We have wren babies! Mama Carolina Wren has five little young’ns of which she is taking most excellent care.
True to a wren’s nature, she picked a most annoying spot to build her nest. In the past we’ve had nests in the garage, where we had to remove a pane of glass to give the mama access in and out. We’ve had them in the shed, where we just couldn’t get anything out without sending mama into a flurry. This time, Mrs. Wren chose my “garden bar” — shelves on which I like to grow seedlings for my garden. We’d moved it behind the shed temporarily while working on the patio, and she claimed it for nest construction before we could move it back. So my little seedlings are nervously attempting to grow in potential peril of canine catastrophes, way too close to trampling paws. When those baby birds fledge, I’m reclaiming my garden shelves!
The eggs were quite small and speckled with brown. We waited with anticipation for those eggs to hatch, and all 5 hatched within 24 hours of each other. This happened from April 2 to 3.
Tiny little almost-naked things, but not featherless. It’s hard to see it from the pictures, but the little fuzz on their heads make them look like they have Mohawk hairstyles.
Below are the birds at about 5 days old. You can see they have a good covering of downy feathers at this point. They sleep with their heads stacked neatly upon another, little mouths conveniently located near the nest entrance.
And in the photo below they are about 6 days old. You can see that their eyes are beginning to open. Take a closer look at the baby bird on the right, in front — you’ll see that Mohawk look I was talking about.
While I miss my garden bar, I’m glad for the opportunity to watch the growth of these little cuties. Mama Wren has been most tolerant of my momentary visits, and I’m grateful to her. She’s a good mama. More pictures as the babies get bigger!
Very sweet, Meredith! I love their little Mohawks. It won’t be long and you’ll have your garden shelve area back…birds don’t stay long in the nest. Unlike our kids;-) (Although, they grow up way too fast, I’ll admit). Are you planning to join my sustainable living project/giveaway this year? I have read so many of your great posts…you crank them out so quickly! Just about any would be fine, as is…as long as you mention the project so others can read about it. Or, just leave a comment if you aren’t up for a post this year;-) Happy Friday!
Aww-w…so precious! Last year, we had a wren’s nest under our deck stairs. And we watched the one that survived grow and fledge. The mother and father were coming by to feed him or her all day long. It was such a sight to see…
Last year, a wren built a nest in my hanging tomato pots. It was a ton of fun watching the grow and develop.
Unusual that the mother is putting up with you. I’m glad you haven’t spooked her. Baby birds are so fragile looking. Thank goodness our babies don’t come out at such a weird looking stage.
Today’s news today ;~) And mama bird let you get so close to take pictures?
Oh my goodness, how adorable! Most of the birds here are still building their nests. We have a Stellers Jay that’s been stealing the paper covering off of a drop cloth on the deck all week for her nest. Your little wren babies are adorable, and growing fast! I hope they stay safe through fledging.
Hopefully we won’t soon be seeing a post titled “momma wren pecks hard!” 🙂
I’d be a little nervous around those sharp-beaked parents!
Your house must be very homely!… Little wren has mouth so big when it’s open wide. Lovely.
Wow, what a beautiful thing to stumble across in the garden! Look at those sweet little sleeping faces. How exciting to watch them grow!
They are cuties. Mom looks a little perturbed by your camera though.
We have a wren on her eggs in a potted plant right by the front door. They do pick the most inconvenient spots. I’ve been too afraid of bothering her to peek in for more than a second or two, but since yours is tolerant maybe ours will be too. I’d love to see what’s going on in there.
so sweet! nothing says spring more than fresh nests of chirping, baby birds!
Congratulations Grandma for such cute little grandwrens! I love them when they are still babies like my kitten…after that they can be quite a nuisance! Hope they dont peck you for getting so close…