This flower pot sits at the side of my front door. We thankfully cleaned the gutters over this entry porch back in June, because it tends to block and then a large waterfall hits the steps and/or bounces into the pot and floods it. Not too long ago I was watering this pot every other day. That white leaved plant is a Caladium and is good at repelling raindrops onto the pavement. Why is that of interest?
Two weeks ago I was pulling weeds in the pot and frightened a tiny Carolina wren. When I investigated I noticed a small nest tucked at the base of this big umbrella-shaped plant. A few days later in early July I also noticed about a half dozen eggs had been added. I would peek at the nest now and again, but the wren was never there. I began to think my frightening her caused her to abandon the nest. When grandson came to visit the Third week of July I snuck up to the nest and parted the leaves and told him to check out the nest. Of course, Momma Wren was sitting on the nest and flew right into his face causing him to scream and run! He is 13, so the fear was a thrill and not a trauma.
I am so happy to see she is back, and I am keeping my curiosity at bay, although I do try to listen and test if I hear small chirps. The nest is a marvel of engineering because she made it into a waterproof cave of woven moss and grasses and the tons of rain has thus far not penetrated! Here we are with summer two-thirds past and the wren is on her third, fourth(?) nest of the season! No wonder these brave feathered friends can sing with such a bold heart.
My fennel is growing just across the sidewalk from this pot and I do wonder if she had the supermarket of caterpillers also in mind when she built her nest?
Such a treat to have the nest where you can observe the goings on.
ReplyDeleteI had a Junco nest in a pot like that last summer, and I wanted to peek, too. I did see the baby birds, but then one died and one was stranded on the lawn before it was ready to fly. Mama was upset. I had to just leave it to nature. I don't know what happened.
ReplyDeleteI hope your bird family has better luck.
always cool to keep an eye on a bird nest.
ReplyDeleteWhat a joy, to have a nest so close that you can watch out for it.
ReplyDeleteWrens are such special little birds. You’re so lucky to have them nesting there. I recall one year being able to observe hummingbirds hatching and raising their young.
ReplyDeleteI love wrens. they are such curious and brave little creatures and don't seem to mind humans nearby. they are always in our garage and in the spring and fall when I have the doors open they will come in the house. they are wasp eaters which we have an abundance of. one year they built a nest on the windowsill through a hole torn in the screen. there were also 3 small wasp nests attached at the top. by the time the babies hatched there wasn't a single wasp left.
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat. We had a nest of crows last year in the top of a maple tree. But nothing and no one this year. Baby crows are really hapless. They jump ship before they can fly and the parents try to herd the daffy little guys around towards shade, food and water.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post
ReplyDeleteYay for Mother Wren & Grandson!
I love the caterpillar, beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWell very convenient for the birdie's large family to feed (being near your fennel and caterpillars). That is a lot of eggs! I once worried over a robin not being in its nest of eggs and then I looked it up and learned they can go out all night (not very careful mothering.....makes it sound like they have a seedy night-life.) Andrea
ReplyDeleteI bet she did! Looks like one of the monarch cats like my daughters are feeding, n releasing in droves this year. Some critters are indeed way smarter than we like to give them credit for! Love the nest umbrella!
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