The fate of the happy wren family

We had a very strong storm last week and our wren box fell off its string. I knew it would have been abandoned but didn't think to check it until the other day. When I picked it up, one tiny egg fell out.

Sparrow Nest, Part 4

The more I research these white-throated sparrows, the more exciting watching this whole process is! There are two color variations in this type of bird: black-white head stripes, and tan stripes. Male and female can come in either color variety yet they often choose a mate of opposite color of their own. There are a few behavioral differences between the two colors as well, which is detailed at the National Audubon Society's website. This is totally fascinating to me!

I've seen both the white and tan bird at our feeder, and I'm still not sure which is the female. The mama sits on the nest but it's too shady in the bush for me to tell what her color markings are. That poor mama has seen me peek on her nest so many times in the last few days she doesn't even bother flitting off to hide anymore. (I feel a little guilty about this. Hopefully I don't compromise anything!)

I found another egg this morning, bringing the count to four.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Sparrow Nest, Part 3

Part 1

Part 2

This morning when I checked there were three eggs on the nest. I didn't try to take a picture since mama sparrow was sitting on the nest and I startled her. Every time I've walked by today there's been someone in the nest, so I wonder if mommy is done laying and the eggs are ready to incubate.

I did see the tell-tale striped head, so my theory that they are white-throated sparrows still holds.

Sparrow Nest, Part 2

Yesterday, I found one egg, and today there were two! I did some research and I think this nest might belong to white-throated sparrows. I've seen a few at the feeder this week, and I've heard their calls around the yard. If this is the case, we may get a few more eggs and see babies in a couple weeks if we haven't scared them off by then. 

Sparrow Nest, Part 1

Monday, July 4: Noticed some activity in a bush in our backyard. Rustling branches, chirps, and flits. I noticed a nest had been built but couldn't tell who did it.

Wednesday, July 6: Found one speckled egg!

A speckled egg

Found on the grass near some pine trees at the YMCA. Cardinal? Cowbird? Not sure who it might belong to.