House Wren

        My first memory of seeing a House Wren was during a Christmas Bird Count at Harrisburg Estates club house in 1998. This saucy little bird, with its distinctive uplifted tail, was waiting right outside the building. As I opened the door to exit, it attempted to enter a room full of startled birders. The bird was true to its name "House Wren" and true to its nature of being very aggressive about defending its territory no matter whose yard they are in. House Wrens will attempt to dominate every nest cavity in their breeding territory. They will even break the eggs they find of other bird species. However, their food is primarily insects, spiders, and all those creepy crawly kinds of things, so they can’t be all that bad.

        The House Wren is an abundant bird in the New World. They thrive in open spaces and forest edges. Their numbers increase as man continues to cut old growth forests. The area around Leeds and Harrisburg Estates is a great area for House Wrens. Another place is Zion National Park. Besides, if you don’t find one you get to spend the day in the prettiest country a person can wish for.

        To find a House Wren, look for that distinctive body silhouette with raised tail and bobbing motion. If you are not sure, get a good bird book like the National Geographic’s "Field Guide to the Birds of North America" to help you decide. Each bird specie seems to fill a specific niche in this world. Each has its job to insure the survival of its young by working long hard hours in all kind of weather to raise its offspring. You and I benefit from their efforts.

        Marilyn Davis is the artist this week. If you have questions about House Wrens, or other Wrens, call me at 435 673-0996. Remember to keep January 29, 30, 31, and February 1, 2009 open for the St. George Winter Bird Festival. All activities are free... except the banquet. For complete information, go to redcliffsaudubon.org and look under Festival Brochure.