As the Nest Box Turns: A birding soap opera

Then he got a little cocky and brought this BIG twig. He was not successful with this attempt, as the twig dropped to the ground.

Again he tried for the big twig.

Whoooaaaa, a little heavy?

Here you see how really long it is.

DRAT!!!

Well crud, now what.

I kid you not, this was his next attempt! Tiny twig.

And so the building continues.

One last look at the sweaty photographer who needed to retire to the air conditioned house.

Nice captures Marna! They are funny little birds!

Thanks! Very amusing. I guess this is okay, since the chickadees had 2 months to have babies and did not.

I think they're trying to tell you that you need to get another one of those nest boxes!!

They have a lot of personality. I enjoyed mine last year.

Looking forward to the next installment.

Ah, well the trouble with House Wrens is that they like to claim all the boxes in the area as theirs, often putting in a few twigs, serving as "dummy" boxes. THe funny thing is that I've had two boxes here for YEARS that they would NOT nest in.

And the really curious thing is: Why would the chickadees build a nest and not lay any eggs for two whole months. I read that once a nest box fails, do to predator or whatever, they will not return to that box. So because they are now allowing the wren to build, this will forever be a wren box.

Oh...I had so hoped Ricky & Lucy would have babies....but the wrens are so amusing!! I know that is what I would get If I put up a box. They are just all over this year here. If I see 1 I see a a group...I swear! Maybe next year.....

Nan, do you get the Carolinas there too?

I think I just witnessed the de-throning of the Chickadees.

This one was hanging on the box, looking all around, including at the ground. Suddenly it flew to the ground and a flurry of activity happened behind the day lilies. Turns out Little Wren was down there and quickly chased off the chickadee.

Aww, That is a shame!

yah.

but I am SO grateful that Chickadee babies were not involved in this soap opera.

oh poor little DEE!!

Yep...we have the Carolina Wrens too...just seems the House Wrens are taking over everything!

I'm surprised it took them this long to claim it, quite frankly.

Haven't had a chance to get outside, but here's today's view of the Nest Box.

I have named our little one Chatty Chet. Don't ask me why I insist on naming wild birds, probably just makes it easier to refer to them.

Poor Chet has no mate yet. He keeps calling and calling. It's so funny to see him prancing around on top of the nest box.

Your thread about Chet and the Dees kept me late to an appointment yesterday. lol. Thank you, for sharing with us.

hmmmm...maybe it's his nest building skills that aren't impressing the ladies! LOL

Well crud now what lol nice story telling Mrs_Ed, and great photo's to boot. ;)

Thanks Burd

Well Nanny, it might be his nest building skills. It certainly isn't his looks, because he's cute as a button. Maybe he's just too darn chatty.

Very cute thread mrs. ed. Maybe the dees finally nested elsewhere, and are ready for the second clutch.

There have been some new developments at the nest box. I believe I saw a second wren yesterday morning. Since then, really only one at a time.

I took a look inside the box though and have discovered that the wren has already mixed in the spider egg sacks. Very interesting.

I forgot about this...what the heck are your birds doing there?? LOL

keep us posted,,, what an intricate weaving of twigs, no human can do that without breaking a few I'd say

It's very strange nanny, because if I remember correctly, the wrens leave sometime in August. hardly seems like enough time to raise a family.

As a reminder, here's what Cornell reports about the spiders…

Smart birds!

I don't remember when they leave...but time is getting short for sure. Like I said the orioles here are leaving already...Don't have near what I did 10 days ago!

:(

That's just sad.

Interesting story,Mrs-Ed. Enjoy seeing all the goings on, at your place. Never a dull moment, in your heaven for birds.

Just as enthralling the second time around, Mrs Ed.

Marna, what's all going on with Chatty Chet and Rick and Lucy? Last year I had a couple of Wrens who raised several broods of little ones on one of these Gourd nest (front yard). The nest was cracked at the end of the season (due to heat then the alternate cold weather). I then replaced it with a new one several weeks ago. In early March, I've noticed a busy pair of Wrens busy at the site. Sure enough; a new nest was rebuilt. There are no eggs yet. While in another location a Chickadee was seen building a separate nest. I hope the Chatty family and the Dees neighbors will co-exist peacefully in the neighborhood. lol.

Well the house wrens have not arrived yet. They don't get here until May.

As far as Lucy and Ricky go, I wasn't around today, so I don't know how much activity there was, but I sure hope that I have a brood this year!

Crossing my fingers for ya!!

Me too Marna...hope it goes well for you this year!