The Carolina Wrens Build a Nest

Carolina Wrens are in the process of building their nest in a hanging pot of Fuchsias on my front porch.  This pair originally had intended to build the nest in a different pot of flowers also on the porch.  I think that the original location was a bit busy for their liking.  I watched yesterday as both birds made trip after trip with nest-building materials in their bills.  It was interesting to see how quickly the birds made the flight across the yard and back to the pot with the plant where they are building their home.  I will have to be very careful when watering that plant but at least if that Fuchsia flower plant dies, it won’t be up in front of my front door.  I will be careful to try to disturb the birds as little as possible.  I have read where Wrens are not shy about building nests on porches or other structures near where people live.  Guess a cheery dry spot is a welcome place for prospective parents.  I took these pictures from my front window on May 23, 2011.  Please click on the thumbnail image to see the larger view.  Enjoy!

Wood Ducks

Wood Ducks are so very lovely that they almost take my breath away.  They are year-around residents here but are few in number.  We have perhaps, about eight or so of the Wood Ducks here on this lake.  They nest up in the trees or in man-made nest boxes.  They eat bugs and also like corn, nuts, and seeds.  They are quite shy and will not tolerate being around people at all.  Two or three of the Wood Ducks will  sneak into my shore-line backyard when they think nobody is home.  They enjoy the yard with its natural and supplemental food sources.  They sometimes will come up into the yard with the Mallard Ducks or in the Winter, the American Coots (the Coots have left for the season).  The female or hen is the light brown duck with the white eye ring and blue patches on the wings that are edged with white.  The male or drake has the beautiful multi-colored feathers.

It is now about time for nesting to be happening but I have only seen evidence of one couple being in the family way.  Luckily I was able to get a picture of the drake Wood Duck up on one of the nest boxes guarding his mate who is inside.  This nest box is up over the lake.  These boxes are placed rather low.  Usually the nest boxes would be about three to four feet higher.  In the forest, the Wood Ducks will even nest fifteen to twenty feet up!.  Taking these pictures during the past month was a great pleasure.   Please click on the thumbnail image to see the larger picture.  Enjoy!