On Nest Watch

In 2010 and 2011 we had Carolina Wrens nesting in one of the container plants on our patio.  I was even lucky enough to be sitting out on the patio drinking my morning coffee at the exact moment when the fledglings left the nest.  You can read my post about it, and see my photos at The Empty Nest.

That was an experience I will never forget!

However, with all the construction around us, and the loss of habitat on either side of us, it's been a long time since I heard the glorious song of a Carolina Wren.

Imagine my surprise when, a few weeks ago, I started hearing that unmistakable song.  Could there be a Carolina Wren around again?

I was thrilled to see movement out on the patio and after watching for a while, I snuck outside with the camera.

This time, they chose to nest in the decorative watering can, seen on the right of the photo.

They spent the day come and going with mouthfuls of pine needles to make their nest.

This photo was taken early in the process.  They kept going until the nest was nice and deep.

I know that wrens typically make two or more nests and then select the one they want to raise their family in and unfortunately, we haven't seen them in a couple of weeks.  

The nest, although now complete, is empty.  This could have to do with the fact that I, in my clumsy efforts to get a peek and a photo, disturbed momma twice and flushed her from the nest, or the fact that the metal watering can might get too warm when the setting sun hits it.

While they have been gone, I rearranged the shelf a little bit and moved the watering can back, so I could set a decorative (empty) bird feeder in front of it to block the sun. Hopefully that will prevent it from getting too hot.

I was woken up by the familiar song of a wren this morning, after two weeks of nothing.  I can only hope that means they are back, or perhaps another pair.  

I will resist the urge to go take a peek, and possibly disturb them again.  Wish us luck!!


Words and photographs by Jayne Wilson, Green and Serene, Jayne's Country Garden.

For the Birds...

A few weeks ago, I posted a photo of a nest that was little more than a few twigs that could have been blown away at the slightest breath of wind. And you know how windy it's been in Texas recently...

At the time, we assumed that it had been a trial run and that the bird had decided to nest elsewhere. However, we were wrong.  Each day the nest seemed to get more complete...

My husband, whose home office is at the front of the house, said he thought a Mockingbird might be nesting there because he kept seeing one go into the tree.

This morning, as I was out doing some gardening in the front garden, a Mockingbird flew out of the tree so I decided to see what was happening in the nest.  Using a stepladder I was able to peek in without touching or disturbing the nest.


I was thrilled at what I saw...

... four beautiful speckled eggs! 

So we're going to be "bird grandparents" again! 

It's funny how birds choose their nesting sites.  Our house sits between two vacant lots, both of which are completely natural, with trees, undergrowth and every thing else an expectant bird could want.


So where does she nest?

...In a small live oak sapling we planted a couple of years ago to replace the builder-planted one that had drowned due to lack of drainage. 

(If you look at the enlarged image, you can see the nest about half way up. Eye level to me when I'm standing on the ground)


Of course, that's no stranger than the wren nesting in a container on the back patio, five feet from where my husband and I sit and drink our wine on the weekends.


Speaking of the wren.... her babies have opened their eyes and are getting their plumage now.

I'm so glad we bought Cali, the stray cat, and her kittens indoors.  For the safety of all the birds in our garden!


Words and photographs by Jayne Wilson, Green and Serene, Jayne's Country Garden.

Under Construction

As you all know by now, I love to sit and watch the goings on in the garden on the weekends.  This morning I was  startled when two small brown birds flew straight towards the covered patio. They were Carolina Wrens.

As I watched, I realized they may be building a nest, so I grabbed the camera and went to sit outside (at the other end of the patio).

I took some very shaky video clips and managed to lift these still from the video.  As usual, not the best quality, but you get the idea.

One of the birds waits for a moment by the rain barrel with a mouth full of nesting material.

 Wait - there's two of them...

This one did a curious little bobbing routine...

... before heading for the nesting site...

... made it! A few seconds to place the nesting materials in place and...

....  it pokes its head out again ...

... before heading off for more...

... but first, a quick rest.  "Who are you looking at?"

... "On your marks, get set.... GO!"

After taking the video clips from which these stills were taken, I headed back indoors to leave them to it.  I saw them through the window several times this morning, but for some unknown reason, they don't seem to be around now (8pm).  I'm not sure if they will use the nest or whether it was just practice for the real thing elsewhere.

As I felt privileged earlier this week to watch the mockingbird feed its babies, I felt privileged to watch this pair building their nest.  I wish them the best and hope that they and their insect-eating younguns stick around for summer pest control duties.

Words and photographs by Jayne Wilson, Green and Serene, Jayne's Country Garden.