The incomparable and iconic House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) is a star of the screen with its cheery, chattering call reverberating through the background of countless TV shows and movies. It is one of our most geographically widespread songbirds with a huge range across the Americas. A true sign of spring, this May arrival gets right to making a nest in boxes or any other container in and around yards. I have always loved these friendly little birds, but this one definitely went the extra mile in allowing me a couple of close photos on a nest box and a blueberry bush.
If you have a yard with some trees and shrubs, bordering a forest, a field and hedgerows, gardens or orchards and so forth you may have a home for them. To add to your daily birding enjoyment throughout the spring and summer put up a wren nest box with an extra small hole just for them (that excludes House Sparrows and European Starlings). Be aware how ferocious and pugnacious these tiny ones are, and that they do attack other native cavity nesting species in the area and can destroy eggs and kill young or even adults. Nevertheless, if your yard is currently quiet in the breeding season, feel free to encourage these loud and otherwise lovely tenants.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
