A History of Bird Problems

For whatever reason, Todd and I attract birds. Especially birds that like to nest where they shouldn’t. Back in Seattle we had a little wren build a nest in the control panel of our barbecue. And in another instance we had a chickadee mama settle into a rotting stump – only to have said stump fall apart after the babies were born. This time we have a little misguided wren that has decided the spare tire to our trailer is a good spot. Not like there’s 96 acres of trees all around us or anything!

The Misguided Wren

I noticed our little wren friend when she flew the underneath the neck of our goose-neck trailer. Awwe, lookie, so cute! But then I noticed mama hop into the inner rim and disappear. uh-oh, this could be a problem. I wandered over to our trailer and ducked underneath the trailer overhang. Peering in through the dim light the obvious evidence of a nest came into focus – little twigs, pieces of moss, oak leaves and downy feathers. Please don’t have babies, please!

Of course there was babies. And new born by the look of them. Their oversized eyes still sealed shut and aimed towards the light. When I accidentally bonked my head on the metal roof they perked up, mouths open thinking mama was back with some food. Well, I guess you get to stay – for now.

Misguided, but Still Welcome

Wrens are one of my favorite birds – along with hummingbirds and owls. And Carolina wrens are a particularly lovely species. I love their little cocked tail, as if they are alway at attention (or giving you the finger, your choice). They are constantly on the go. Always foraging and flitting about tree trunks, shrubs and ground cover. And rather than a little melodious tweet-tweet of similar sized birds they have a raspy, low call. They are the Stevie Nicks of the bird song world.

Wrens are also great little hunters. Insects are their primary food source, but they’ll also eat the occasional little frog (kinda like my naughty chickens). Because of this, I’m keen to keep the wrens around. One thing I’ve learned about Texas is that there is no lack of insects to be found! Anything that will help control the creepy crawlies is my new best friend. So while my little wren mama may fit into the category of yet another misguided wren, I’m still glad to see her and her babies.