Carolina Wrens Make Nest In Garage Inside Box

by Larry Fortna
(Leesburg, Florida)

Two Carolina wrens decided to make their home in our garage this spring.

At first attempt, the male wren built a nest in an old hat sitting on the shelf, but my wife promptly tore it down.

Being persistent, the wren returned and started another nest in an empty box on another shelf.

My wife tore it down as well. She really did not want the birds to make a nest in the garage, but this bird was really persistent and started a third nest in yet another empty box.

My wife gave in and let this one stay.

She spends a lot of time in the garage doing laundry, but the bird does not seem to mind her presence and continued to build up the nest.

This box was on a top shelf and my wife decided if it was to stay, she at least wanted to watch so she moved it to a lower shelf and was present when the male brought a female wren to see his work of art, which had been moved!

While dad looked around puzzled, momma spotted it and I'm sure whistled something like "Over here stupid!".

Apparently, it met her expectations because before long a full nest was completed and eggs appeared inside.

The opening is hidden well, but I ordered a pan/tilt wireless camera and installed it where I could get a close up of the wren couples new home.

With motion detection, I am now capturing video and snapshots daily.

Can't wait to see the offspring!