Three years ago today, I spotted a Western Marsh-Wren in the marsh of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and stopped to take photos of the wren singing out in the open.
Western Marsh-Wren in the marsh of Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The wren wasn’t close to the auto tour loop, and it was small in my viewfinder, but none of that mattered much to me. I simply love seeing and hearing these small wrens on spring mornings.
Spring is when these wrens are the most vocal; it is their breeding season, after all, and they are the most visible during this season.
The light was still beautiful when I found this wren and the marsh seemed to have a golden glow to it.
Western Marsh-Wren singing on the last day of March – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
As this Western Marsh-Wren moved around, he stopped a few times to sing. That song rang out over the wetlands of the refuge. For such small birds, they have big voices.
Western Marsh-Wrens are going to be very busy during the next few weeks. They will be selecting mates, building nests, laying eggs, incubating, and rearing their young.
And they will be singing.
Life is good.
Happy Easter!
Mia
Click here to view more of my Western Marsh-Wren photos plus facts and information about this species.
Update: Marsh wrens were split in October 2026 to Eastern and Western Marsh-Wrens. This post has been updated to reflect that change.
Opera diva works for me too. What a great shot. Made my day. Thanks Mia.
Happy Easter…spring is here.
Lovely light. And hooray for bird song – which is echoed in my heart. And fortunately for those nearby NOT with my voice.
Wonderful photos. Hopefully we won’t go from winter to summer this year. I so love the gradual warm up of typical springs.
Happy Easter Mia, and thank you for these lovely shots.
All wrens are opera divas. I love it!