In 2015, I added three bird houses to my back yard. Last spring, birds came in and out of the houses. I had thought they were making nests, but none of them stayed very long.
A few days ago, I decided it was time for me to look inside them, so I could remove old nests, if there were any, and get the accommodations ready for this year’s guests. I was very surprised by what I found.
Bird House #1
Bird House #2
Bird House #3
Below is a photo of the three nests side by side.
The third nest was built almost to the ceiling of the birdhouse. That nest was more than six inches high; and the top of it was completely flat. Both of those characteristics surprised and disturbed me.
The holes that give access to these bird houses are very small. Does anyone have an idea why a tiny bird would build a nest that large; a nest which practically fills the bird house? And why would a bird make the top of the nest flat, with no place to lay eggs? Do you know anything about this? I’d appreciate any information you could give me.
Shared on Senior Salon and Lets Create a Fine Chain…
A Surprising and Disturbing Discovery- Part 2. A Surprising and Disturbing Discovery- Part 3
Living, Learning and Letting Go 
These look a lot like the nests our Wrens build in Spokane in the bird houses, as well as almost anywhere there is a small protected area. They are such a cheeky little bird, so tiny but fearless. And they have the most wonderful song! They are J’s favorite! Check these pictures out to see if you spot anything familiar.
https://www.google.com/search?q=wren+nest+image&espv=2&biw=970&bih=427&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjx3Nzp8vbRAhVmiVQKHWxdBcQQ7AkINA
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does look like those nests, except for the fact that there was no place for nesting.
I’m going to try putting the houses up higher and facing away from each other this year and see if any of the birds scouting for houses decide to stay there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My guess is they’re house wren nests… but the boxes are placed too close together, and 2 of the nest-builders got chased away. The birds are very cute: small, round, with a tail that sticks straight up. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/House_Wren/lifehistory
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Lin. This is very helpful.
LikeLike
I think you may have a wren with OCD!!!!! 😉
LikeLiked by 3 people
Two other people also thought it was a wren, but you’re the first with the thought of OCD. Thanks! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I go with wren too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
busy birds 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Guess a little birdie told them a psychotherapist lives there!! (Sorry when I saw OCD I just had to say it) [chuckles]. Now I can’t wait to see what you found taking the nests apart. Your home is like a sanctuary with so many plants, flowers and birds not to mention bees and butterflies.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I plan to work on the second post today. I had an appointment scheduled but the clinic closed because of the snow. As a result, I don’t need to go anywhere today! I’m going to walk in the snow though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the sound of snow. Crunch crunch
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s really slippery though. I don’t like “being out of control”.
LikeLike
a bird hoarder ?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
I wonder what the bird had in mind? Maybe an opinionated bird with high-flying ideas 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike