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A house for the wren

 

I found some really nice bird houses on E-bay and purchased one for the Carolina wren that I wrote about earlier. I hope he will stay. I had purchased some bluebird houses earlier from the same person (in Oregon) and was very pleased with the quality. So I went back and bought 4 wren houses.

 After a bit of research, I read that wrens prefer a sheltered site for their nests, preferably among shrubs where they will have protection. I put this house in the secret garden area on the fence which is partially hidden behind evergreen plants.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Skeeter said…
Wrens will nest in many odd places! They have nested in a pot of ivy on our porch. In the motor transom of our pontoon boat. In hanging flower pots on our porch. Thy build a neat domed shape nest. They also tolerate us being near them although, we try to not bother them... oh, I almost forgot about the one that nested in a towel drapped over our boat! We once removed a nest of eggs from the boat and carefully placed it on a nearby hanging ladder in hopes mommy would find it while we went to the lake. Mommy found the nest and I was lucky enough to peek into the nest as one baby was hatching!
February 16, 2013 at 10:45 AM
Skeeter said…
Wrens will nest in many odd places! They have nested in a pot of ivy on our porch. In the motor transom of our pontoon boat. In hanging flower pots on our porch. Thy build a neat domed shape nest. They also tolerate us being near them although, we try to not bother them... oh, I almost forgot about the one that nested in a towel drapped over our boat! We once removed a nest of eggs from the boat and carefully placed it on a nearby hanging ladder in hopes mommy would find it while we went to the lake. Mommy found the nest and I was lucky enough to peek into the nest as one baby was hatching!
February 16, 2013 at 10:45 AM
Barbee' said…
And they build quickly. I have to be careful to close the big garage door during spring and summer. Otherwise, they will build in there before I know what they are up to. Clothes pin bags, caps, etc. are all quickly claimed.
February 16, 2013 at 11:28 AM
Gail said…
I hope your wren appreciates the house and the quiet spot you've found for it...Now I must check out ebay! gail
February 16, 2013 at 1:34 PM
Phillip Oliver said…
Gail, let me know if you need the seller info and I'll send you his link.
February 16, 2013 at 1:46 PM
Rosedale Garden said…
Phillip you wasted your money. I've had one up for years, and another at my old home. They'll pick out the weirdest places to nest, I have one that likes fertilizer and peat moss bags right under the bird house. Give them a hanging basket and they'll probably use that. I had one that kept coming through the dog door on the back garage and building a pot in my little lawn trailer. I thought I had discouraged it after 3 times of throwing the nest away until I found the remains of hatched egg shells on the floor. She had gone up higher and built in a pot up on the shelf. In the 100+ temps we had and inside a closed up garage, they didn't make it.
February 16, 2013 at 6:13 PM
debsgarden said…
Looks like a great wren home to me! Even if not a wren, I am sure some sort of bird will love it.
February 16, 2013 at 8:46 PM
Carol said…
I have found their nests in odd places too. Its true about leaving the garage door open-they will have a nest built in hours! They are fun little birds. Enjoy! Carol
February 17, 2013 at 6:52 AM
Eve said…
Wonderful!!! Good luck!
February 17, 2013 at 1:52 PM
Jen said…
the state employees credit union in my area sells birdhouses, maybe that will be the case for your town as well... Also, wrens around here nest literally in the stupidest places imaginable. They are not very smart nest builders, hopefully they will see your place and jump in! Last year they made a nest in one of the pots I had on the ground under the porch. Not a great place to avoid predators, wrens! Maybe next time try a tree!!
February 17, 2013 at 4:49 PM
Casa Mariposa said…
I love how sassy wrens are. Last year they moved into the bluebird house after the bluebirds moved out and retrofit their nest to their standards. They used the original nest to lay their eggs but added sticks to function as a ladder in and out of the nest. It was pretty awesome. I'm sure your house will be full soon. :o)
February 17, 2013 at 9:24 PM
Phillip Oliver said…
Jen, I tried finding someone local without any success. I used to see people selling them at flea markets but I don't think we even have a flea market anymore.

Mary, the house is also supposed to be good for chickadees. If the wrens don't use it, surely another bird will.
February 18, 2013 at 6:46 AM
Cindy said…
Ours like to nest in hanging baskets or the mail basket.

http://peekaboo.smugmug.com/Animals/Carolina-wren-fledgling/8145376_CP78G3#!i=531405289&k=mLJPDjh

February 18, 2013 at 3:43 PM
Rohrerbot said…
Very nice addition to the garden. Hope your wren makes it a permanent home:)
February 19, 2013 at 1:30 PM
outlawgardener said…
Yes, let's hope that this becomes a permanent home and not just a temporary wrental! Wrens are wonderful birds although we don't hve Carolina Wrens here we do have others. Beautiful bird house!
February 19, 2013 at 6:44 PM
Jan said…
I hope you will have success with wrens moving into your new home. I used to have bluebird boxes but never had any luck. Carolina wrens used to nest in my wreaths on the door...or in a potted hanging plants!
March 1, 2013 at 9:07 AM
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