The mystery of our little Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) continues. It was on February 13, 2017, that I noticed the swallow nest was empty. It continued to be empty. The wren apparently vanished.
I’ve had empty nest syndrome. Every night I look for his tail sticking out of the nest. Every once in a while during the day, I could hear its call, but I never saw him.
About a week ago it was discovered that he kicked out the house sparrow in the other barn swallow nest and was sleeping in that nest. The poor sparrow has been huddled up on a small ledge from the cold.
On February 28th a grass fire came through the southern portion of Hockley County burning an estimated 9299 acres. The town of Sundown was threatened after the fire had jumped a road south of town. The fire itself brought in firefighters from several outlying towns. At one point the city manager called all residents and business phones that the south end of town was being evacuated.
After packing up and leaving, Azrael and I came back home. It was an unexpected afternoon of worrying about the fire. I was about to eat dinner when all of sudden the sound of the Carolina wren filled the backyard. I saw him come back to the nest and fitfully hunkered down for his night’s rest. He moved at least three times that I noticed in the nest.
I don’t know what brought the wren back. The fire could’ve scared him enough for him to realize that the safety of the patio nest is his best shot at remaining safe. Or he decided to become a gentleman and gave the house sparrow back her nest. The coincidence of yesterday leads me to believe it’s the former.
Whatever brought him back – I’m thankful. I’ve missed his song and I’ve missed seeing his tail sticking out of the nest. What I’ve missed most is his natural alarm clock of “teakettle, teakettle, teakettle.”
Yes – he’s back to tonight!
Photograph – © Christena Stephens Photography
Forgotten Winds 
Love ypur story of the Carolina wren!We too had one that would hunker down on the covered porch roof ledge each night.My husband felt bad so he built a wren house and hung it under the eve near it’s favorite corner. We now have wrens raise families in it every year!
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Thank you for stopping by Jean. What an incredible wildlife treat to see wren families raised every year.
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I hope he stays too. I don’t know why such a little bird has given me such joy, but he has! I’m glad your birds have returned as well.
Thanks for stopping by.
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That is wonderful-For period late last year, I noticed that birds had stopped coming to my feeders and I was struck by how sad I was-not hearing the cardinals singing or the jays scolding. Thankfully they have returned and I feel like some balance has returned to the home environment. Hopefully your friend will be there for some time-
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