{"id":67395,"date":"2020-03-26T06:53:49","date_gmt":"2020-03-26T12:53:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.onthewingphotography.com\/wings\/?p=67395"},"modified":"2026-10-23T12:08:05","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T17:08:05","slug":"its-nesting-season-for-marsh-wrens-in-utah","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.onthewingphotography.com\/wings\/2020\/03\/26\/its-nesting-season-for-marsh-wrens-in-utah\/","title":{"rendered":"It’s Nesting Season For Western Marsh-Wrens In Utah"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"WesternWestern Marsh-Wren male with nesting material \u2013 Nikon D500, f7.1, 1\/2500, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light<\/span><\/p>\n

I was looking through photos that I took nearly two years ago today and realized it is already nesting season for Western Marsh-Wrens in northern Utah. On March 27, 2018 I spent the morning at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge<\/span><\/a> and although I took photos of several species of birds there that day I spent the most time photographing male Western Marsh-Wrens singing<\/span><\/a> and gathering nesting materials on their breeding territories.<\/p>\n

Only male Western Marsh-Wrens sing and build nests so I have based my gender ID for these wrens from my observations.<\/p>\n

\"WesternWestern Marsh-Wren male on his territory \u2013 Nikon D500, f7.1, 1\/1600, ISO 400, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light<\/span><\/p>\n

By using a vehicle as a mobile blind I was able to photograph the wrens as they sang, searched for nesting materials, defended their breeding territories and built their nests from a distance.<\/p>\n

The male Western Marsh-Wrens were very keen on chasing away any other males that came into their territory. I did observe a wren come into this male’s territory that he didn’t chase off, I think it was safe to presume that wren was a female but she didn’t come out into the open enough for me to get photos of her.<\/p>\n

\"MaleMale Western Marsh-Wren during nesting season \u2013 Nikon D500, f7.1, 1\/2000, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light<\/span><\/p>\n

Over the years I have found that Western Marsh-Wrens are easier to photograph during the nesting season because the males spend more time high up on cattails, rushes, and phrags singing to attract mates.<\/p>\n

Male Western Marsh-Wrens are tiny but fierce and will defend their breeding territory aggressively.\u00a0 They sing during the day and sometimes during the night. I’ve never heard them singing at night but I’d love to hear that.<\/p>\n

This morning there is a skiff of fresh snow on the ground again with clouds all over northern Utah or I’d hop in my Jeep and head to the refuge. I am anxious to get back there and enjoy seeing and hearing these tiny marsh residents as they begin their nesting season while I am still able to.<\/p>\n

Currently the auto tour route at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is still open during this Covid-19 pandemic crisis although the visitor center is closed. I hope that everyone who visits the refuge is washing their hands often, maintaining social distancing, and stays safe.<\/p>\n

Life is<\/em> good.<\/p>\n

Mia<\/p>\n

Click here<\/span><\/a> to view more of my Western Marsh-Wren photos plus facts and information about this species.<\/p>\n

Update<\/strong>: Marsh wrens were split in October 2026 to Eastern and Western Marsh-Wrens. This post has been updated to reflect that change.<\/p>\n

Note<\/em>: These photos were taken from inside a vehicle being used as a mobile blind with sufficient distance between the birds and the vehicle so the wrens went about their business naturally. The comfort, safety, and well being of the birds is always<\/em><\/strong> more important to me than the photos, especially during the nesting season.<\/p>\n

Ethics on photographing nesting birds:<\/strong><\/p>\n