Birders
Related: About this forumJournal for the nesting Carolina Wren Updated: 10:16 AM EST Aug 10 Babies left nest.
Last edited Fri Aug 10, 2012, 10:19 AM - Edit history (7)
Day 1: It's obvious she's been doing more than just building a nest the last couple of weeks. Today she's delivering small morsels of food to the nest, and leaving with huge white droppings which I suspect is baby bird droppings. Funny how the food is small but the poops are about six times the size.
Day 2: It's been a busy day but the times I peeked out the window I haven't seen the parents. They are gone for longer stretches of time than yesterday. I did take a peek into the nest. There are three babies. Sleeping and eyes closed, but they are fluffed up with downy looking feathers. They also look like they have rust colored chest feathers.
Day 4: I gave it another look. Four babies! They are so quiet. Is it normal for Carolina Wren babies to be quiet? They knew when I was there because they greeted me with open mouths. I'm not sure where the parents are, but they come and go almost undetected.
Day 4: Just got some mealworms and left them out for the birds. I'll know in the morning if the parents have found them.
Day 5: Can you overfeed a baby bird? The seven mealworms are gone from the container. When I went to check on the baby birds only one of them had their beak open, and even he didn't seem serious. The other three looked like they were sleeping off a drunk.
Day 7: Showing that Carolina Wren parents are as smart as our mothers were, they opted for variety in the diet, instead of the more expedient meal worms. I had the meal worms out for them since the morning and the parents have ignored them. Instead, the mother was ripping up a dead lizard to feed to the babies. I also checked into the nest this morning, deciding to let them see me each day so they get use to me, and the four of them had their peepers open, their beaks closed and they looked unimpressed.
Day 11: Lots of activity today. Each morning I show my face to the babies before leaving mealworms in a black bowl for the mom wren to distribute. Today I heard her warning cry. I went to the window and noticed she was perched on the chair screaming at a lizard that was looking in the bowl. There were no worms in the bowl, but, nevertheless, the bird got defensive. She even turned to look at me in the window and became even more insistent. I finally got out and shoo'd the lizard away. Well, a few minutes later the bird did it again. So I went out to find the lizard trying to double back. So I shoo'd him away again. Then she was satisfied and left for more food, which looks like the babies like baby lizards.
Anyway, the babies chirped for the first time. They are beginning to try to stand on the edges of the pot. I suspect I'll be putting a few back into their nest soon.
Day 12: All four are out of the nest. I saw the mom enticing one chick up a branch of a ligustrum. She had a dead lizard in her mouth. The baby looked good. I guess she wants to nurse them outside of the nest where they can exercise their wings. I left a number of mealworms in the bowl outside and someone is chirping, so the food has been found.
Curmudgeoness
(18,219 posts)I was shocked the first time I saw a healthy poop. What in the hell is THAT!!!! LOL, so many things that I learned. But it sure does make it easy for mommy bird to keep the nest clean.
How exciting to have them right there so you can watch!
Baitball Blogger
(46,684 posts)It is amazing to watch. I left some nuts and water out for her because she seemed to be breathing heavy. But she seems only interested in protein.
Curmudgeoness
(18,219 posts)If you want to help her, and I doubt she needs the help, get some small mealworms or bloodworms to put out for her. But she may just find her own even if you try to help.
NCarolinawoman
(2,825 posts)They are devoted to their mates and "Daddy" would be just as involved in the raising of the young. He would be the one that is constantly singing.
Unlike the house wren, the Carolina wren is NOT a bigamist. His song is often described as "teakettle! teakettle! teakettle!"
I Love these birds!
Baitball Blogger
(46,684 posts)I'll keep looking for him.
NCarolinawoman
(2,825 posts)Humans, on the other hand have to be more careful. In working with rehabbers, I was always warned about overfeeding. Their mouths might be open, but their crops may be jammed full.
I imagine those babies may feel like a human after a big Thanksgiving meal. Offering meal worms has certainly made the parents' life easier. The parents may be eating them as well. Have any other birds spotted those worms?
Baitball Blogger
(46,684 posts)the five or so worms I leave in the bowl.
I did do something stupid and put up birdfeeder that's within view of the nest, but, about twenty to thirty feet away. I'll probably take it down tomorrow.
NCarolinawoman
(2,825 posts)It happens so easily when you become this closely involved. It always happens to me!
You are bonded to them and the little ones will probably look to you as one of their "buddies".
Carolina Wrens can be so "confiding". I think that's the common terminology used in the bird world for friendly birds that have an affinity to humans. (nuthatches, catbirds, titmice, and towees also come to mind).
Baitball Blogger
(46,684 posts)trying to get back in. Is it possible that one or two might return just for one safe night?
NCarolinawoman
(2,825 posts)I know glass windows can be confusing to birds. If they are suddenly startled or see a reflection of an insect or something of interest, they might momentarily forget about the presence and "reality" of glass.
I don't think I have ever observed a baby wanting to return to the nest, although many times I have seen a parent go back and check to make sure that everyone has absolutely left.
In regards to their being safe, I work at home (semi-retired) and I have the luxury of being able to chase cats and hawks away from certain birds I have become very fond of. I am not always successful, and have experienced my share of sadness in regards to this.
I have to remind myself that these little ones are creatures of the wild, and so much is out of my control. Still, getting to know them and helping them out a bit, is a very special experience. It's an endeavor that brings a great deal of spiritual reward, in my opinion.