lower their stress levels, especially if there is heavy use.
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Bonny Payne
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you for your response. Kitchen door is no problem. Do you know the time frame for laying all of the eggs?
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I like watching birds and don't like to see them hurt, but why pick on cats? It's their nature to hunt small animals. They've been doing it for over thousands of years. Aren't people more of threat to birds than cats anyway? With all the building that goes on, birds will probably become extinct one day. I live in what is supposed to be a rural area but it's like anytime a developer (or whoever) sees trees, they tear them down to build houses and stores. It's getting out of hand. My personal rule is that I don't interfere with nature. I would've left the nest alone. If birds are that stupid to build nests where predators can get to them then they deserve whatever they get. Around here dogs are the biggest threat to birds. Several of the neighborhood dogs have a bad habit of killing small animals. One of them even ate my father's rooster! The only birds my cat has killed is those annoying Blue Jays who were just asking for it. Those cocky things fly around teasing the cat so when one gets eaten I don't feel sorry for it. Stupid birds.
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gyr_falcon
6 years ago
They usually lay one egg per day, until there are roughly 6 (it varies some among the different wren species).
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Bonny Payne thanked gyr_falcon
Bonny Payne
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Carolina Wren update: Mommy Wren did return and there are a total of 4 eggs. I've been using the kitchen door with occasional use of the front door. This little lady is not afraid of me at all. I will softly talk to her, when I do go out that door, and I see no fear or nervousness in her eyes. I am anticipating babies any day now.

This wren couple has been here since I moved in 4+ years ago. This will be my 5th Spring with them. The wheel well above my car's front tire has always been a spot they've picked for a potential nest. Its been a bit of a game with us. Every morning I would go out and remove the nest. By the time I woke up the next morning another would be in its place. Last Spring they chose a nest they built in a small storage shed by the kitchen door. Unfortunately, a snake got the eggs within 3 days.

The Christmas Cactus that she is nesting in is one of a pair. They are equal distance from the edge of the wooden plant stand they are on. The stand is 3 ft high. They chose to build in the plant that is closest to the door. There had to be a reason for that.

Thank you for all of your help.
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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
6 years ago
Carolina wrens are amongst the easiest birds to become friends with. With patience, they will feed out of your hand. I've had them take a bath in my cupped hand, filled with water.

Enjoy your experience.

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