Adult House Wren bringing a feather to the nest, Wasatch Mountains, Summit County, UtahAdult House Wren bringing a feather to the nest – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light

After taking photos of Cliff Swallows gathering nesting materials two days ago I took more House Wren photos of the nesting pair I found in the Wasatch Mountains. I observed the pair of House Wrens bringing nesting materials into the nest that is inside of a rusty metal pipe.

The wrens and the swallows both seem to be nesting later in the season than in previous years but we did have a cool spring here in northern Utah which may have delayed their nesting attempts and possibly their migration. I can’t be certain what caused both species to nest later in the season.

Towards the end of the time I spent with the House Wrens one of the wrens flew in with a rather large feather in their bill.

Nesting House Wren with a large feather, Wasatch Mountains, Summit County, UtahNesting House Wren with a large feather – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light

Birds of the World states that “After pairing, the female largely takes over nest-building, first finishing the stick platform and nest cup, then lining the cup with soft material.” so this wren may be the female of the pair but I wouldn’t bet the farm on that. There still much to be learned about our feathered friends.

Adult House Wren with a feather for the nest, Wasatch Mountains, Summit County, UtahAdult House Wren with a feather for the nest – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light

The House Wren stood on the top of the rusty metal pipe for a few seconds with the large feather moving slightly in the morning breeze. I’m certain the feather will make a nice lining for their nest and perhaps provide some warmth for their nestlings when they hatch.

House Wren with a large feather, Wasatch Mountains, Summit County, UtahHouse Wren with a large feather – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light

This last photo doesn’t have great eye contact and the wren’s wings are a blurry mess but since I laughed when I viewed the photo on my monitor I decided to share it here. It looked to me as if the wren was struggling with the weight of the feather though I sincerely doubt that is the case. The wren was simply moving closer to the nest entrance when I clicked the shutter button.

Observing and photographing the House Wrens has been great fun and there will be more photos of this pair to come.

Life is good.

Mia

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