Sweet Baby Wrens Leaving the Porch

I had some really sweet guest on my screened porch this Spring. You can go here to read an earlier post about the Carolina Wren family that moved in. The birds were extra loud this afternoon. I knew it was time. All of a sudden, both parents were flying around the porch loudly chirping commands. The babies seemed to all fly out at once!  I was a wee bit nervous. OK...shaking like a leaf. (You really don't want to see my video.) I do admit to getting carried away sometimes. This was one of those times! The babies all flew to the screen first. Four babies! Look at them!

First  picture of the new babies.

All flying! Mom and Dad were going in and out their little hole trying to tell the babies what to do. I opened the outside door to maybe help Mom and Dad.

I then commenced to take 165+ photos while peeking out the door to the porch. The babies wanted to fly around and check out the place first.

This is one cute baby bird.

These two sat on the ledge a minute.

Resting for a minute.

Look at those little legs.

This sweetie flew back to the nest for a  portrait. This is looking from inside the house to the porch. 

 So sweet.

This one enjoyed resting on the wicker chair.

He's looking a little chubby.

This one found a nice spot in the little urn.

Pure Goodness.

This little one is looking at his big new world.

Looking very healthy.

He decided to do a little climbing.

He was working so hard.

This little one flew over to check out the birdie decor.

So pretty.

This little one rested on the chair.

Look at that brave face.

This one enjoyed the sunshine.

Taking it all in with his head held high.

This little one decided to walk around a little and explore.

So Couragous.

Look how focused he is.

So Determined.

Mugging for the camera.

So Precious.

Everybirdie Welcome.

Posing with the sign.

Somebody took off!

Look at that wing span!

One by one...they all left. One little guy did give me a scare.  He was hanging around hiding behind a broom. Mom came in a few times to check on him. He soon decided to go ahead and go (not before I broke out in tears fearing he was injured and madly trying to find the number to the wildlife rescue shelter.)  One baby even came back on the porch but soon left again to join his family.

Flying away with such bravery.

Fly away babies. Fly away. Thank you for gracing me with your sweet presence. I am honored and humbled. Your sweet songs will brighten my day every morning. Tears falling. OK... getting myself together now.

About three hours later I closed the door to the porch with sadness and pride. Sad because I won't get to check on them all day every day but so so proud of ALL of them. Mom and Dad were relentless. They set up a home for the babies in a risky place (I have three dogs and we used the porch daily until I saw the Mr. starting the nest) but the porch was also a place that could offer their babies protection from bad weather and predators that often end up disasterous to the bird family (last year I lost a family that was nesting outside my window in a flower pot. The nest and eggs were destroyed by a predator late one night. I heard the terror and the fighting. The next morning, the nest was strown around in pieces.)

This goes in my book as one of those "times of my life." I don't have the words to properly dedcribe the joy this Wren family gave to me. So now with bird watching slowing down for a minute, what's next on my to-do list?

1. Respectfully remove the nest from the porch a patch the little birdie doorways.
2. Get a wren nesting box installed ASAP.

Bye Bye Sweet Babies.

Update: Warning: VERY Shaky video. First flight. Didn't they do great?  :-) My daughter let me know that I didn't show where the nest was on the porch. And few more pics. Can you feel my pride? On the video, make sure you check out the fourth baby jumping to the ledge.
:-))

The birdies built the nest behind the shutter.

This is looking at the nest from inside. I did drape the curtains to give them privacy after they finished building it. I peeked out.

Thank you for reading.
KK


I'm sharing this little birdie story at some of these fun PARTIES.

Every Birdie Welcome

I am linking up today with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday!

So here's my birdie story. Last Fall, I moved a little decorative birdhouse into the screened porch for the winter. I also have a few other birdie decor pieces on the porch. I LOVE birds and I love decorating with birds.

Early this year, I had a little visitor. He pranced around on the little house.

He was so sweet and almost friendly. I was scared for him though because I have 3 dogs who like laying on the porch. I opened the door and he flew out. He visited several times after that.

A few months later  I was sitting at my desk working blog hopping and looking out the window admiring my  gardens.

I saw my little friend dragging in sticks and nest materials. He built a nest behind a shutter that I propped agaist the window on the porch. The shutter is on top of the back of the heat/ac unit. I watched him work long steady days for a week. It looked like he was building a resort! Man was I excited! I did my research and found out he was a Carolina Wren. The male builds several nests. He finds a mate and lets her select the home she wants. How sweet. She selected us! I spent another week watching her fluff the nest and prepare for laying the eggs. There is a mulched entryway and everything.

Looking out the window at the nest.

She incubated the eggs and dad faithfully brought food. My dogs were not happy at all about being banned from their own porch. I explained to Sweetie that the birds will leave soon but she didn't want to hear it. She said she needed to lie on the porch and work on her tan.

I believe the babies hatched on Easter. I saw a little movement in the nest that day. Mom continued to stay with the babies except occasionally leaving to help get food.  Now it is almost time for the my birdie family to leave me. Both Mom and Dad are bringing in food and the little ones try to hide when I draw the curtain to peek. I placed a baby crib matress on the floor in case they need a landing mat.  I really hope I am home when the babies learn to fly.

This is Mom.

I believe this is Dad with a baby.

Look how sweet. He uses the stairs to get in. Note that he has a mouth full.

One of the babies. (the pictures are taken through a window)

Being able to witness this up close has been very exciting. I am blessed. Almost like they chose me. I love my birds and I will miss them. I've read that the Carolina Wrens mate for life and claim a territory for life. So maybe I will see them around. I am going to try a nesting box close to the porch. I think they will be moving on any day now. Not soon enough for Sweetie though. (i like chippy paint and all but this trim needs painting)

I will keep you posted. I hope to get pics of the babies trying out their wings.

So this is how my Carolina Wren family transformed my porch into a safehouse for their babies. I watched them work so hard building and fluffing their nest. I watched as momma laid eggs for a few days. I watched as momma kept them warm on the cold nights that we have been having. Being on the porch kept them safe during the extreme tornadic weather we have had during the last month. I watched as momma rarely left for the first 5 days or so after her babies hatched. Now I am watching her feed them regularly. She is a good momma. I watched as little naked hatchlings grew into beautiful feathered little birdies with their mouths open. I am honored to be a part of this amazing transformation.

I am linking up my birdie story with the famous and fabulous Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for Met Monday. I've been reading Susan's blog for about 2 years now. She continues to inspire me with her ideas, her writing style and her strength and WILL to get things done (like moving furniture alone, removing wallpaper, installing shelves etc.). I always go over to Susan's  Porch as I'm having my coffee in the morning. It's a great way to start my day. So go look around. You will love The Porch and Max, her beautiful cat who likes to stay very close to Susan. I can understand Max's train of thought!

Have a blessed Mother's Day.






KK