The Wrens Are Back!

by Carol Hohle

It’s another year, twelve months have passed, and the House Wrens are back!  They were here earlier in Spring checking out our three birdhouses but neither of the two couples who were looking them over choose one for their first brood of the season.  But, here in mid-July one couple has created a temporary home in the nesting box furthest from our house.

Last year I watched intently as a couple raised their chicks in a box right by one of the lounge chairs in the backyard.  I had hoped to see the chicks when they left the nest, but missed them.  (See my blog from last summer about “Missing Them”.)

This year I’ve kept my distance watching them instead from the screened-in porch about 30’ away.  I did get my camera out and have managed to capture the parents coming and going from the nesting box.  You’ll find my photos of them here on this page.  All day long these devoted parents are gathering and delivering food to the growing babies.

I’m liable to miss the chicks’ departure again this year and I’m at peace with the idea.  I have seen the chicks moving about inside the box and have loved hearing them chatter as their parents’ come and go.  Being a host to these visitors, if only for a few weeks each year, is one of life’s simplier and great pleasures.