Adult House Wren bringing a feather to the nest – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
After taking photos of Cliff Swallows gathering nesting materials two days ago I took more House Wren photos of the nesting pair I found in the Wasatch Mountains. I observed the pair of House Wrens bringing nesting materials into the nest that is inside of a rusty metal pipe.
The wrens and the swallows both seem to be nesting later in the season than in previous years but we did have a cool spring here in northern Utah which may have delayed their nesting attempts and possibly their migration. I can’t be certain what caused both species to nest later in the season.
Towards the end of the time I spent with the House Wrens one of the wrens flew in with a rather large feather in their bill.
Nesting House Wren with a large feather – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
Birds of the World states that “After pairing, the female largely takes over nest-building, first finishing the stick platform and nest cup, then lining the cup with soft material.” so this wren may be the female of the pair but I wouldn’t bet the farm on that. There still much to be learned about our feathered friends.
Adult House Wren with a feather for the nest – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
The House Wren stood on the top of the rusty metal pipe for a few seconds with the large feather moving slightly in the morning breeze. I’m certain the feather will make a nice lining for their nest and perhaps provide some warmth for their nestlings when they hatch.
House Wren with a large feather – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
This last photo doesn’t have great eye contact and the wren’s wings are a blurry mess but since I laughed when I viewed the photo on my monitor I decided to share it here. It looked to me as if the wren was struggling with the weight of the feather though I sincerely doubt that is the case. The wren was simply moving closer to the nest entrance when I clicked the shutter button.
Observing and photographing the House Wrens has been great fun and there will be more photos of this pair to come.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my House Wren photos plus facts and information about this species.
Now this is an example of proper housekeeping in action! Interesting and beautiful series of pics. Thanks Mia.
These are beautiful. I can relate to the bird these days! No babies but definitely understand the building concept.
that nest will be very comfortable indeed – for her and for the nestlings.
Love that last action shot and I would never call the wings a “mess”; just an indication of movement which looks fine to me. Nice series.
Sweet!
Somehow you’ve captured the happiness of birdwatching. Thanks!
Wonderful! Now we will be sure to put out a few feathers at nesting season.