[obol] Barn Wrens

[Pat Waldron]

Dear Folks,
    This year, like many others, we had a pair of WINTER WRENS nest in 
our barn and produce delightful chicks. When I stored my swallow nest 
boxes high in the rafters, they would claim a nest box, sometimes more 
than one, and I would let them have it. As the swallow population 
increased, I decided that they needed their “ own nest box”.
    I found an old one gallon black plastic pot, the kind of pot you get 
when you purchase a one gallon perennial plant. I stuffed the pot with 
bent grass hay, and using my fingers, made a hole all the way to the 
back of the pot on a downward slope. On the shady side of the barn, with 
pot and bailing twine in hand, I climbed on top of the hay, until I 
could reach a purlin and fasten the “pot nest box” under the purlin,  
safe away from any 4 legged predators. It worked. Of course they 
rearranged the hay to make pot nest hay art.
    These birds are so wonderful and friendly. My husband and I have to 
check for ”little fluff balls” before starting any engine or machinery. 
When our dog comes in the barn, the machine gun, rat-ta-tat warning, can 
be heard over anything else. Such a loud scold from such a small bird. 
We have no cats as they would be deadly on these birds. Folks sometimes 
comment on how clean the inside of my barn stays. No dirty spider webs 
hanging around... my secret is Barn Wrens, not only do they eat spiders, 
but they can burst into a beautiful song that makes you stop, and enjoy 
the moment.

    Pat Waldron
    East of Scio