Spring

A few weeks ago a pair of Carolina Wrens had built a nest in a flower pot on the patio. Soon there were three eggs, and thinking it’d be helpful to shield the nest from the high traffic area near the door, the plant stand was moved to the other side of the patio a few feet away. Unexpectedly, the wren seemed to have problems locating the bright red flowers and abandoned the nest.  So the planter was moved back to the original spot and over the next three days the total of eggs grew to 6!  Wrens will sit on the nest for about two weeks, but about a week later a strong storm came through and toppled the plant stand. The three new eggs were on the ground in the driving rain.  So I did my best to put things back in order and the wren came back later in the day and continued sitting. Somewhat miraculously, two of the eggs still managed to hatch.  I took a series of photos of the nest as the days passed, with both the male and female continuously bringing food for the growing chicks.  Today they fledged and only the original three eggs were left inside.  Wrens will often lay two or three broods, so we’ll see if they reuse the nest in the next few days.  Happy Spring!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Backyard Travels

Whenever there’s a shortage of time and I’m otherwise unable to get out with the camera, or even if I don’t feel like lugging a bunch of camera gear some place now that we’re in the days of high 90s and 100% humidity, I’ll sometimes make do with the activity in the backyard.  Although in a developed area, the yard backs up to a section of undeveloped land classified “wetlands” sandwiched between busy roads, condo complexes and other sprawl.  Fortunately, a variety of wildlife is still able to adapt and survive in what space is remaining.