House Wren in a natural nesting cavity, Stansbury Mountains, West Desert, Tooele County, UtahHouse Wren in a natural nesting cavity – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I tried to get up into a canyon in the Stansbury Mountains yesterday but was met with a closed gate so I turned my Jeep around and decided that I would explore a different canyon. I am so glad I did because I watched and photographed House Wrens getting ready to nest in a spot I’d never photographed at before.

The House Wrens are using a natural cavity caused by a branch falling off of a tree some time ago. I watched as a pair of wrens went in and out of the knothole carrying twigs in and sometimes pushing other small materials out.

House Wren singing in a shaded spot, Stansbury Mountains, West Desert, Tooele County, UtahHouse Wren singing in a shaded spot – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/200, ISO 500, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

This House Wren took a break from nest building to belt out a few songs in a shaded but relatively uncluttered area, I listened to the song and took a few photos of the wren singing. The area behind the wren was so brightly lit that I didn’t think I’d like the photos I took but I did and do!

There were other species of birds that came into the area and I also saw deer crossing the road above me in the canyon and a Rock Squirrel foraging nearby. It was a peaceful, quiet and thoroughly enjoyable spot to watch the morning unfold.

I could have let the closed gate bother me but I didn’t. I took another road and did it with delight. Because I went exploring I found a new place to sit, watch and photograph birds and now I know I need to do that more often to get out of photographic ruts and break away from routines.

Today marks a 1460-day streak of posting here on my blog which means means I haven’t missed a single day of sharing birds, animals, flora, and scenery for exactly 4 years.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my House Wren photos plus facts and information about this species.